The union representing a majority of workers in the state’s prisons claims understaffing contributed to a pair of recent problems in southwest Iowa. AFSCME Iowa Council 61 issued a statement saying two correctional officers were physically assaulted by an inmate in a special needs unit at the Clarinda Correctional Facility on Sunday and one of the officers was taken to a hospital.

The union claims the facility in Clarinda is “dangerously understaffed” and eight positions were eliminated there in June.

Clarinda Correctional Facility

According to AFSCME, a lack of proper staffing contributed to another incident two weeks ago involving two inmates who smoked synthetic marijuana brought in by a visitor.

(Radio Iowa)

Here’s the full statement/News Release from AFSCME:

AFSCME Iowa Council 61 President Danny Homan issued the following statement regarding the Sunday evening assault on two correctional officers by an inmate at the Clarinda Correctional Facility:

“On Sunday, August 21, 2016, two correctional officers were physically assaulted by an inmate in a special needs unit. While one of the injured officers continued to work, the other had to be driven to the hospital, leaving only three available staff to respond to any incidents at the facility.

“Two weeks prior, another incident took place involving two inmates acting erratically after smoking synthetic marijuana (K2, spice) that was brought in during visitation. Anything that doesn’t set off a metal detector can come into the facility because officers are no longer allowed to pat-search visitors. It’s up to one officer to monitor 40 inmates during visitation, so it wasn’t a big surprise that this situation occurred.

“Ultimately, Clarinda Correctional Facility, just like all of our correctional facilities in the state, is dangerously understaffed and officers’ lives are being put at risk. These recent events are further proof of that. Not only are open positions not being filled, but eight positions were eliminated entirely in July. Clarinda Correctional Facility and the Department of Corrections are trying to increase services with fewer staff, and something’s got to give. Safety has to be a priority, both for inmates and staff. These conditions are a disaster waiting to happen.”

STATEMENT FROM IOWA DEPT. OF CORRECTIONS:
On August 21, 2016 there was an assault on two correctional officers at the Clarinda Correctional Facility during a cell search. Both officers received facial injuries. One of the assaulted officers was transported to local hospital for treatment.

There are incidents where staff encounter and respond that can result in threats and injury. The Department will continue to attend the needs of the injured officers and commends all responding staff for their prompt and excellent response to protect fellow officers and prevent any further harm. The Department will continue to ensure that Correctional Officers and staff receive proper training to protect themselves and co-workers under these difficult circumstances.

Fred Scaletta, Department of Corrections