A troubling trend is on the rise in correctional facilities across New York state. Since late March, the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association Inc. has noted a growing number of staff members that are being injured in attacks.

Four such incidents were reported in the last month in Collins as well as other assaults at locations in Malone, Albion, Otisville and Fishkill. The four Collins incidents that took place led to minor injuries to eight officers.

Even more worrisome is the assaults that occurred were all linked to inmates who were under the influence of alleged drugs.

“As anyone can see with these incidents at Collins Correctional Facility, dangerous drugs are still getting into the hands of inmates and that directly causes a serious safety concern for staff when inmates are under the influence and violent,” said Kenny Gold, NYSCOPBA Western Region vice president. “Seven officers and one sergeant injured in one facility alone where inmates were under the influence is unacceptable. (During a recent Sunday), staff quickly quelled a potentially violent disturbance involving several inmates that were on drugs in one of the dorms and thankfully there was no further incident.”

According to the Mid Hudson News, which covers the Hudson Valley and Catskill region, the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision reports that since the HALT Act was enacted on April 1, 2022, there were 3,113 total assaults recorded in New York’s correctional facilities.

The Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act restricts the use of segregated confinement and creates alternative therapeutic and rehabilitative confinement options; limits the length of time a person may be in segregated confinement and excludes certain persons from being placed in segregated confinement. It appears though well intentioned by overly good-hearted state lawmakers, the impact on the health and wellness of those overseeing the facilities has been overlooked.

“It’s unfathomable that the New York State Legislature refuses to acknowledge what is clear to those of us who live and work in our prisons,” NYSCOPBA President Michael Powers said. “The HALT Act has made the prison environment extremely dangerous for both staff and the incarcerated community alike.”

Worsening violence could ultimately take a toll on the numbers statewide for corrections officers who are already concerned about low staffing levels. That does not bode well for the justice system, which appears to be in constant losing battle with politicians.