The American Federation of of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31, which represents 10,000 correctional workers at Graham, Vandalia and Taylorville Correctional Centers and other state lockups is expressing concerns about safety. Staffers demonstrated in front of Graham and Vandalia Thursday. The union says that state prisons are short-staffed; offenders increasingly abuse narcotic, synthetic, or toxic substances (and staff are increasingly exposed to these dangerous substances); and violent assaults on staff are too common.
AFSCME members are calling on the Department of Corrections to prevent illegal substances, enforce policies requiring clear consequences for offenders abusing substances or assaulting staff, and expedite hiring for safe staffing levels. “AFSCME members should not have to face violent assaults, illegal drugs and chronic staff shortages as common occurrences when just doing their jobs,” Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch said. “We demand that leadership of the Department of Corrections step up and do more to make this essential work safer.”
The IDOC has released a statement.
"The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) recognizes the difficult and challenging situations our facility staff face every day in their efforts to keep our state safe. We deeply value and appreciate the dedication and sacrifices of our frontline employees. Ensuring the safety of our staff, individuals in custody, and everyone entering our facilities remains our top priority. While we are actively exploring options to enhance safety, measures are in place to address potential risks associated with mail handling. IDOC has a Suspicious Substance Emergency Procedure in place, which outlines the steps to be taken if a suspicious substance is discovered. Additionally, we have intensified mail screening protocols, encouraged the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and deployed tactical units to conduct targeted facility searches. We are working closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois State Police, and medical experts to identify the cause of recent incidents and determine long-term solutions. These efforts are focused on improving safety while ensuring individuals in custody maintain essential communications and family connections. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders, including our labor partners, to ensure a safe and secure working environment for our staff. "
