The Five Points Correctional Facility in Romulus has seen a surge in violent incidents over the past two and a half weeks, with nine officers injured across seven separate altercations involving inmates, according to a report released October 31. In these incidents, officers faced physical assaults from inmates, with one officer suffering a broken nose and several others sustaining injuries while attempting to contain disturbances.
The series of events began on September 27 when an inmate attacked another inmate and later lunged at responding officers. Despite being ordered to stop, the inmate continued his assault, resulting in an officer sustaining a chest injury. This initial altercation was followed by multiple incidents, including an October 2 assault when an inmate refused orders to return to his cell, striking an officer in the chest.
On October 4, staff had to administer Narcan to revive an unresponsive inmate. Following treatment, the inmate became combative and attempted to bite officers before being transported to Cayuga Medical Center for further care. Subsequent incidents occurred in the facility’s mess hall, classrooms, and during routine pat frisks, with officers repeatedly injured as they intervened in fights and attacks. Notably, on October 10, an officer sustained a broken nose after an inmate with a history of violent offenses launched an unprovoked assault during a pat frisk outside his cell.
Kenny Gold, Western Region Vice President, expressed deep concern over the escalating violence at Five Points. “The number of violent assaults at Five Points is mind-blowing with no end in sight,” Gold stated. He criticized ongoing staff shortages, mandatory overtime, and a perceived lack of response from state leaders, adding, “Our members are suffering as a result…When is enough, enough?”
The incidents at Five Points reflect broader challenges faced across New York correctional facilities, highlighting the strain on staff and the increased risks they face daily.
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