Into the Light: Correctional Association highlights State Prison Transparency & Accountability initiatives during Sunshine Week
March 12, 2024 | CONTACT: Sumeet Sharma – ssharma@correctionalassociation.org
Through Accessible Data Tools & Legislation, CANY Is Taking Action To Ensure The Public Is Informed About Prison Conditions In New York State
NEW YORK – In commemoration of Sunshine Week, the Correctional Association of New York (CANY) today spotlighted several vital initiatives designed to promote transparency and accountability within the state’s prison system.
Sunshine Week is a nationwide, nonpartisan partnership uniting various stakeholders from journalism, civic engagement, government, and the private sector. Its primary goal is to highlight the significance of public records and open government practices.
In recent weeks, CANY has advanced several initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within New York’s state prison system:
Interactive Prison Map: This tool offers essential insights into facility populations, staffing, and capacity. This data, complemented by CANY's budget testimony highlighting key data points, has played a pivotal role in shaping discussions on Governor Hochul's proposal to close up to five prisons in New York.
Data Dashboard: This tool provides the public with easy access to critical information on New York State prisons, including population statistics, deaths, and incident reports. Leveraging Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) materials, the dashboard aligns with CANY's core mission of promoting transparency and accountability in state prisons.
Data Access Bill: In an effort to ensure transparency of New York State prisons into the future, CANY is supporting legislation (A.6489-A / S.312-A) that would mandate regular data access on state prisons. By endorsing this bill, CANY seeks to strengthen oversight mechanisms and promote transparency system wide.
“Sunshine Week serves as a powerful reminder of the public’s right to information. These initiatives are critical to help New Yorkers get a clearer understanding of the conditions within our state's prisons,” said Jennifer Scaife, Executive Director of CANY. “Transparency is the bedrock of our democracy, and it's absolutely essential for building a better correctional system."
"The prison system is not divorced from the rest of our state, and incarcerated New Yorkers are members of our communities, too. Thanks to CANY's work with the Interactive Prison Map and Data Dashboard, policymakers, advocates and all New Yorkers can now be more informed about the realities within our prison system, empowering the public to engage in constructive dialogue and advocate for positive change. Sunshine Week is all about shedding light on what happens in government, and CANY is setting the bar high. As the prime sponsor of CANY's Data Access Bill, I know transparency is key to fostering public trust and ensuring our prison system functions effectively,” said Senator Julia Salazar, Chair of the Senate Crime, Crime Victims, and Correction Committee.
“The Correctional Association of New York's (CANY) efforts to increase transparency within the state prison system, exemplified by the Interactive Prison Map and Data Dashboard, are valuable tools for informing the public,” Assemblyman Erik Dilan (D-54th AD), Chair of the Assembly’s Correction Committee, said. “Sunshine Week highlights the importance of open government, and CANY's dedication and commitment to overseeing our state prison plays a vital role in maintaining the public’s trust.”
“As a longstanding supporter of independent oversight and prime sponsor of the Data Access Bill, the Correctional Association of New York is a true champion for transparency. Their innovative data tools, like the Prison Map and Data Dashboard, provide invaluable insights into our prison system. But transparency isn't enough, we need lasting change. That's why I fully support CANY's push for the Data Access Bill (A 6489 A / S312A). This legislation will ensure consistent access to crucial data, empowering policymakers with the information needed to make informed decisions regarding prison reform. Sunshine Week underscores the importance of open government, and CANY is leading the way in holding our corrections system accountable. Together, we can create a more just and humane corrections system,” said Assemblymember David I. Weprin.
About CANY
CANY, under §146, of New York’s Correction Law, is charged with visiting and examining the state's correctional facilities to identify and report on prison conditions, the treatment of incarcerated individuals, and the administration of policy promulgated by the executive and legislature. Founded in 1844 by concerned citizens of the state and deputized by the state to provide monitoring and oversight of the state’s prisons in 1846, CANY is one of the first organizations in the country prescribed to administer civilian oversight of prisons.
