Discussing the future of Rikers Island, President Boscio called for a need of 2,000 additional officers in order to uphold the standards of the jail. He noted that officers are at their breaking point, identifying increased staffing as a solution to the issues at hand. Watch COBA President Benny Boscio Testify Before The NYC Council Committee On Criminal Justice BACK TO BLOG

With the advent of COVID-19, COBA leadership knew that they had to take action on behalf of the correction officers, both for the sake of their careers, their health, and the health of their families. Across the nation, COBA saw the devastating effects of the pandemic and watched organizations attempt to mitigate the impact of the virus to varying degrees of success. COBA knew that it was essential to take action in a swift and meaningful way — New York was, in fact, one of the states most affected by COVID. Working with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, COBA was able to help implement legislation that prevented public employers — like the New York City Department of Correction — from taking any disciplinary or retaliatory action against public employees for their COVID-19-related absences. This means that employees can take the time they need to keep other officers and inmates healthy …