N.Y. Correction Law § 877: Prisoner not an agent of county

§ 877. Prisoner not an agent of county. No prisoner participating in

a work release program shall be deemed an agent, employee or involuntary

servant of the county while released from the jail of confinement

pursuant to the terms of any work release plan; provided, however, that

when a prisoner is employed by the state or a local municipality, his

relationship to the state or local municipality arising out of such

employment shall be determined in the same manner as if he were a free

person so employed.