Correction officers at two upstate New York prisons dealt with a series of violent incidents involving inmate assaults, homemade weapons, drugs, and contraband in recent days, according to the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association.
At Mid-State Correctional Facility in Oneida County, a sergeant was hospitalized Tuesday after officials say an inmate faked a medical emergency before assaulting staff inside the prison infirmary.
The union said staff members found the 23-year-old inmate lying unresponsive but breathing inside his dorm at the medium-security prison. After being transported to the infirmary for evaluation, the inmate allegedly admitted he had faked the medical condition to avoid returning to the dorm.
According to the union, the inmate became confrontational when a sergeant entered the room to escort him back. Officials said the inmate threatened staff, stood up, and punched the sergeant in the face before being restrained.
The sergeant suffered jaw swelling, pain, and a broken tooth, according to the report. He received treatment at the facility and later sought additional care at an outside hospital.
The inmate is serving a sentence tied to convictions in Oneida County after authorities said he attempted to run over two state troopers during a traffic stop in 2022.
Meanwhile, at Cape Vincent Correctional Facility in Jefferson County, correction officers reported recovering 10 homemade weapons, drug-soaked paper, and 26 gallons of homemade alcohol during a series of searches conducted throughout April.
The seized weapons included sharpened toothbrushes, altered can lids, weighted socks containing combination locks, and a ceramic razor, according to the union. One search alone uncovered seven makeshift weapons.
The searches came amid a string of violent altercations inside the facility. The union said 10 inmate-on-inmate fights occurred in dorms, bathrooms, and common areas, with several inmates suffering cuts and injuries requiring outside medical treatment.
One officer was also injured after an intoxicated inmate allegedly kicked him in the face while staff attempted to place the inmate in handcuffs. The officer was treated by prison medical staff and remained on duty.
Union officials used both incidents to renew criticism of New York’s HALT Act, arguing that prison disciplinary measures no longer provide enough deterrence against violence and contraband inside correctional facilities.
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