The Citizen, Auburn, N.Y.
AUBURN, N.Y. — Seven officers were injured in two separate incidents involving inmates at Auburn Correctional Facility, according to the union representing state correction officers.
The New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association said in a Thursday news release that during the morning of Aug. 10 , two officers assigned to the recreation yard saw two inmates on the ground exchanging punches. After ordering them to stop, one inmate complied but the other, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs, remained combative, the union said.
Officers placed the inmate in body holds and forced him to the ground but he continued to resist, NYSCOPBA said, kicking one officer in the chest and hitting another in the face. As the officers struggled to gain control, two additional inmates began approaching and, fearing for the safety of the officers, the tower officer deployed chemical agents that stopped the inmates from advancing.
Three officers sustained injuries in the incident, including knee, facial and elbow swelling and abrasions, NYSCOPBA said. The officers were treated by facility medical staff and remained on duty, and the inmate was placed in a special housing unit pending disciplinary charges.
A second incident on the same day occurred during the evening meal, NYSCOPBA said, after an inmate who entered the meal line carrying a personal food container was pulled aside for a pat frisk and moved away from the officers. The inmate kicked one officer in the knee and punched a second in the eye, and continued to struggle after being forced to the ground. There, he continued to resist and kick at staff, during which time eight additional inmates began approaching the officers while yelling and attempting to incite other inmates.
Additional staff helped get the situation under control, NYSCOPBA said, and the inmates involved were placed in special housing units pending disciplinary charges. One officer sustained cuts to both hands, and three others suffered knee and facial injuries. All four officers were treated by facility medical staff and remained on duty, and a subsequent search of cells recovered gang-related materials.
“Once again, Auburn Correctional Facility officers were faced with violent and unpredictable situations and responded professionally to protect themselves, their fellow staff and the safety and security of the facility,” NYSCOPBA Western Region Vice President Kenny Gold said in a statement. “These incidents demonstrate the risks correction officers face every day and the importance of having trained staff to respond quickly and appropriately when violence erupts.”
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