NY Prisons Face Chaos: Inmates Take Control, Corrections Officers Strike, and National Guard Deploys Amid Rising Tensions and Staffing Shortages – NY correctional officers face alarming injury rates: 2,070 assaults in 2024, 160 in 2025. The Goshen workers’ comp attorneys at Markhoff & Mittman, P.C. support injured prison workers, fighting for compensation and justice.
Inmates Seize Control of Three Dormitories, Officers Injured
A disturbance at Collins Correctional Facility in southern Erie County, New York, led to a lockdown on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, as inmates took control of three dormitories. At least three state corrections officers were injured in what officials described as “chaos” at the medium-security prison.
The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) confirmed the lockdown, stating that all staff and incarcerated individuals were accounted for and safe. However, they declined to provide further details about the incident.
Union Raises Concerns Over Prison Violence
James Miller, spokesman for the New York State Correctional Officers Police Benevolent Association, reported that inmates had control of three dormitories at one point during the disturbance. The union has been vocal about the increasing violence in state prisons, citing recent attacks on officers at other facilities.
In December, eight officers were injured in two separate incidents at Wende Correctional Facility. Last month, two officers required hospital treatment after an attack by female inmates at Albion Correctional Facility.
Prisoner Rights Group Warns of “Powder Keg” Situation
Jerome Wright, co-director of HALT Solitary Campaign, issued a statement following the incident, warning that New York’s prisons have become a “powder keg.” Wright criticized DOCCS leadership and staff for implementing policies that he claims are exacerbating tensions, including restrictions on care packages and visits, prolonged use of solitary confinement, and frequent parole denials.
Staffing Shortages and Workload Concerns
State Senator George Borrello linked the incident to ongoing staffing shortages in state prisons. He reported that state officials have instructed prison superintendents to treat 70% staffing as full staffing and to plan for permanent cuts.
Borrello expressed concern over the “unsustainable workload” placed on corrections officers, with some forced to work double or triple shifts to maintain minimum coverage. He described prison employees as being “stretched to the breaking point.”
As investigations into the incident continue, questions remain about the cause of the disturbance and the long-term implications for prison management and safety in New York State.
Alarming Rise in Correctional Officer Injuries
The recent unrest in New York’s prisons has brought to light the escalating dangers faced by correctional officers. According to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), there were 2,070 assaults on staff statewide in 2024, a significant increase from previous years. In the first two months of 2025 alone, 160 assaults on staff have already been recorded.
The severity of these incidents is concerning:
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630 assaults resulted in minor injuries
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48 assaults led to moderate injuries
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11 assaults caused serious injuries
These statistics underscore the urgent need for improved safety measures and support for correctional officers.
Markhoff & Mittman, P.C.
3 Hatfield Ln. #2b
Goshen, NY 10924
845-360-9931
Legal Support for Injured Correctional Officers
The prison accident attorneys at Markhoff & Mittman, P.C. are committed to standing beside correctional officers injured in the line of duty. Markhoff & Mittman, P.C. provides comprehensive legal support to injured correctional officers by assisting with workers’ compensation claims and exploring additional legal options, such as personal injury lawsuits. They work to hold negligent parties accountable for unsafe working conditions and ensure fair compensation for injuries sustained on the job.
For correctional officers facing the aftermath of workplace injuries, seeking experienced legal representation is crucial. Markhoff & Mittman, P.C. offers free consultations to discuss cases and guide officers through their legal options. By partnering with skilled attorneys, injured correctional officers can focus on their recovery while their legal team fights for the justice and compensation they deserve.
Source
Chaos Erupts at Collins Correctional Facility: Inmates Seize Dorms, Injure Officers
Brian Mittman, the Managing Partner and Owner at Markhoff & Mittman, P.C., embodies the spirit of "An Unexpected Legal Experience" in both his personal and professional life. With unwavering dedication, Brian tirelessly advocates for the rights of injured and disabled individuals in New York.
