Assaults on staff by inmates at prisons across the state have broken last year’s recording.
According to NYSCOPBA, the union representing corrections officers, assaults on staff reached 1,736 as of October 27, surpassing 2023’s record of 1,677. NYSCOPBA is worried that assaults could exceed 2,000 by year’s end.
Inmate on inmate assaults are also up. Currently standing at 2,423, up from last year’s 2,121.
The union blames state policies and staffing shortages for the increase in violence. Since January 3, 2023, there are 1,893 fewer officers while the incarcerated population has increased by 2,216, according to NYSCOPBA.
NYSCOPBA President Chris Summers stated, “Enough is enough—our members cannot and should not be used as punching bags. NYSCOPBA members, working in the most challenging of conditions, are being assaulted at record rates, yet their health and safety continue to be disregarded by those responsible for protecting the state workforce. The statistics speak volumes: 2024 is set to shatter last year’s assault records. At the current rate, assaults on staff are projected to increase by 24 percent, marking a 47 percent rise since 2021. Inmate-on-inmate assaults are expected to surge by 37 percent from last year and a staggering 118 percent since 2021. We have made it clear to the Governor, State Legislature, and DOCCS that this system is unsustainable, and the safety inside the facilities are being neglected by state leaders. The progressive criminal justice policies and continued appeasement of inmate advocacy groups have led to unprecedented levels of violence within our prisons. The State’s lack of action is an insult to the hardworking members of NYSCOPBA. There is no reasonable argument to be made that these policies have improved conditions inside our prisons.”
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