A string of violent incidents at Five Points Correctional Facility left several officers injured and highlighted growing safety concerns inside the maximum-security prison.
One sergeant and five officers were hurt after a fight broke out in the mess hall during dinner on August 28. Two inmates attacked a third, ignoring staff orders to stop. Officers used OC spray to break it up, but one inmate stayed combative, requiring force to be restrained. After the fight, a plastic shank was found hidden under a trash can.
When officers tried to escort one of the inmates back to his cell, he resisted, punched one officer in the face, and bit two others, breaking the skin. While being restrained on a gurney, he spit in the eyes of two officers. Four were taken to Geneva Hospital for treatment after possible exposure to bodily fluids.
Rising tensions inside the prison
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Officials say the prison saw a wave of violence and contraband in recent weeks:
- Six weapons were recovered in hidden spots like mattresses and clothing.
- Six fights between inmates left some with slash-like injuries.
- A sergeant was hit with urine through a recreation gate.
- Two women were arrested after fighting in the visiting room. OC spray had to be used.
- A male visitor was arrested for trying to smuggle marijuana and drug-soaked paper.
- Three inmates overdosed and were revived with Narcan.
- A convicted murderer fought with officers while being processed into a Special Housing Unit.
- One inmate barricaded himself in his cell and later spit on an officer after a violent struggle.
In a separate case, a sergeant and five officers were injured when an inmate being moved to disciplinary housing bit several staff members. That sergeant required treatment at Thompson Medical Center.
Union calls for action
Kenny Gold, Vice President of NYSCOPBA’s Western Region, said the situation has reached a breaking point. He called on state lawmakers to amend the HALT Act, which limits the use of solitary confinement.
“It might sound like a broken record to continually call for the State Legislature to amend the HALT Act immediately,” Gold said. “But it is a record that we will continually sing regardless of their dismissive attitude to the violence and unsafe work environment that currently exists.”
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