|
|
| Inmate Brawl Comes as Overcrowded Prison System Seeks Funding for New Units |
| By seattleweekly.com - Nina Shapiro |
| Published: 04/24/2013 |
|
The Department of Corrections is still trying to figure out what caused a multi-inmate brawl that caused four units at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla to be put on lockdown over the weekend. As many as 65 inmates participated in the Saturday night fight, making it one of the more notable such incidents in recent years, even though no weapons were involved, DOC Secretary Bernie Warner tells Seattle Weekly this morning. About 15 people were hurt, with injuries as serious as a fractured wrist. Among the questions the investigators are trying to determine is whether the fight was gang-related. Another obvious question bound to be asked by anyone familiar with the prison system of late: Could it have something to do with the crowded—and in some cases overcrowded—conditions? The DOC has closed three prisons in as many years, largely to save money. Among those shut down was the facility on McNeil Island, the last island prison in the country and one that housed 1,200 inmates. “This will save the most money without compromising the safety of our staff, the offenders and the public,” then DOC secretary Eldon Vail said at the time. Read More. |
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think