New York City – Two correction officers at Rikers Island were assaulted in separate incidents on Monday, resulting in severe injuries to their faces and hands. The first attack occurred at the George R. Vierno Center around 1 p.m. when an officer tried to intervene in a gang fight involving about 10 inmates. Despite using pepper spray, the officer was struck by a food pan lid, leaving a deep gash on his hand that required four stitches.
In a separate incident at the Robert N. Davoren Complex around 6:15 p.m., a female correction officer was punched in the face by an inmate after using pepper spray. The officer suffered multiple facial and sinus fractures, along with a cut under her eye. The assailant, Tymirh Bey-Foster, is facing murder charges related to a 2020 shooting incident in Queens.
These attacks come amidst a concerning trend of violence against correction officers, with over 150 assaults reported since December 2023. The escalating violence has raised concerns among union officials, especially with the upcoming restriction on the use of solitary confinement in City jails scheduled to take effect in June.
While Mayor Eric Adams vetoed the bill restricting the use of solitary confinement, the City Council overrode his veto, leading to the impending changes in incarceration practices. Union President Benny Boscio expressed worries about the safety of officers and inmates alike, calling for the repeal of the legislation to protect everyone in the jails.
Rikers Island has a history of issues with solitary confinement, with the ban on 23-hour lockdowns in 2019 marking a significant shift in correctional practices. Despite reform efforts following the tragic death of former inmate Kalief Browder in 2015, concerns remain regarding the impact of the new restrictions on inmate behavior and staff safety.
Both officers involved in the recent attacks highlighted the challenges faced by correction officers in maintaining order and security in the facility. The incidents underscore the need for comprehensive measures to address violence and ensure the well-being of both inmates and staff at Rikers Island.
As tensions rise within the correctional system, officials are grappling with the balance between rehabilitation and punishment, with the safety of all parties involved hanging in the balance. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and risks associated with the management of a high-security facility like Rikers Island.