Inmates on Rikers Island have once again assaulted correction officers, highlighting the ongoing issue of violence within the prison. Two separate attacks occurred on Monday, leaving the guards with severe injuries. The first attack took place in the George R. Vierno Center when an officer attempted to break up a gang fight between approximately 10 inmates. Despite using pepper spray, the inmates continued to brawl, and the officer ended up with a deep cut on his hand from a flying food pan lid.
The second incident occurred in the Robert N. Davoren Complex when a female correction officer sprayed an assailant with pepper spray after giving him a direct order to stop. However, the spray had no effect, and the inmate punched her in the face, causing her to lose consciousness. Other officers intervened and restrained the attacker, who is allegedly a gang member being held on murder charges. The female officer suffered multiple facial fractures and a cut under her eye.
These attacks add to the growing number of assaults on correction officers in recent months. Since December 2023, there have been approximately 150 attacks on officers, including slashings, stabbings, spitting incidents, and sexual assaults. The situation is expected to worsen with the impending restriction on the use of solitary confinement as punishment for violent offenders.
Union officials argue that separating the most violent inmates from the general population would help mitigate the risk of attacks on officers. They believe that allowing these offenders to be isolated for longer periods would prevent them from harming others. However, a new law will limit the use of solitary confinement, only allowing isolation for four hours at a time. The law aims to provide inmates with more access to programming and reduce the negative effects of prolonged isolation.
Rikers Island has a troubled history with solitary confinement practices. After the suicide of former inmate Kalief Browder in 2015, reforms were put in place to stop using solitary for juvenile inmates. However, union officials argue that the city’s ban on 23-hour lockdowns has led to an increase in assaults on officers. They call for the repeal of the legislation to protect the lives of everyone in the jails.
The safety and well-being of correction officers should be a top priority. With the rising number of attacks, it is clear that more needs to be done to address this issue. Balancing the rights and needs of inmates with the safety of officers is a complex task. However, finding alternative solutions to solitary confinement and implementing stricter consequences for inmate assaults are necessary steps to create a safer environment for all.
