The recent violent attacks on correctional officers in South Carolina, Florida, and other states have raised serious concerns about officer safety within the U.S. prison system. These incidents highlight the dangerous realities correctional officers face daily and the urgent need for systemic changes.
I recently interviewed a correctional officer who survived a violent attack by several inmates using a shank and a lock in a sock. To protect his identity, I will refer to him as Officer John Doe. His harrowing testimony sheds light on both the physical dangers of the job and the inner strength required to survive such an ordeal.
Testimony of a survivor
While working as a CERT Commander with a team of five, an officer called for assistance. His CERT team was assigned to other duties such as housing and transport due to staff shortages, so he responded to the call alone. Under normal circumstances, he would not have responded alone.
There were approximately 30 to 40 inmates on the floor, and one inmate was refusing directives. The unruly inmate pushed him, and he deployed his chemical agent. The inmate then struck him in the face. Another inmate attacked him from behind. He managed to get his back against the wall of the second tier.
By this time, one inmate was beating him with a “lock in a sock,” while another inmate stabbed him in the abdomen and twice in the head. Another officer was trying to save him as this incident occurred.
While being beaten and stabbed three times, he felt his adrenaline pumping and a very warm feeling over his entire body. The cross-contamination from the chemical agent blurred his vision. He could only think of two things: his wife and his unborn child. “It was like an out-of-body experience,” he said. “This is what gave me the strength and the willpower to escape the attack.” He broke free and somehow managed to get out of the dorm, instinctively heading toward the medical unit. However, he collapsed in the yard due to a punctured lung and blood loss.
“It was like an out-of-body experience. This is what gave me the strength and the willpower to escape the attack.”
The prison medical staff stopped the bleeding and stabilized him until an ambulance arrived to take him to the emergency room. He was admitted to the hospital as a level-five emergency and remained there until he could go home to his wife and unborn child. The housing unit officer was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the prison medical unit.
The inmates involved have been identified and are pending criminal charges.
The aftermath: Recovery and reflection
Officer John Doe shared that he has replayed the attack in his mind countless times. “I keep asking myself, ‘What could I have done differently? How could this have been avoided?’” While he acknowledges that short staffing is partly to blame, he expressed frustration with his agency’s vague approach to officer safety.
Despite the challenges, Officer Doe is thankful for the support of his family, friends, and coworkers. “Talking about the attack has helped a lot,” he said. He is currently focused on recovery and spending time with his family while reevaluating his future in corrections.
The fight-or-flight response
Adrenaline is a powerful survival mechanism that kicks in during life-threatening situations. It sharpens senses, increases heart rate and provides the energy needed to fight or escape. Here are some physical effects of the fight-or-flight response:
- Increased heart rate
- Faster breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Increased blood sugar levels
- Sharpened senses
- Temporary pain reduction
Inner strength, despite physical harm, can be the key to survival. The body may be bruised, but the spirit remains unbroken.
“Talking about the attack has helped a lot.”
Supporting officers after an attack
No officer should face the aftermath of a violent attack alone. Emotional support from coworkers, family, and friends is crucial for recovery. Correctional agencies must also step up by providing comprehensive mental health and wellness programs.
Officer John Doe emphasized how much it meant to him to have visitors at the hospital, ranging from fellow officers to the Director of Corrections. “That support was incredibly helpful for my mental recovery,” he said.
Recommendations for officer wellness
- Address staffing issues: Conduct work schedule analyses and ensure adequate coverage.
- In-house support: Provide access to nutritionists and implement exercise programs geared toward shift workers.
- Emergency hotlines: Create 24-hour hotlines for officers to seek help during personal crises.
- Mental health programs: Offer counseling and peer support groups to help officers process trauma.
A new type of inmate
Today’s inmate population includes a younger, more violent demographic, many of whom are gang-affiliated before incarceration. While discipline once acted as a deterrent, today’s policies often lack structure, allowing inmates to become increasingly dangerous.
Officers nationwide are raising concerns about the rise in inmate violence and asking how long these conditions can persist. How many more officers must be injured or killed before action is taken?
Recommendations for officer safety:
- Consistently apply inmate discipline policies, including loss of privileges and external charges.
- Conduct regular threat assessments for internal and external risks.
- Provide ongoing safety training for officers.
- Evaluate emergency response times and ensure security equipment is updated and maintained.
Fighting corruption
Even the best safety measures can be undermined by corruption. A few bad actors smuggling contraband into facilities put honest officers at risk. Drugs, weapons, and illegal cellphones not only threaten safety but also tarnish the reputation of the corrections profession.
Agencies must prioritize ethics training and educate staff on recognizing and reporting corruption. Fighting corruption is essential to saving lives and maintaining the integrity of the corrections field.
Conclusion
Officer John Doe’s testimony is a stark reminder of the dangers correctional officers face daily. His resilience and determination to survive highlight the importance of comprehensive safety measures, emotional support and systemic reforms.
Thank a correctional officer today for their dedicated service, and pray for their safety.
