NCJ Number
233471
Date Published
August 2010
Length
45 pages
Annotation
This report presents data on "unusual incidents" that occurred in New York State correctional facilities from January through December 2009.
Abstract
"Unusual incidents" are events that disrupt or affect facility operation and are reported by telephone to the Department of Correctional Services (DOCS) Communication Control Center and entered into the computer system via terminals at the correctional facilities. There were 5,854 unusual incidents during January-December 2009. The annual rate of unusual incidents was 98.4 incidents per thousand inmate population. The rate of unusual incidents was highest in maximum-security facilities (147.5 incidents per thousand inmate population). Medium-security prisons had a rate of 60.3; minimum-security, including work-release facilities had 113.9 unusual incidents; shock incarceration facilities, 33.9; and camps, 65.8. Weapons were used by inmates in 26.1 percent of unusual incidents. A total of 141 inmate deaths were reported in 2009, including 10 suicides, 2 homicides, and 126 deaths from natural causes. There were 567 inmate assaults on staff in 2009 and 603 inmate assaults on other inmates. Most unusual incidents were resolved without injuries to staff. DOC's employees used force in 13.8 percent of unusual incidents in 2009. Extensive tables