The union representing corrections officers at Five Points Correctional Facility in Seneca County says multiple people were hospitalized after an attack initiated by an inmate.
The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association said in a press release on Thursday that the incident occurred on July 19th.
An inmate refused to return to his cell after a phone call and as a prison sergeant was approaching to assist with the situation – the inmate charged and struck him several times in the head and face.
Seven other corrections officers intervened, according to union reps. The inmate kicked and punched them – one of the officers involved was knocked unconscious. The inmate, who was not identified also bit an officer’s ear.
Three officers had to be taken to the hospital for treatment. One of them sustained a concussion. Another suffered a broken nose and fractured elbow, according to officials. They were released, but have not returned to work.
The inmate is a 33-year-old serving a 20-year sentence for a 2009 manslaughter conviction in New York City.
The union says this is an example of why it opposes proposals from some prisoner rights advocates who have called for the elimination of practices such as solitary confinement.
“This was a vicious attack by an inmate who was already under disciplinary measures at the facility,” Mark Deburgomaster , NYSCOPBA western region vice president, in the press release. “As inmate advocates continue to call for a reduction in discipline for inmates, this is a perfect example of why those measures need to exist. Without significant penalties there will be nothing to deter unprovoked attacks like this from occurring.”
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