Resolution calling for review on safety, security measures introduced by officials
State Reps. Michael Hanna, D-Clinton/Centre, and Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson, have introduced a resolution calling for a comprehensive review on the safety and security of staff and corrections officers in the commonwealth’s state prisons.
“It’s necessary that we take the proper steps to prevent inmate-on-staff assaults,” Hanna said, in a release recently issued by Snyder’s office. “In order to accomplish this, we need to require multiple stakeholders, members of the General Assembly and the Joint State Government Committee to review standards and procedures while determining better safety protocols and best practices related to the staffing and safety of corrections officers.”
“The staff and officers at our state prison facilities take it upon themselves to service our state in some of the harshest environments,” Snyder said. “They ask for little in return. The least we can do is review the safety protocols in hopes of providing them with the safety they deserve and need.”
The measure, H.R. 906, comes on the heels of the fatal assault of Sgt. Mark J. Baserman, who died of his injuries following an unprovoked attack earlier this year at the hands of an inmate currently serving a life sentence at the State Correctional Institute at Somerset.
Corrections officers must remain alert at all times while on the job, Hanna said, pointing to the escalated risks officers face while conducting cell searches and transporting inmates. He said it is during these times that corrections officers are the most vulnerable to attacks from inmates who possess handmade prison weapons.
“Corrections officers play a pivotal role within the prison system,” Hanna said. “Baserman gave his life to protect Pennsylvania from its most violent criminals, and it is time we put measures in place to ensure the protection of those who put their life on the line on a daily basis.”