Anniversary of Attica Riot Raises Concerns For Prison Safety, Procedures

ALBANY, NY (09/12/2013)(readMedia)-- The top leaders of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) walked through the corridors of the Attica Correctional Facility in Wyoming County this week. They were reminded of the causes which led to the nation's deadliest prison uprising that began September 9, 1971, and ended four days later after 43 people were killed as a result of the Attica riot.

"PEF is concerned that history may repeat itself as conditions at Attica Correctional Facility are effecting the services and safety of both the staff and inmates," said PEF President Susan Kent. "We met with our members and were told in 1971, when the facility was fully-staffed, a correction counselor had a maximum case load of 125. Now, the prison is understaffed, has a population of 2,134, and the case loads have risen to 300 per counselor."

The union's leaders learned of several problem areas, such as inmates seeing counselors in their offices without a corrections officer present. Counseling used to be done in a general population area that was secured.

"Counselors are now required to question inmates using a computer-based formula. Our members, who are trained and experienced professionals, realize the services are being diminished. The inmates are no longer able to deal with their issues on a personal level, and that ignites feelings of frustration and hostility," Kent said.

Union leaders said the state's merger of the Department of Corrections and Division of Parole has only caused problems, and that the union will continue to monitor and challenge the changes affecting its members and the rehabilitative inmate programs. As a result of the merger, a new title was created combining the duties of a parole office and corrections counselor. This title also has diminished services and created a situation where staff are not properly trained to perform the expanded duties outlined by this new title.

The Alcohol Substance Abuse Treatment (ASAT) is one example where inmates cannot complete the program and satisfy the parole requirement due to limited staffing, and the implementation of computer-based questioning.

"Most of these inmates will return to their communities. To keep neighborhoods safe, the inmates need proper rehabilitation now, so they can make the transition back into society without repeating their crimes," Kent said. "PEF has expressed its concerns to Attica's Superintendent Mark Bradt. PEF is equally concerned with all the cutbacks, from nursing staff, other health care providers to teachers."

PEF represents approximately 56,000 professional, scientific and technical employees of New York state and other public and private employees. The union represents nearly 100 members in various titles who work at Attica CF. For more information, contact John Murphy at 1-800-342-4306 ext. 299.