Constitution of the State of New York Art. XVII § 5. [Institutions for detention of criminals;  probation;  parole;  state commission of correction;  visitorial power]

The legislature may provide for the maintenance and support of institutions for the detention of persons charged with or convicted of crime and for systems of probation and parole of persons convicted of crime.  There shall be a state commission of correction, which shall visit and inspect, or cause to be visited and inspected by members of its staff, all institutions used for the detention of sane adults charged with or convicted of crime.