Multiple Officers Injured at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center

Multiple officers were injured in a violent incident at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center.

At a Glance

The incident occurred at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Lancaster, Massachusetts.
Two correction officers were stabbed, and three others injured on Wednesday afternoon.
The facility was placed on lockdown, and the road to the prison was blocked off.
The union had previously warned about homemade weapons fashioned from free tablets given to inmates.
The Department of Correction stated the facility is secure and an investigation is ongoing.

Officers Stabbed at Massachusetts Prison

Two officers were stabbed Wednesday evening at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Lancaster, Massachusetts, raising alarms about safety in prison facilities. According to reports, the attack occurred around 6:20 p.m. while two officers were performing routine rounds. Three additional officers were injured while trying to stop the attack.

Two officers received particularly severe injuries, with one being stabbed 12 times in the back and the other stabbed in the back of the head. The facility immediately went into lockdown, and the road to the prison remained blocked as the authorities began their investigation.

The investigation continues into a violent incident where two correction officers were stabbed and three others injured on Wednesday afternoon at the maximum-security Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center. https://t.co/ddmL0oTRaQ

— NBC10 Boston (@NBC10Boston) September 19, 2024

Concerns Raised About Prison Security

The union representing Massachusetts correctional officers has voiced consistent concerns about safety at the facility. Dennis Martin, the union president, has been vocal about the threats posed by homemade weapons fashioned from items like free tablets given to inmates. According to union sources, there have been numerous warnings to the Department of Corrections about the dangerous environment.

“This has been a systemic problem with this institution here and the prisons across the Commonwealth,” Martin stated. “They are unsafe … We’ve been pleading with the Department of Corrections to take action, asking for tactical resources to come in here. They have many resources to keep this prison safe for staff and inmates. It seems to be falling on deaf ears lately.”

Most recently, the union has called for specialized units to conduct thorough searches for weapons and contraband. Additionally, two state legislators, Sen. Peter Durant and Rep. Michael Soter, are calling for a full investigation into the incident. Despite these measures, there is a cry for more proactive solutions to prevent such violent outbreaks.

Ongoing Investigation and Future Actions

The Department of Correction has asserted that the facility is secure and an in-depth investigation is ongoing. They are working closely with the Massachusetts State Police and the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office. Interim Commissioner Shawn Jenkins emphasized the importance of safety for correction officers and promised a thorough security assessment and accountability for those responsible.

“Violence against DOC staff is unacceptable, and we will take the steps necessary to ensure those responsible are held accountable under the law,” said Jenkins. “Our Department will also conduct a thorough security assessment and review of protocols to ensure the safety and security of all who work and live at our facilities.”

More than 70 weapons have been seized, and there have been over 30 assaults on correction officers at Souza-Baranowski in just the last three months. The union and public officials are pushing for immediate, effective changes to ensure the safety of all stakeholders within the facility.

The union’s demands for tactical searches and better safety measures highlight the critical need for reform in prison management practices. With officers risking their lives daily, comprehensive action is required to protect both staff and inmate populations from future violent incidents.

“This isn’t an isolated attack here,” Martin said. “This is an attempted murder on a correction officer. This union is beyond displeased with the outcome of this. This is uncalled for. An attempted murder of a correction officer inside a facility.”