Following MacDougall Incident, Staff Trauma Policies Being Examined

SUFFIELD, CT — In the aftermath of a correction officer being assaulted and seriously injured at the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution on June 10, members of the department's executive team and union representatives met, and agreed to "jointly examine policies and procedures related to staff trauma, mental health, and departmental response to assaults on staff members," state justice department officials said Tuesday.

The meeting was in response to an incident in which an "incarcerated individual" punched a Correction Officer in the face without warning, officials said.

The staff member was unconscious, sustained trauma to his head, and lacerations to his mouth and is being monitored as part of a concussion protocol, officials said. It was "originally mistakenly reported" that he had returned to work the following day, officials said without explaining the source of the report.

"However, the employee remains home, recovering from his injuries," officials said. "We remain committed to the overall health and well-being of our staff. The goal of both the union and management of the agency is to reduce the effects of direct, as well as indirect, trauma experienced by correctional staff members. The department will continue to review its policies and operational responses, making adjustments that support its overall objective of maintaining a safe and secure environment, centered on human dignity."

Added Acting Commissioner Sharonda Carlos, "Any assault on a staff member is serious. Trauma takes many forms, both seen and unseen. It is in all our best interests to work to minimize its effects."