Strikes by correctional officers in the winter were meant to bring about a change for safer conditions for those who work in the facilities overseen by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Judging from an incident late last month, dangers remain prevalent.

On May 27, an unknown substance was found at the Lakeview Shock Incarceration Facility in Brocton. It impacted a pair of inmates as well as staff members at the location this week.

Officials with the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision reported that two incarcerated individuals fell ill and each were given a dose of Narcan then transported to a local hospital.

Following the use of Narcan, security staff conducted a cell search and discovered an unknown substance. This triggered a number of staff and some nurses becoming ill and being transported to an outside hospital where they were all treated and released. Most returned to work the following day, a union official reported.

None of this is well and good. Much of what state Republicans perceive starts to look a lot like reality. Democrats are going soft on those serving jail time and facing criminal charges.

February’s action by the officers was supposed to be a wake-up call for state officials to understand how hazardous conditions are for those working in the prison system. After another incident, it appears as though little progress has been made.