MALONE, N.Y. — Nine correction officers were injured, including two who required hospital treatment, during an inmate’s intake at Upstate Correctional Facility, according to the officers’ union.
In an Oct. 26 news release, the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association said a 41-year-old inmate became aggressive toward an officer while being processed for admission to the maximum-security prison.
The officer placed the inmate in a body hold and forced him against a wall, then brought him to the floor. Four additional officers responded to help restrain him, the union said.
During the struggle, the inmate grabbed an officer’s hand and “violently twisted the officer’s fingers,” according to NYSCOPBA. He also kicked another officer in the leg.
Staff secured the inmate in handcuffs and leg restraints, and brought him to his feet. The inmate initially appeared compliant but began threatening officers again after being placed in a holding pen, the union said.
Officers entered the pen and forced him against a wall. The inmate then fell to the floor and refused repeated orders to stand, according to the union. Officers lifted him onto a gurney and transported him to a Special Housing Unit.
One officer sustained injuries to his hand, fingers, knee and forehead, and was taken to Alice Hyde Medical Center for further treatment. A second officer experienced wrist pain and swelling, and was also taken to an outside hospital.
Seven other officers sustained injuries to their elbows, hands, wrists, knees and ankles while restraining the inmate, NYSCOPBA said. They were treated by facility medical staff and remained on duty.
NYSCOPBA Northern Region Vice President Dana Grammo called for additional support for officers following the incident.
“They deserve the staffing, resources, training and support necessary to do their jobs safely,” Grammo said in a statement.
