N.Y. Correct. Law § 156

§ 156. Liability for a Prisoner on Work Release. No prisoner\nparticipating in a work release program or whose place of confinement is\nextended pursuant to this article shall be deemed an agent, employee or\ninvoluntary servant of the department or the city while employed or\ngoing to and from such employment or released from confinement pursuant\nto this article; provided, however, that where a prisoner is employed\nand paid by the city, his relationship to the city arising out of such\nemployment shall be determined in the same manner as if he were a free\nperson so employed.\n