Boston, MA — In response to recent incidents at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center, including a serious assault on corrections officers, the Massachusetts Department of Corrections urged for a cooperative effort with the union representing the officers to bolster safety measures. The interim Correction Commissioner, Shawn Jenkins, reached out to the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union with a detailed letter emphasizing the necessity of joint efforts to enhance security across state prisons.
The call for unity follows an attack last week that resulted in five officers being injured, one sustaining 12 stab wounds. This violent episode has stirred significant concern and debate regarding conditions within the facility, widely considered one of the state’s most perilous corrections environments. The department has partnered with the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, aiming to hold the responsible inmates accountable by pursuing criminal charges. These individuals have since been relocated to a different prison.
In light of these events, Jenkins announced that the department is undertaking a comprehensive security reassessment at Souza-Baranowski. This strategy includes daily searches to intercept contraband and unearth sources of manufactured weapons within the facility. As part of this intensified focus on security, additional specialized staff have been assigned to both day and evening shifts, a measure set to continue until a further evaluation on October 1.
Addressing concerns from the union about potential weapon fabrication by inmates using prison-issued tablets, the department reported minimal misuse. Out of the 4,650 tablets distributed to inmates aimed at aiding rehabilitation and reentry preparation, only 35 were found tampered with. Jenkins underscored the overall positive impact of these devices in advancing educational and rehabilative programs, which play a crucial role in reducing recidivism and fostering a stable environment.
Despite the union’s criticism that it had been excluded from critical safety conversations, Jenkins expressed his dedication to maintaining an open line of communication with union leadership. He acknowledged the importance of union insights in shaping safety policies directly impacting officer welfare.
During a press conference, Union President Dennis Martin conveyed the anxiety and fear among staff working in such a high-risk atmosphere and criticized the department’s prior disregard for their voiced concerns about safety. This dialogue underscores a crucial turning point, highlighting the necessity of strategic collaboration to ensure the security of both staff and inmates.
Moving forward, Jenkins remains hopeful about the collaborative process, reaffirming his commitment to prioritize the safety and confidence of corrections officers under his leadership. His outreach to the union seeks to foster a relationship based on transparency, collaborative problem-solving, and shared objectives to significantly advance safety protocols within the state’s correctional facilities.