By Corrections1 Staff
GREENE COUNTY, N.Y. — A New York union representative is speaking out against an alarming trend of inmate assaults on correctional officers.
NYSCOPBA Mid-Hudson Region vice president Michael Mazzella said a Dec. 20 inmate assault on three correctional officers at Greene Correctional Facility is indicative of a disturbing trend.
“As we approach the end of the year, 2019 marks the fourth straight year that assaults on staff have increased,” Mazzella told HudsonValley360.com. “In 2016, there were 760 reported assaults on staff. With a week left in 2019, we are approaching 1,000 assaults on staff as inmate advocates continue to push for decreased disciplinary measures.”
The unidentified inmate, who was in the mess hall, was given an order to leave the area. However, the inmate refused and tried to punch the officer who gave the order. The officer then grabbed the inmate in a body hold and tried to take him to the ground. Two other officers responded to help.
During the struggle, an officer tried to grab the inmate in another body hold but was hit several times in the head. The second officer was also hit multiple times in the face during the attack. Additional officers responded and were able to get the inmate to the ground and in restraints, according to the report.
One officer suffered neck and facial trauma, a second suffered minor injuries to his back, left shoulder, jaw and head, and the third officer suffered upper and lower back pain and left shoulder pain. The inmate is facing disciplinary charges following the assault.
“The safety and well-being of our staff and incarcerated individuals is our top priority,” a statement from Thomas Mailey, from the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, said. “The department has zero tolerance for violence within our facilities and anyone engaged in misconduct will be disciplined. If warranted, an incident will be referred for outside prosecution. The department is reviewing an incident involving several correction officers and an incarcerated individual that occurred on Dec. 20 at Greene Correctional Facility and cannot comment at this time.”
Mazzella said more needs to be done to protect correctional officers.
“Without having substantial measures to deter inmates from attacking staff, our fear is that this alarming trend will continue,” he said.