The Correctional Association of New York (CANY) has released a new report detailing serious concerns about healthcare access and staffing shortages at Shawangunk Correctional Facility in Ulster County, while also noting some operational strengths.
The Post Visit Briefing, based on CANY’s May 2024 monitoring visit, includes interviews with incarcerated individuals, analysis of administrative data, and meetings with staff at the maximum-security prison. Among its key findings: medical care access was rated the lowest of any maximum-security facility CANY has recently evaluated.
Only 38% of incarcerated individuals reported receiving adequate medical care, with complaints including delays in specialty care and medication errors. Access to mental health services was also limited—just 15% of respondents said they could get the help they needed.
Staffing shortages were another major concern. The prison had 46 vacancies out of 260 correctional officer positions, resulting in officers regularly losing time off. Medical staffing gaps were also significant, with the prison missing a full-time physician and relying on contracted nurses.
Despite these challenges, CANY found areas of relative strength at Shawangunk. Reports of staff abuse were lower than at other similar facilities, and most incarcerated individuals described interactions with staff as respectful. The facility also had over 1,000 operational cameras on the day of the visit.
Participation in educational and vocational programs was the highest of any prison recently visited by CANY, with 85% of respondents engaged in such programming. College-level classes were also well attended.
However, incarcerated individuals raised ongoing concerns about food quality and hygiene, with similar complaints recorded at other state prisons. Only 24% of those in general population units said the commissary was adequately stocked.
Grievance participation rates were high, but many expressed distrust in the fairness of the process. Phone calls and in-person visits were reported as accessible to all who sought them.
“Shawangunk Correctional Facility presents a complex picture,” said CANY Executive Director Jennifer Scaife. “While the facility shows signs of a more respectful culture and strong program access, urgent issues in healthcare and staffing must be addressed to protect the health and well-being of everyone inside.”
The full report is available at: correctionalassociation.org/postvisit-briefing-recommendations/shawangunk-correctional-facility-2025
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