The recent barricade incident at Collins Correctional Facility reveals a deeper crisis in New York’s prison system.
Key Takeaways
- Inmates at Collins Correctional Facility barricaded themselves following the discovery of contraband.
- Correctional Emergency Response Teams intervened, restoring order with no major injuries.
- This incident underscores the severe staffing shortages and safety concerns in New York prisons.
- The union has expressed concerns about increasing violence and inadequate staffing levels.
Critical Incident at Collins Correctional Facility
The Collins Correctional Facility in Erie County, New York was recently thrust into the spotlight due to a significant incident where inmates barricaded themselves in dormitories after contraband was discovered. The lockdown was triggered when an inmate was caught attempting to dispose of banned items, including two cell phones.
The Correctional Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and officials from the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision’s Office of Special Investigations were deployed. Their swift action led to a peaceful resolution, with one corrections officer suffering minor injuries but promptly returning to duty.
Staffing Shortages and Safety Concerns
Under the guidance of Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III, emergency protocols were activated in response to the barricade. The incident brought to light severe staffing shortages, with current staffing levels at just 70% of what is required. The union representing the correction officers highlighted that the diminishing workforce is putting additional pressure on existing staff and endangering their safety.
“The actions that we see like what happened and what has transpired today is strictly only because they know there’s no penalty and the politicians making the changes they’re making the changes to better the convicts, not to make it safer for the staff that work in there every day,” said Kenny Gold, the NYSCOPBA Western Region Vice President.
Adding to these challenges are state policies that the union claims prioritize cost-cutting over safety, further straining the system. There has been a notable increase in assaults against staff, escalating the urgency for a solution.
Seeking Solutions Amid Growing Tensions
With the facility under lockdown, a complete facility frisk is underway to ensure security. The crisis at Collins Correctional Facility highlights broader systemic issues, with increased inmate violence and pressure on the staff. Efforts to address staffing issues are underway, including establishing a recruitment unit and increasing starting salaries for correction officers.
“We continue to set single season records, as well as inmate violence. Some of the factors that go into it is the HALT Act having no disciplinary system set up to deter inmates from attacking staff. Along with staffing, we are down over 2,100 correctional officers and sergeants,” said James Miller, the spokesperson for the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association.
The state lawmakers have responded by proposing bills to enhance oversight and improve conditions in the prisons. Meanwhile, Governor Hochul pledged to address these pressing issues while local union leaders continue to voice concerns that the closure of facilities to save money jeopardizes the safety of correction officers.
