Gov. Andrew Cuomo scrapped a controversial pilot program at state correctional facilities that restricted inmate access to books and other items sent through the mail.
“I am directing the Dept. of Corrections to rescind its flawed pilot program that restricted shipment of books and care packages to inmates,” Cuomo
.
The program went into effect last month and applied to the Greene, Green Haven, and Taconic correctional facilities. It effectively classified any packages from unapproved vendors as contraband.
The Department of Corrections also addressed the change of policy in a statement.
“As part of a multi-faceted plan to address the flow of contraband, the Department recently launched a pilot secure vendor program in three of its facilities,” Department of Corrections spokesperson Thomas Mailey said in a statement Friday afternoon.
“However, concerns have been raised by families of inmates regarding the availability and price of products under this program, concerns we do not take lightly.”
State corrections officials had previously defended the plan as a way to increase prison security by preventing the introduction of contraband.
Inmate-rights advocates have scoffed at the claims by the Department of Corrections.
Mayor de Blasio on Monday insisted that he “would never” restrict access to books in city jails.
