Violent Incident at Prison Sparks Urgent Safety Evaluation

At a Glance

Incident occurred at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Lancaster, Massachusetts, resulting in injuries to five officers.
Two officers received stab wounds; three others were injured while responding.
Union advocates and legislators call for stronger safety protocols and investigations.
Inmates involved have been moved to other facilities, and a thorough review is underway.

Details of the Incident

A critical situation unfolded at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center on Wednesday evening. Two correctional officers were performing routine rounds around 6:20 p.m. when inmates attacked, stabbing one officer 12 times in the back and another in the back of the head. The incident led to three additional officers sustaining injuries while trying to subdue the attacker.

All five officers were hospitalized, with four subsequently released. One officer remains in serious condition.

The prison is currently on lockdown, and the road leading to the facility remains blocked. Authorities, including the Massachusetts State Police and the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, are conducting rigorous investigations into the episode. The inmates responsible for the attacks have been transferred to other Department of Correction (DOC) facilities for further evaluation.

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

Safety Measures and Union Demands

The Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union has criticized the DOC for not heeding previous warnings about the potential dangers posed by homemade weapons constructed from items like tablets provided to inmates. Union President Dennis Martin highlighted the severity of the attack, labeling it as an attempted murder. Martin further emphasized the need for specialized units to conduct thorough searches for weapons and contraband within the prison.

Martin also urged state officials to authorize the deployment of tactical teams for thorough prison searches—a measure not implemented in over four years. Both Sen. Peter Durant and Rep. Michael Soter have already called for an independent investigation into the incident, expressing frustration over the DOC’s delayed actions and the rising violence against correctional staff.

Correction officers stabbed at maximum-security prison in Massachusettshttps://t.co/TZNv5RkmCQ

— WBZ | CBS News Boston (@wbz) September 19, 2024

Government and DOC Responses

Interim Commissioner Shawn Jenkins acknowledged the gravity of the incident and assured that the DOC would conduct an exhaustive review of security standards. Jenkins affirmed the DOC’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all personnel at Souza-Baranowski and other facilities under its jurisdiction. He promised accountability and highlighted that a comprehensive security assessment and protocol review had begun.

“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 in an official statement.

Governor Maura Healey echoed Jenkins’ sentiments, emphasizing the need to support both correctional staff and incarcerated individuals. The urgency for tougher safety measures has never been more apparent, given over 70 weapons have been confiscated and more than 30 assaults on officers recorded at Souza-Baranowski in the past three months alone.