DOC, Lawmakers Plan Meeting on Prison Safety

BOSTON — Lawmakers say they’ve got the Department of Correction’s ear after 66 representatives and senators wrote to Gov. Maura Healey this week asking for immediate action to improve prison safety in the wake of September’s attack at the Souza-Baranowski supermax facility.

The bipartisan and bicameral group of legislators, led by Central Massachusetts representatives Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik (D-Gardner), Sen. Michael Moore (D-Millbury), and Rep. Kimberly Ferguson (R-Holden), have called for a “commonsense approach” to address “recent upticks in violence, assaults, and illegal contraband” in correctional facilities.

“It has come to our attention that the routine use of DOC Tactical Response Units to execute comprehensive searches has become exceedingly rare in recent years,” wrote the 66 officials, including Senate Majority Whip Michael Rush (D-Boston) and House Minority Leader Bradley Jones Jr. (R-North Reading).

Five correction officers at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Shirley were injured and taken to hospitals after three inmates allegedly stabbed two officers and then attacked three others during a brawl on September 18, which was captured on security footage.

The first of three alleged assailants, Heriberto Rivera-Negron, was scheduled to be arraigned in Clinton District Court on October 10 on charges of mayhem, armed assault with intent to murder, and assault with intent to murder. Two other inmates, Jose Crespo and Jeffrey Tapia, were set for arraignment on the same charges on October 11 and October 15, respectively.

“In my opinion, and hopefully the opinion of everyone else who signed onto the letter, this is a comprehensive look at safety for everyone involved,” said Moore. “Not just for the correction officers, but also to protect the inmates. There have been some serious injuries that have occurred recently that haven’t been publicized, which I believe people are unaware of.”

Meanwhile, a group of inmates is advocating for changes of their own. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret Guzman certified a class action lawsuit in September, reported this week. This suit was brought on behalf of 150 Souza-Baranowski inmates alleging mistreatment by guards in response to an inmate attack that occurred in 2020. This lawsuit could prompt Prisoners’ Legal Services to seek changes to the policies of the Department of Correction.

In their letter, the legislators requested that Gov. Healey implement four specific changes immediately: regular tactical searches at all DOC facilities, especially at medium and maximum-security institutions that have seen an increase in violence, weapons, or illegal drugs; timely prosecution of inmates who assault correction officers, including under the Bodily Fluids Act; the creation of a task force by executive order to make additional recommendations to the DOC; and the establishment of monthly meetings to keep the lines of communication open between Public Safety Secretary Terrence Reidy and the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union.

Regarding the Bodily Fluids Act, state law addresses assaults by incarcerated individuals on prison guards using bodily substances such as blood, saliva, mucous, semen, urine, or feces, and lawmakers pointed out that prosecutions under this Act have not been pursued consistently enough to serve as an effective deterrent.

Department of Correction communications manager Scott Croteau indicated that DOC is currently reviewing the letter. Both Ferguson and Moore mentioned they have already received some communication from DOC in response.

DOC has invited lawmakers to a private informational meeting scheduled for next week. “It was in response to the letter, so we’re pleased about that—the fact that they took it seriously and would like to chat with us. We’ll go from there,” said Ferguson.

Moore expressed hope that legislators would be able to ask questions during the meeting to better define the next steps forward.

The correction officers’ union issued a statement expressing satisfaction with the support from the bipartisan group of lawmakers. “They recognize, as we do, the urgent need to protect our officers and everyone within our prison system. As the legislators mentioned in their letter, we cannot wait any longer; the time to act is now,” stated a union spokesperson.

Ferguson echoed concerns she’s heard from constituents who work in the prisons and their families regarding safety issues. “The message is clear: how much more has to happen? None of this should be happening. The extreme risks that they are exposed to are unacceptable,” the Holden Republican added.