Five Points Correctional Facility is being called the “poster child for violence that is plaguing all correctional facilities across New York” by NYSCOPBA, the union representing corrections officers.
Over a two and half week period in September and October, nine officers were injured during seven different incidents at the Romulus facility, according to the union.
On September 27, an officer was struck in the chest by an inmate while intervening as the inmate was attacking another inside a cell.
On October 2, an officer was punched in the chest by an inmate after being ordered to lock into his cell. A second officer was able to assist in subduing the individual.
Two days later, on October 4, an inmate was revived by Narcan. After being brought to the infirmary, he became combative, spat at staff, and attempted to bite an officer. After being subdued, he was taken to Cayuga Medical Center for treatment.
On October 7, one officer sustained elbow and ankle injuries and a second received a laceration to his hand when they attempted to break up a fight in the mess hall.
On October 10, an inmate was ordered to submit to a pat frisk. When his cell door was opened, the inmate punched an officer in the face. A second officer was also punched in the face after responding. Additional officers arrived and were able to subdue the inmate. The first officer was treated and remained on duty while the second was taken to Geneva General Hospital for a fractured nose. Also on the 10th, two officers were treated at the facility for knee and elbow injuries after being attacked during a pat frisk outside the mess hall.
On October 15, an officer was injured during a fight between three inmates in a classroom.
“Five Points is quickly becoming the poster child for violence that is plaguing all correctional facilities across New York. The number of violent assaults at Five Points is mind blowing with no end in sight. Already short staffed and pushed to the brink with mandatory overtime, facing a system that is broke and unsustainable, our members are suffering as a result. Even as the Governor and the majority of State Legislators remain silent on the issues that our members face daily, we cannot. We will continue to voice what the brave men and women are subjected to daily, the violence that the lawmakers ignore, and the forced overtime taking our members away from their families everyday so the convicts can watch movies and assault us during the credits! When is enough, enough?”-stated Kenny Gold, Western Region Vice President.
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