2 Correctional Officers Injured During Fights At State Prison In Cranston

CRANSTON, RI — Two correctional officers and prison inmates were injured in three fights Tuesday at the Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) in Cranston, according to the Rhode Island Department of Corrections and union officials with the Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers.

"There was a brief altercation among some inmates at the Intake Service Center earlier this morning, which required the facility to be temporarily placed on a restricted movement status for security reasons," state Corrections Public Information Officer J.R. Ventura said. "The facility has resumed regular operations. No serious injuries were reported. The matter is under investigation."

Union President Richard Ferruccio said the prison fights caused a lockdown.

"Assaults and violence have significantly increased at the ACI over the last several months as the result of failed changes in the inmate disciplinary policies initiated by Acting Director Wayne Salisbury," Ferruccio said.

Ventura refuted Ferrucio's claim that changes to disciplinary policy had any effect on the fight.

"The disciplinary policy changes that went into effect in August of 2023 are a result of litigation and mediation with the Federal Court," Ventura said. "The incident is not linked to any recent change in policy. Most of the altercations inside secure facilities, start in the streets and continue behind the walls; it’s a systemic problem our communities have had for decades."

Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.