New York State To Close Prison Soon

Bare Hill Correctional Facility will shut down as state's prison population declines

Jan. 31, 2026 at 6:31am

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The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) announced it will be closing the Bare Hill Correctional Facility in Malone, NY on March 11, 2026. This decision comes as the state's prison population has dropped dramatically in recent years, from around 56,000 inmates in 2011 to just 31,000 in 2021, a 45% decrease. Despite the population decline, the DOCCS budget has only decreased by 5% during that time, raising questions about spending efficiency.

Why it matters

The closure of Bare Hill Correctional Facility is a significant development, as it reflects the broader trend of declining incarceration rates in New York. However, the state's high spending on prisons, even as the population has dropped, suggests potential areas for reform and cost savings that could be reinvested into programs aimed at reducing recidivism and addressing the root causes of crime.

The details

According to the Vera Institute, even though New York's prison population has plummeted by 45% since 2011, the DOCCS operating budget has only decreased by 5% during that time, adjusting for inflation. The budget for uniformed corrections officers has actually increased, despite an 11% decrease in headcount. This suggests the state may be overspending on staffing and benefits relative to the declining inmate population.

  • The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision announced the closure of Bare Hill Correctional Facility recently.
  • Bare Hill Correctional Facility will close on March 11, 2026.
  • The state's prison population dropped from around 56,000 inmates in 2011 to just 31,000 in 2021, a 45% decrease.

The players

New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision

The state agency responsible for operating New York's prison system, which announced the closure of Bare Hill Correctional Facility.

Vera Institute

A nonprofit research and policy organization that published a report highlighting New York's high spending on prisons despite declining inmate populations.

Brennan Center for Justice

A nonpartisan law and policy institute at the New York University School of Law that provided data on the high costs of incarceration in New York and across the United States.

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What’s next

The closure of Bare Hill Correctional Facility is expected to be completed by March 11, 2026, with all 293 staff members being offered positions at other DOCCS facilities. The state will also be consolidating part of Collins Correctional Facility for efficiency.

The takeaway

The impending closure of Bare Hill Correctional Facility highlights the need for New York to reevaluate its prison spending and explore ways to align its budget with the declining inmate population. By redirecting funds from staffing and operational costs towards rehabilitation and reentry programs, the state could potentially achieve better outcomes and cost savings.