MEMORANDUM AND JUDGMENT
Petitioner, a prison inmate, was found guilty of violating prison disciplinary rules prohibiting the possession of unauthorized medication and property damage. Petitioner commenced this CPLR article 78 proceeding contending that he did not receive adequate inmate assistance and that the Hearing Officer was biased. We disagree.
Supreme Court improperly transferred the proceeding on substantial evidence grounds. Petitioner raises solely procedural issues in the petition (see, Matter of Barnhill v. Coombe, 239 A.D.2d 719, 720 n. 1). In any event, in the interest of judicial economy, this court will retain the proceeding (see, Matter of Nieves v. Goord, 262 A.D.2d 1042, 693 N.Y.S.2d 361).
Petitioner's contention that the hearing was not to begin until 24 hours after his assistance had been completed has been repeatedly rejected by this court (see, Matter of Proctor v. Coombe, 234 A.D.2d 749; Matter of Neal v. Coombe, 231 A.D.2d 795). The rule states that a hearing is not to begin until 24 hours after petitioner's first meeting with the assistant (see, 7 NYCRR 254.6 [a];Matter of Proctor v. Coombe, supra). In any event, the timing of the hearing did not compromise the level of assistance petitioner received and a review of the record shows that the assistance was adequate. Likewise, the record does not support a finding that petitioner did not receive a fair and impartial hearing or that the Hearing Officer was biased.
MERCURE, J.P., CREW III, PETERS, SPAIN and CARPINELLO, JJ., concur.
ADJUDGED that the determination is confirmed, without costs, and petition dismissed.