Schenectady County officials urge amendments to HALT Act amid rising jail violence

The Schenectady County Legislature Committee Meeting on June 2, 2025, focused on the significant impacts of the HALT Act, which restricts solitary confinement in correctional facilities. Legislators expressed concerns about rising violence in local jails since the act's implementation, citing alarming statistics that show a 179% increase in assaults among incarcerated individuals and a 40% rise in assaults on staff.

During the meeting, officials highlighted that the HALT Act, while well-intentioned, has led to unintended consequences. They reported that certain individuals are exploiting the freedoms granted by the act to engage in violent behavior, creating a dangerous environment for both inmates and staff. The inability to place individuals in protective custody has left many vulnerable to violence, with some inmates reportedly being extorted or assaulted.

Legislators discussed the need for amendments to the HALT Act to provide correctional facilities with more tools to manage violent behavior effectively. Suggestions included implementing a cooling-off period for inmates involved in altercations and allowing for administrative segregation to protect vulnerable individuals.

Brian McDonald, the state political and legislative director for AFSCME, echoed these concerns, noting a significant rise in violence in both state prisons and local jails since the act's passage. He emphasized the need for a dialogue among stakeholders to find pragmatic solutions to the issues arising from the HALT Act.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration among legislators to address these pressing safety concerns, with some members advocating for the inclusion of additional sponsors on proposed resolutions aimed at reforming the HALT Act. The discussions underscored a shared commitment to improving safety for both correctional staff and inmates in Schenectady County.