March 31st…New York Republican Chairman Nick Langworthy today called on the state government to act immediately to permit New York State Corrections Officers use of Personal Protective Equipment, such as masks and gloves, while on the job to help stop the spread of Coronavirus inside correctional and mental health facilities.

Currently, most corrections officers are not permitted to wear PPE, as it is not considered part of their uniform. The New York State Corrections Officers & Police Benevolent Association, the union that represents the officers, has called for all employees of corrections and mental health facilities to be allowed the use of PPE. There are currently more than 56 officers currently positive for COVID-19. Other law enforcement departments, such as the NYPD and New York State Troopers are allowed to wear PPE.

“It defies common sense that corrections officers–who are law enforcement officers just like any other department–are being denied the right to protect themselves and others by using proper PPE to help stop the spread of Coronavirus,” said NYGOP Chairman Langworthy. “The legislature cannot allow another day to go by keeping this insane restriction in place–they must act immediately to correct this inequity. Lives are on the line and swift action is needed before we wind up with a crisis scenario inside our corrections and mental health facilities.”