N.Y. Correct. Law § 870

§ 870. Establishment of program. The sheriff, upon approval of the\nlegislative body of the county, may establish a work release program\npursuant to which prisoners, sentenced to and confined in any county\njail under his jurisdiction, may be granted the privilege of leaving\nconfinement for the purpose of working at gainful employment,\nparticipating in a privately or publicly sponsored program of vocational\ntraining, with or without compensation, or attending an educational\ninstitution. The work release program may also include the release from\nconfinement during necessary and reasonable hours for the purpose of\ncaring for the prisoner's family.\n