The Division of Correction is rolling out a coverage to strengthen its means to “rapidly and effectively” tackle the dangers that correction officers face after they encounter “potentially hazardous or illicit materials” on the job.
The revamped “Unknown Substance Response Policy,” introduced Friday, comes months after a native jail guard was rushed to the hospital after being uncovered to a poisonous substance at MCI-Shirley in July.
Underneath the enhancements, workers and correction officers probably to first encounter unknown substances — these within the mail room, visiting room and admissions — are present process specialised coaching to “properly identify, handle, and manage” the supplies.
All correction officers are required to finish a web-based coaching module.
The division has additionally launched “state-of-the-art technology and new presumptive testing procedures to quickly identify potentially dangerous substances, facilitate real-time analysis and ensure appropriate emergency measures are taken when necessary.”
Public Security and Safety Secretary Terrence Reidy sees the up to date coverage as two-fold in underscoring the division’s dedication to “strengthening security measures” and “ensuring the safety and security of all DOC facilities.”
“As Public Safety Secretary and a former correctional officer, I am acutely aware of the dangers our officers face every day,” Reidy mentioned in a press release. “The health and well-being of DOC staff and those entrusted to their care is paramount.”
Officer John Connelly shared his “scary” story of being knocked unconscious and ending up within the hospital after being uncovered to a poisonous substance when attending to an unresponsive inmate of their cell on July 20.
The jail guard then regarded down on the inmate’s sock and noticed a bundle: A chunk of paper was wrapped in a sq.. Connelly opened it up, and believed it was artificial drug K2. He noticed some white residue and rapidly closed it up.
“It’s scary because it’s really affecting me pretty bad,” Connelly mentioned in an early August video, including he quickly headed to see his neurologist to schedule an MRI of his head. “I just break out in uncontrollable shakes sometimes.”
“It’s hard to deal with my mental health right now,” he mentioned, noting he acquired Narcan 4 instances through the incident.
The Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union, following Connelly’s hospitalization and a reported string of comparable incidents, urged the Division of Correction to implement an “exposure policy” for when officers are uncovered to artificial medicine and chemical substances, together with fentanyl and K2.
July’s incident was Connelly’s second publicity to poisonous substances whereas on responsibility, the earlier in 2018.
“I just wish we were more proactive on the drugs that are inside,” Connelly mentioned within the video. “We go to serve and protect every day. We put our lives on the line because it’s not only about our safety, it’s about the people, the inmates that live in the institutions around the state. Their families are trusting us to make sure that they do their time and they get out.”
State DOC officers have bought improved private safety gear to “keep personnel safe while responding to incidents or investigating the presence of illicit substances.” The coverage additionally contains new protocols for “isolating and containing suspicious materials to prevent the spread of harmful substances within the facility.”
“Keeping our staff and housed population safe and healthy is our top priority,” Interim DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins mentioned in a press release. “As the threat of illicit substances being secreted into correctional facilities continues nationwide, the DOC found it prudent to review and enhance existing policies.”
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