Dear COBA Members,

On Friday, August 1st, at approximately 1027 hours, a radio alarm was activated for officers in need of assistance at Gatehouse #1, (D-Visiting Gatehouse) for a civilian causing a disturbance and refused to leave the complex.

As this civilian was being escorted to the parking lot, he became combative and aggressive towards the Officers, which required them to use OC spray, control holds and mechanical restraints to bring him under control and stop his continued aggressive behavior. The visitor was subsequently arrested and transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Both Officers sustained injuries, while in the performance of their duties and sought medical attention.

Thankfully, this incident happened while the Gatehouse was being staffed by two Officers and no staff sustained serious injuries. Had this incident taken place at a different Gatehouse, there would have only been one Officer, and the outcome could have been drastically different.

Immediately after the incident, I met with Commissioner Sposato and reiterated a long battle our Union has had regarding staffing “outside the facility” walls.

Currently, every post outside the facility walls is staffed by a minimum of two Correction Officers EXCEPT when Gatehouse #4 (on Carmen Ave.) is operational.

COBA always believed Gatehouse #4 posed the greatest threat to a single officer having two separate gates on either side and positioned right off Carmen Ave, leaving little time for reaction if someone decided to assault our staff.

I am happy to report that Commissioner Sposato agreed with all of these points and changed the staffing post coverage so that ANYTIME Gatehouse #4 is open, it now must be staffed by two Correction Officers with no other changes to the outside post coverage.

By making this change, EVERY fixed post assignment that the public has direct physical access to our Officers (Gatehouses, Hospital Posts, ER Runs, Inmate Transports) will be staffed with a minimum of two Correction Officers.

With this incident, we remind our members to always be vigilant when dealing with the public. What can seem to be a routine encounter, can turn bad without any notice or indications.

As always, we will continue to keep you updated on important developments that affect your safety.

Sincerely,

Pete Lilli

President