Six correctional staff members were injured Saturday as officers scrambled to contain a violent inmate melee in the visitor area of Greene Correctional Facility.
The incident erupted on April 12 when one inmate suddenly attacked two others, igniting a fight that escalated into a chaotic scene involving 20 inmates. Chairs were thrown, punches exchanged, and one inmate attempted to retrieve a ceramic razor from the floor before being stopped.
The confrontation began shortly after visits concluded in the Special Housing and Residential Rehabilitation Units. According to a statement released by facility officials, the first inmate jumped from his seat and began fighting. A lieutenant in the visiting room immediately called for backup.
As the fight grew, officers worked quickly to subdue those involved. One inmate was taken down in a body hold and handcuffed after launching the initial attack. Others followed suit—some throwing chairs at fellow inmates and officers, others physically joining the brawl. OC spray was used effectively on one inmate. At one point, a third inmate emerged from the frisk area and attacked, striking an officer before being restrained.
Amid the struggle, another inmate threw a chair that hit a second officer. Officers also intercepted one inmate who was seen reaching for a ceramic razor on the floor.
All involved inmates were eventually restrained, removed from the visitor area, medically evaluated, and returned to their housing units. They now face internal disciplinary charges.
Staff injuries included knee, shoulder, elbow, hip, wrist, back, and hand trauma. All six injured staff members remained on duty after receiving medical treatment.
“These are extremely challenging times for staff at all state prisons following the non-sanctioned strike,” said Joe Horacek, NYSCOPBA Mid-Hudson Region Vice President. “It is a credit to those staff involved who suppressed the incident at Greene quickly and only sustaining minor injuries. With that large number of inmates in one area, who were already in specialized units for previous discipline infractions, it could have spiraled out of control quickly.”
Horacek added that until staffing levels are restored and institutional violence is addressed, such incidents are likely to continue.
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