Attacks on law-abiding correctional officers by inmates are becoming all-too-routine news items across this region and New York state in recent months. This week’s lockdown at Collins is one more example of leadership needing to take steps to have those who are employed to keep the peace safe.

Unfortunately, high-ranking officials are not doing enough. How many more lockdowns and injuries are needed before action is truly taken?

State Sen. George Borrello has been outspoken in the last month regarding the situations. Other incidents in January, at Brocton and other state locations, involved inmate overdoses and staff developing significant health symptoms after having contact with those individuals.

Borrello also said staffing situations are to blame. “The lockdown at Collins and this 30% staffing reduction are just the latest evidence of (Department of Correctional and Community Supervision) reckless mismanagement and Albany’s pro-criminal policies,” he said. “They are abandoning the men and women who keep our prisons secure to serve a radical political agenda. I strongly condemn this staffing reduction and urge Governor (Kathy) Hochul and Commissioner (Daniel) Martuscello to immediately reverse this dangerous decision before more lives are put at risk. Should any lives be lost, whether they be staff or inmates, the blood will be on their hands.”

It is no secret that New York is having trouble filling these open positions for corrections officers. With its continued lack of activity, no one will be lining up to fill the jobs.

Problems behind bars may not be all Albany’s fault, its continued lethargy in regard to the dangerous situations speaks volumes.