January 30, 2023
From The State Corrections Union Spokesperson:
One inmate was transported to a local hospital with multiple lacerations sustained during an altercation that involved two other inmates in the recreation field house at Elmira Correctional Facility on Monday.
An officer assigned to the fieldhouse overserved two inmates fighting, one making slashing motions to the other inmate’s head. The officer called for a response. During the fight, a second inmate joined in attacking the inmate who was being slashed. When additional staff arrived, orders were given to the three inmates to stop fighting and to get on the ground. Initially all three inmates complied. When an officer approached the inmate who was cut, the inmate kicked the officer in the leg, stood up and slammed his shoulder into the officer’s chest. The inmate then attempted to engage the other inmates again. Forced was used to contain the inmate, which was successful.
The three inmates were handcuffed and escorted to the infirmary to be evaluated for injuries.
The inmate who was slashed, sustained lacerations to his forehead, cheek and neck. He was transported to an outside hospital for further treatment.
The two other inmates did not sustain any injuries.
A search of the fieldhouse floor recovered a ceramic razor blade with a handle made of tape. The weapon was seized as evidence.
The officer who was kicked was treated by facility medical staff for knee pain and swelling and remained on duty.
The three inmates all face disciplinary charges in the fight.
In a separate incident at another correctional facility, an officer at Lakeview Correctional Facility sustained a mouth injury when an inmate struck him in the face during physical training at the shock program. Initially, the inmate was being disruptive and was smoking during PT. The officer approached the inmate to counsel him on his behavior and the inmate attempted to hide behind other inmates. He was ordered to step out, and he complied. When he approached the officer, he struck him in the face with his fist. The officer immediately grabbed the inmate in a body hold and forced him to the ground.
On the ground, the inmate became compliant. He was escorted from the physical training and placed in a Special Housing Unit pending disciplinary charges
“As you can see, violence in our correctional facilities continues to skyrocket after a record year in 2022. Whether it is inmate on staff or inmate on inmate violence, our correctional facilities are one of, it not the most, dangerous places to work in the state. The State Legislature needs to act immediately and address the violence before someone gets killed. In the past year all they have accomplished, other than giving themselves hefty raises, was to strip whatever meaningful discipline that was left to deter inmates from attacking staff or other inmates. Their progressive policies have only enhanced the level of violence inside our prisons and changes need to occur to ensure the safety of our members.” – stated Kenny Gold, NYSCOPBA Western Region Vice President.
