There was an inmate uprising.
The Collins Correctional Facility in Erie County, New York, was placed on lockdown after an early morning incident on Wednesday, in which inmates attacked three correctional officers. The altercation occurred around 1 a.m., when inmates took control of three dormitories and forced staff to leave. The situation escalated after some inmates attempted to check on another inmate who had two cell phones, leading to a confrontation. Although force was used, the situation was eventually de-escalated, and staff were able to regain control without any hostages being taken.
Following the incident, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) confirmed that no inmates were injured, and all staff and prisoners were accounted for and safe. Three correctional officers sustained minor injuries, according to union representatives. The lockdown was implemented as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of both the inmates and the staff. The facility is now under review after previous reports highlighted chronic staffing shortages.
A memo issued by DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello earlier in the week outlined changes due to ongoing staffing issues. Martuscello instructed facility managers to assess and possibly reassign staff roles to improve staffing levels. He noted that realigning posts could help address these shortages and create a better work-life balance for employees, ultimately making the facility safer.
Kenny Gold, vice president of the NYS Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), pointed out that the facility has been struggling with insufficient staff, which has led to frequent mandatory triple shifts. He expressed concern about the pressure this places on officers and their safety. The union has been advocating for more support to ensure better working conditions and improve the safety of the prison.
This recent lockdown follows several incidents at the facility, including a June episode where nine officers were injured and another in August in which 11 officers were hospitalized after exposure to a dangerous substance. The recurring incidents highlight the growing concerns over staffing shortages and the challenges of maintaining safety in correctional facilities.
