Staff Misconduct
This topic features news, training and information related to cases involving potential or perceived misconduct in corrections. This section serves the important function of pointing out, not pointing fingers, when a CO has gone outside the lines.
Security cameras in the Fairfield County Jail captured the inmates and officers wrestling on video
Union’s national vice president of women and fair practice said the abuses at the Victorville prison complex were among “the worst that I’ve seen.”
PREA criminalizes any sexual relationship between correctional officers and inmates because of the “imbalance of power”
During the hearing, Christopher Walrath acknowledged that he put Brooks in a chokehold, that he struck the inmate’s body and groin and that he lied to investigators
The Montgomery County Sheriff says Christian Black likely died from positional asphyxia after being restrained during a jail altercation
Prosecutors amended Randall Hepp’s felony misconduct charge as part of a plea deal tied to ongoing investigations at Waupun Correctional Institution
The former corrections electronics technician admitted to trafficking fentanyl, meth, knives and contraband cellphones into the Bonne Terre facility
The loaded handgun was allegedly left in a Nashville dental school restroom during a medical transport from Trousdale Turner Correctional Center
Derek Chauvin, convicted of murdering George Floyd, was stabbed in prison and is now serving his sentence in a different facility
A search of the now-former Pocahontas State Correctional Center CO’s home led to the seizure of more than $150,000 worth of narcotics in prison value, a handgun and $1,000 in cash
The Department of Juvenile Justice says a toxic workplace culture at Mayfield enabled sexual activity while COs were on duty and youth fights hidden from cameras and supervisors
Messiah Nantwi resisted being handcuffed and grabbed a CO’s vest during an emergency response call, leading several COs to strike the inmate, the indictment says
The duty to intervene in an excessive force situation is your legal and moral responsibility
How leadership failures, unchecked behavior and inadequate training contribute to toxic correctional environments — and what it takes to change the culture
The court found Joseph DeMarco’s inaction during a 2020 reenactment of George Floyd’s death undermined public confidence and respect in the DOC
Proactive strategies and skills to foster a culture of accountability and support to prevent misconduct
Prosecutors said corrections officers at Marcy Correctional Facility attacked Robert Brooks while he was handcuffed, leading to his death the next day
An independent investigation found Oregon’s chief prison doctor and his boss mismanaged inmate medical care, causing delays and harming patients
The Broad River Correctional Institute captain smuggled cellphones and SIM cards while collecting nearly $280,000 in bribes, prosecutors say
The correction officer allegedly tried to bypass security by repeatedly removing layers of clothing, but a search of his vest exposed the hidden contraband
The former corrections officer imported the fireworks from a Nevada vendor and mailed them to the Oahu Community Correctional Center, prosecutors said
Security footage showed officers walking past the unresponsive detainee before eventually cutting him down; prosecutors said their inaction broke the law
The 27-year veteran with CDCR was accused of rampant sexual abuse during his time at Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla
The DOJ said Alvin S. Glenn COs learned of two inmate killings from outsider calls: one via voicemail and another by someone watching a Facebook Live of the killing
The Brooks family’s federal lawsuit against the COs calls for criminal charges and reform, citing systemic abuse at Marcy Correctional Facility
The investigation started when an inmate’s parents came to visit him at Indian Creek Correctional Center, smuggling buprenorphine, Naloxone strips and meth
One of the most haunting aspects of this incident is not just the violence but the inaction of those present
The inmate died hours after multiple corrections officers were caught on bodycam video assaulting him at Marcy Correctional Facility
After an incident of indefensible officer misconduct, how can leaders balance accountability with support for the majority of officers who serve with integrity?