Elmira , NY – Three officers needed outside medical attention for injuries sustained when several inmates attacked officers outside of a facility classroom at Elmira Correctional Facility last week.
The initial incident occurred on Wednesday, January 30, at approximately 1:45 p.m. An officer observed an inmate leave a classroom without permission. He confronted him in the hallway outside of the class and the inmate became belligerent and spit on the officer. He then punched the officer in the side of the face. The officer backed away and administered OC Spray to the inmate, which had no initial effect. A second officer arrived on the scene and used body holds to get the inmate to the ground and into mechanical restraints.
As that incident unfolded, a second inmate became disruptive in the classroom. He was removed from the class by another officer and ordered to the wall to be frisked. The inmate came off the wall and elbowed the officer multiple times to the chest. A brief struggle ensued until mechanical restraints were applied and the inmate became compliant.
A third inmate struck another officer in the face before being brought under control. A fourth charged at an officer outside of the class and was brought under control when OC Spray was applied.
Three officers were treated by medical staff at the facility and transferred to Arnot Ogden Medical Center. Two officers were treated for multiple bruises and abrasions. One officer was treated for exposure to blood.
Four additional officers sustained minor injuries and stayed on duty.
The inmates were placed in a special housing unit pending disciplinary measures.
“ Staff attacks continue to be one of the most troubling issues we deal with inside our correctional facilities. With changes in the disciplinary system, there is no real deterrent for inmates not to brazenly attack staff. In 2018 attacks on staff once again reached record levels. Our members will continue to be put in harm’s way unless there are significant repercussions for inmates who continue these unprovoked attacks .” – Joe Miano , NYSCOPBA Western Region Vice President.
