The growing crisis in New York’s prison system intensified after a convicted rapist attacked a female officer at Mid-State Correctional Facility, highlighting what corrections officers say are dangerously low staffing levels and increasing violence behind bars. The assault comes amid ongoing strikes by corrections officers across the state, who are protesting unsafe working conditions and staffing shortages.
According to officials, the attack occurred on February 13 when a 29-year-old inmate serving a 14-year sentence for rape and burglary suddenly ran up to the officer and punched her in the face without provocation. The officer, who was overseeing a medication run, called for backup as the inmate fled. A responding sergeant confronted the inmate outside, but the man refused orders to surrender. OC spray proved ineffective, and the sergeant had to physically subdue him with assistance from another officer.
The officer suffered bruising and swelling to her face and jaw, while the sergeant sustained abrasions and swelling to his hands and knees. Both remained on duty after receiving medical treatment. The inmate, who was convicted in 2014 for breaking into a woman’s Manhattan apartment and assaulting her while delivering pizza to a neighbor, is eligible for parole in May.
Union leaders say this attack is part of a worsening trend of violence against prison staff. “In five years, assaults on staff have doubled. Inmate-on-inmate assaults have tripled,” said Bryan Hluska, Central Region Vice President. He warned that without major changes to prison policies, officers will continue to leave the profession, exacerbating the already dire staffing crisis.
Corrections officers across New York have been staging protests and strikes, demanding increased staffing and tougher consequences for violent inmates. Many blame recent bail and sentencing reforms for making prisons more dangerous. “No wonder recruiting new officers is so difficult,” Hluska added. “Why would you want to subject yourself to these risks every day?”
As tensions rise, corrections officials and state leaders face mounting pressure to address the crisis before the situation worsens further.
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