Correction, Commission of

Agency Web Site: http://www.scoc.ny.gov/

Mission

The State Commission of Correction (SCOC) works to provide for a safe, stable and humane correctional system statewide by: conducting regular evaluations of local correctional facilities to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements; monitoring, adjusting, and enhancing prison and jail population capacity; overseeing new jail facility development; assisting jails in the implementation of new correctional technologies; investigating prisoner mortality; providing advice on staffing, health and mental health services, and advising the Governor on correctional policy.

Organization and Staffing

SCOC consists of a three-member Commission that is appointed by the Governor. The Commission is primarily a field services agency, with various regions in the State being serviced by Correctional Facility Specialists from its Field Operations Bureau. A forensic medical unit, along with legal and support service units complete the agency's staff.

Budget Highlights

The FY 2023 Executive Budget recommends SCOC State Operation appropriations of $3.3 million, which is an increase of $187,000 from FY 2022. This includes increases in staff to comply with the requirements of the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term (HALT) Solitary Confinement Act and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). The Executive Budget recommends a workforce of 44 FTEs, an increase of 5 FTEs from FY 2022.

Program Highlights

HALT and MAT Monitoring

The FY 2023 Executive Budget recommends 5 additional FTEs to undertake monitoring and compliance activities required by HALT and MAT. SCOC is required to: issue related standards and guidelines for local jails; annually assess each jail’s compliance; and issue a related statewide annual compliance report to the Governor and Legislature.

Facility Monitoring and Evaluation

Beginning in 2021, Commission field staff launched a four-year compliance auditing schedule. Over this period, staff will conduct annual visits to audit the level of compliance for each one of the 33 minimum standards at every county jail and New York City DOC facility. Those standards identified as being essential to the jail’s safe and secure operation (e.g. Security and Supervision, Sanitation and Inmate Grievances) will be assessed on a more frequent basis. Similar auditing schedules have been developed and implemented for OCFS secure facilities and the newly-established specialized secure juvenile detention facilities for older youth.

Facility Reportable Incidents

In fulfilling its oversight and regulatory responsibilities, the Commission requires that all local correctional facilities report significant incidents that endanger inmates or staff, or disrupt facility operations. Beginning in 2016, incidents are now reported by facilities via the eJusticeNY Integrated Justice Portal, which allows for immediate agency notification and enhanced search capabilities.

Inmate Healthcare and Mortality Investigation

In conjunction with the Commission’s Medical Review Board, the Forensic Medical Unit investigates and reports on inmate deaths. Additionally, the Forensic Unit evaluates the health care provided to inmates in local correctional facilities and provides technical assistance in the development of health care delivery procedures.

Inmate Complaints

Complaints from inmates, their families, advocates, elected officials, and other State and local agencies are received by the Commission on a daily basis. Prior to review and disposition by Commission field staff, received complaints are classified and electronically logged. Health complaints are referred directly to the Commission’s Forensic Medical Unit for review and follow-up when appropriate. An electronic query of the complaints received from a particular facility is generated by field staff as part of their preparation for future site visits.

Inmate Grievances

Every county correctional facility is required to establish, implement, and maintain a formal inmate grievance program. This program allows inmates a process at the facility level to address their complaints regarding written or unwritten facility policies, procedures, rules, practices, programs, or the action or inaction of any person within the facility. If a grievance is denied at the facility level, inmates have the option to appeal that disposition to the Commission’s Citizen’s Policy and Complaint Review Council. A similar grievance program has been instituted in the newly-established specialized secure juvenile detention facilities for older youth.

Local Jail Inmate Transfers

Any transfer of an inmate from one county jail to another, including the NYC Department of Correction, requires the approval and written order of the Commission. Often required for reasons related to inmate overcrowding, inmate safety or vital medical and mental health services, there are normally approximately 100 inmates transferred throughout the state at any given time. In cooperation with ITS, the Commission has developed an application on the eJusticeNY Integrated Justice Portal, whereby local inmate transfers can be requested, granted and tracked in a more efficient manner.

Note: Most recent estimates as of 05/11/2020