A dramatic dorm barricade at Collins Correctional Facility has once again exposed critical staffing and safety shortcomings within New York’s prison system.
Key Takeaways
- Collins Correctional Facility was placed on lockdown due to inmates barricading in dorms after contraband was discovered.
- Corrections Emergency Response Teams and other specialized agents were deployed to handle the situation.
- Systemic staffing shortfalls are exacerbating safety risks within New York’s prisons.
- Attempts to address these crises include legislation for tighter oversight and increased correctional officer recruitment efforts.
Incident at Collins: What Transpired
The Collins Correctional Facility in Erie County, New York, entered a state of lockdown following inmates’ resistance after contraband was uncovered. The confrontation occurred when officers discovered contraband, leading inmates to barricade themselves in dorms. No inmates were harmed, and a swift response by Correctional Emergency Response Teams ensured that control was regained without any hostages being taken.
“There was a use of force which resulted in the recovery of two cellphones,” the state corrections agency reported, marking the beginning of the disorder. Initial reports indicate that an initial discovery of contraband escalated tensions at the facility.
Issues Beyond the Incident
A statement from the state corrections agency emphasized that emergency protocols overseen by Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III were implemented, ensuring a peaceful resolution. While one officer sustained minor injuries, the situation was resolved without further incident. Meanwhile, concerns grow regarding staffing and management within the prison system, evident by a vote of “no confidence” against the Commissioner.
“Collins has been so short-staffed and screaming for help, and [managers] were taking their regular scheduled days off away for a while now,” noted Kenny Gold, regional vice president of the New York Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association.
The union representing correction officers has voiced alarm over chronic understaffing. Recent years have seen a rise in violence against staff, with assaults and incidents doubling over the past five years.
A Worsening State
Leaders at the state level are attempting to address these systemic issues through legislative and administrative efforts. State lawmakers are proposing new bills aimed at ensuring better oversight and improved conditions in prisons. The Governor has committed to enhancing the existing framework to address staff and inmate welfare, while the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has begun initiatives to improve recruitment and retention of staff.
“We continue to set single season records, as well as inmate violence. Some 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,” according to James Miller, the spokesperson for the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association.
Crucially, incidents like this highlight the urgent need for reform in the New York state prison system. With tighter oversight and stronger policies, these facilities can hopefully become safer environments both for staff and incarcerated individuals.
