By C1 Staff
NEW YORK — The wording of an internal memo issued by the New York Corrections Commissioner seems to suggest that the victim of an attempted sexual assault brought it on herself.
The NY Daily News reports that the memo was Joseph Ponte’s response to inmates rescuing a female correctional officer from being nearly raped by another inmate.
“For the vast majority of you who make a point to follow your training, thanks and keep up the good work,” the memo reads. “For those of you who do not yet realize that reducing violence starts with you, you must do better starting right now.”
The message was read by jail management at roll calls throughout the facility and it was also posted “in appropriate employee areas.”
Norman Sebrook, president of the correctional officer’s union, blasted the memo, calling it a thinly veiled attack on the assaulted officer.
“This is outrageous that the corrections commissioner would victimize [her] twice and make it seem like it’s her fault that she was sexually assaulted by an inmate,” he said.
Ponte could not be reached for comment about the memo. A spokesperson for the DOC said that the commissioner “is more outraged about this incident than anyone because safety is his number one priority.
“Officers know they have the commissioner’s full support now and always.”