Cite Monitoring Problems
Claim Pataki Cuffs State Parole Staff

By REUVEN BLAU

The union representing state Parole Officers charged last week that the Pataki administration has jeopardized public safety by "handcuffing officers with redundant paperwork and excessive caseloads."

Dozens of officers rallied Nov. 3 at City Hall Park holding signs that read "safety first" and chanting slogans including "let us do our job."

Public Employees' Federation Vice President Pat Baker said the union was "trying to draw attention to a crisis situation." PEF represents the state's 1,500 Parole Officers.

State: Baseless Charges

Scott Steinhardt, a Division of Parole spokesman, denied the allegations. "They are completely false and without merit," he said. "The Division of Parole is among the best in the nation supervising sex offenders."

He pointed out that on Halloween, the state imposed added restrictions including a curfew on registered sex offenders under parole supervision. "The record shows that Director [Anthony] Ellis is doing an outstanding job," he asserted.

But the union has long maintained that Mr. Ellis's policies have made it difficult for them to properly monitor high-risk parolees. "The public needs to be put on notice that paroled sex offenders are being released without supervision and are not attending therapy sessions as a required condition of release," charged Manuelita Clemente, PEF Division 236 council leader.

Mr. Steinhardt denied that was the case. "The division remains entirely focused on its mission of protecting the public and ensuring that parolees make a successful transition into the community," he said.