By C1 Staff
NEW YORK — A new policy intended to combat rising violence inside New York city jails includes the increased use of chemical agents against combative inmates.
The New York Daily News reports that they have learned officers are discharging OC at a rate that is 33 percent higher than the previous year, thanks to a new ‘use of force’ policy that requires them to use chemical agents before any other restraint method.
The new policy may have led to the spraying of six inmates at the Robert F. Davoren Complex, who were drenched in chemical spray while they stood in a medication line. The officer responsible allegedly got into an argument with another inmate, and sprayed all of them. One inmate was hit directly in the face, requiring medical attention. That inmate is suing the city for $20 million.
A spokesperson for the Department of Corrections said the incident “is under review.”