Amid rising concerns, prison guards are facing health risks from exposure to potent street drugs, sparking calls for stronger safety protocols and state action.
State prison guards are increasingly facing health risks due to exposure to dangerous street drugs like fentanyl, prompting calls for increased safety measures. Senator George Borrello (R-Jamestown) has issued a statement urging Governor Kathy Hochul to address the growing problem, citing recent incidents in Chautauqua, Oneida, and Franklin Counties where dozens of corrections officers have reportedly become ill in the past three weeks.
The issue isn’t confined to state prisons. Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard confirmed that the Steuben County Jail in Bath previously faced similar challenges. Guards became sick after handling mail containing drugs. Sheriff Allard explained that the Bath jail division successfully mitigated the risk by implementing a new protocol. This involved requiring guards to wear gloves and open mail in a well-ventilated room. The union representing corrections officers is now pushing for similar measures to be adopted statewide to protect its members.
