The New York City Correction Department burned $59,260 in taxpayer cash on new “Playstation 4 and 5” games to keep inmates in line, reports the New York Post.

The staggering sum, which city records show was earmarked for the agency’s Adult Programs Division, was used to purchased 1,247 games, including dozens of copies of bloody fighting titles such as Mortal Kombat 1 and Street Fighter 6, as well as this year’s Madden NFL and NBA 2K24, agency spokeswoman Latima Johnson said.

The aim of this initiative was to improve discipline in prisons and reduce the level of violations, especially among young prisoners. The games will be available only to those who behave decently.

Despite the move's potential benefits, some New Yorkers and former prison officials have criticized the initiative. Benny Boscio, head of the Correction Officers Benevolent Association, blasted the agency for blowing funds on games for crooks instead of essential needs, such as proper air conditioning for inmates and jail staff during the recent heat wave.