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| N.Y. Jail Officers Protest Work Conditions |
| By Newsday |
| Published: 02/03/2003 |
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Nassau correction officers staged what county officials called a work delay at the East Meadow jail Wednesday, complaining they feel unsafe because the county has failed to protect officers by isolating inmates with serious behavioral problems. About 70 day-shift officers took 40-45 minutes in the morning to change shifts with the night crew, instead attending a union meeting to complain about inmates' treatment of officers. They met Sheriff Officers Association president Michael Adams, who represents about 1,000 jail workers. Though the night crew stayed on the job, the day officers' absence led officials to order the inmates' nightly lockdown to be extended by an hour. County Executive Thomas Suozzi ripped union officials and said he would take action to discipline and fine union officials involved in the delay. 'The job action is illegal, it puts inmates and officers at risk,' Suozzi said. 'They are hired to uphold the law, not violate it.' Adams denied that officers participated in a work delay, which under state law is illegal. 'They stayed at the lineup a little longer. But no one on the night shift will put in for overtime,' Adams said. 'They wanted some answers to safety concerns.' According to county and union officials, the officers were angered that an inmate at the jail spat at a correction officer Monday. Union officials said they have complained repeatedly to county officials that inmates often throw feces and urine at officers. If the inmates who do such things are not arrested or removed from the general population, union officials said officers lose respect among inmates, putting them at risk. The spitting incident came after inmates used batteries from a radio and burned sheets, milk cartons and other flammables to set four fires in cell blocks on Saturday. Seven inmates were charged for their roles in that, jail officials said. It is still not clear what prompted them to start the blazes, they said. Sheriff Edward Reilly said the inmate who spat on the officer was arrested. He said he plans to meet with state prison officials today for approval to create a 'behavioral management unit' that would isolate inmates who commit such violations. |
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