NEW CITY, N.Y. — Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation amending New York’s Public Officers Law to change residency requirements for current correction officers employed by the Rockland and Orange County Sheriff’s Offices, a move local officials say could help address staffing and retention challenges within county correctional facilities.
The legislation specifically affects correction officers currently employed by the sheriff’s offices in Rockland County and Orange County. According to supporters of the measure, the change is intended to provide greater flexibility for existing employees and improve agencies’ ability to retain experienced officers.
The effort received support from members of both political parties in the New York State Legislature. Those recognized for their involvement in advancing the legislation include Assemblymembers Aaron Wieder, Patrick Carroll, and Karl Brabenec, along with State Senators Pete Harckham, Bill Weber, and James Skoufis.
The legislation was also backed by the Rockland County Correction Officers Benevolent Association and the Superior Officers Council of Rockland County.
In a statement released on behalf of Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco III, officials said the amendment addresses workforce challenges that have affected correctional facilities in both counties and could help retain personnel who play a key role in maintaining the security and operation of local jails.
Sheriff Falco praised the cooperation among state and local officials in advancing the measure.
“This legislation demonstrates what can be accomplished when elected officials work collaboratively to address the real-world challenges facing law enforcement,” Falco said in the statement. “By supporting the retention of experienced correction officers, they have strengthened our ability to protect our facilities, our staff, and the communities we serve.”
Supporters of the legislation described the measure as an example of bipartisan cooperation on a public safety issue. They noted that lawmakers from both chambers of the state legislature, along with the governor’s office, worked together to move the bill forward.
The initiative also received support at the local level. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the effort was backed from the outset by the Rockland County Legislature and by Ed Day. Officials credited county leaders with advocating for the legislative change and helping advance the proposal through the legislative process.
Correctional agencies throughout New York and across the country have faced recruitment and retention challenges in recent years, leading many departments to seek policy changes aimed at maintaining staffing levels and retaining experienced personnel.
Officials from the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office said the new law is expected to provide additional flexibility for current correction officers while helping both the Rockland and Orange County Sheriff’s Offices maintain stable and experienced workforces in their correctional facilities.
No information was immediately released regarding how many current correction officers may be affected by the change or when specific administrative procedures related to the amended residency requirements will take effect.
