Female National Guard members deployed in NY prisons allegedly filmed while undressing: ‘Incredibly disturbing’

New York Post - Apr 22nd, 2025

National Guard members deployed to New York prisons have faced unacceptable conditions, including alleged surveillance of female guards while changing and exposure to toxic fumes from makeshift drug use. Governor Kathy Hochul called in 8,200 National Guard members and declared a state of emergency in February after an illegal strike by 12,000 prison workers left facilities understaffed. Allegations of invasive video surveillance and dangerous exposure to drug fumes have surfaced, prompting investigations by prison authorities and the New York State Police.

The context of these events includes the challenges of managing prison populations during a workforce crisis, exacerbated by a wildcat strike that led to the firing of 2,000 corrections officers. The deployment of National Guard members, who received minimal training, highlights the strain on state resources and the complexity of maintaining prison order. This situation underscores the risks and ethical concerns of using military personnel in civilian roles, especially in environments as volatile as correctional facilities. The ongoing investigation and potential legal actions could have significant implications for prison management and the treatment of National Guard members in such deployments.

Kathy Hochul National Guard Surveillance New York Prisons Illegal Strike Inmate Conditions Drug Exposure

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

5.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article addresses a timely and significant issue involving the deployment of National Guard members to New York prisons and the alleged mistreatment they faced. It highlights important public interest topics, such as privacy violations, labor disputes, and institutional accountability. However, the reliance on unnamed sources and the lack of detailed evidence for some claims affect the article's accuracy and source quality. While the narrative is clear and engaging, it lacks balance and transparency, as it primarily focuses on the allegations without providing sufficient context or counterarguments. The story has the potential to influence public opinion and provoke debate, but it requires careful consideration of ethical responsibilities to ensure accurate and responsible reporting.

Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims, such as the deployment of 8,200 National Guard members to New York prisons and their exposure to noxious fumes. However, there is a need to verify the exact number of deployed members, as some sources suggest different figures. The claim of female National Guard members being filmed is serious and requires confirmation from official investigations. The story mentions an ongoing investigation, but it does not confirm the outcomes or provide evidence to substantiate the claims. The article relies heavily on unnamed sources, which can impact the verifiability of the information presented.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the allegations of mistreatment faced by National Guard members, providing a detailed account of their experiences. However, it lacks perspectives from other stakeholders, such as prison officials or independent experts, which could provide a more balanced view. The inclusion of a statement from the prison spokesperson adds some balance, but the overall narrative leans heavily towards the allegations without exploring counterarguments or additional context.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, presenting the information in a logical sequence. The language is straightforward, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative. However, the reliance on unnamed sources and the lack of detailed evidence for some claims may lead to confusion or skepticism among readers. The article could benefit from more explicit citations and a clearer explanation of the investigation's status.

Source quality

The article cites unnamed sources for most of its claims, which raises concerns about the reliability and credibility of the information. While it includes a statement from a prison spokesperson, the heavy reliance on anonymous sources without corroborating evidence diminishes the overall source quality. The lack of diverse and authoritative sources limits the article's ability to present a comprehensive and reliable account of the situation.

Transparency

The article provides some context for the National Guard's deployment, mentioning the prison guard strike and the resulting state of emergency. However, it lacks transparency regarding the methodology used to gather information and the potential conflicts of interest of the sources. The article does not clearly explain how the claims were verified or the basis for the allegations, which affects the transparency of the reporting.