Prison Incidents Raise Flag on Need for More Prison Guards

In the wake of this past weekend’s fighting incidents at two state prisons, the legislature must pass a measure that would increase the staffing levels at all of Connecticut’s correctional facilities. Three fights between inmates at the Enfield Correctional Institution in Enfield and one fight at the Osbourne Correctional Facility in Somers should send a message to the legislature that prison staffing levels need to be addressed during the current legislative session.

While there is no indication that these incidents are related, it does shed light on how difficult and dangerous the jobs of those who keep watch over our state’s prison inmates really are. That is why I have proposed legislation this year that would increase staffing levels at all of our state’s prisons. Connecticut’s prison population has increased in recent months, and we need to be certain that our corrections officers have the appropriate tools available to them to ensure safety. The absolute first step in that process is to make sure these facilities are adequately staffed.

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