NCJ Number
149253
Date Published
1994
Length
51 pages
Annotation
The Unusual Incident System of the New York State Department of Correctional Services maintains information on incidents that occur within New York's correctional system, and data indicate that 7,263 unusual incidents occurred during 1993.
Abstract
The rate of unusual incidents was 114.1 incidents per 1,000 inmates. The annualized rate of unusual incidents was 191.8 incidents per 1,000 inmates at maximum-security facilities, 83.2 at medium-security facilities, 39.7 at minimum-security facilities, 46.2 at minimum shock facilities, and 61 at minimum camps. During 1993, 378 inmate deaths were reported, including 10 suicides, 24 homicides, and 19 accidental deaths. Two suicides, 21 homicides, and 11 accidental deaths occurred while the inmate was in the community on temporary release. Two correctional staff persons died from natural cases. Inmates used a weapon in 35.8 percent of all unusual incidents. Inmate assaults on staff totaled 997; the annualized rate for all correctional facilities was 15.7 incidents per 1,000 inmates. Inmate assaults on staff totaled 1,321; the annualized rate for all correctional facilities was 20.7 incidents per 1,000 inmates. About 10 percent of staff involved in unusual incidents sustained at least a minor injury. Force was most likely used by staff when inmates assaulted staff and when inmate behavior was disruptive. Most unusual incidents occurred in housing units. Inmate attacks on staff usually occurred either in cell blocks or in special housing units. The method used to calculate annualized rates is described in an appendix. 10 tables and 10 figures