CHEYENNE, WY - In contrast to national inmate assault averages, the Wyoming Department of Corrections (WYDOC) Investigations Unit announced a significant decline in violence between inmates since it began collecting data in October 2003. 

From October 2003 to June 2005, there were 4.2 physical altercations per month. From June 2005 to December 2005 the number of altercations fell to 2.5.  In the last six months, the average rate dropped to 1.3 incidents per month.

WYDOC Director Bob Lampert boasts, “The data trend is clear.  Wyoming prisons are safer than they have ever been, thanks to the efforts of our corrections professionals and the desire of our inmate population to live in a safe prison environment free from the fear of assault.”

The WYDOC first started collecting data on inmate safety in October 2003 pursuant to a remedial plan established by a court action filed on behalf of inmates by the ACLU.  Since then only 21 incidents have been investigated as involving possible premeditation.

“The vast majority of [confrontations] have been spontaneous fights,” added Lampert,  “I would say that an average of three fights per month in an incarcerated population comprised of our most aggressive and highest custody felons is a testimony to the state of corrections in Wyoming and the professionalism of our staff.”