A correctional officer at Waupun Correctional Institution allegedly received injuries as a result of an inmate-on-staff assault the evening of November 24, according to Wisconsin Department of Corrections communications director Tristan Cook.
The injured staff member was transported to the hospital and DOC has referred the incident to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, according to Cook.
"The DOC is fully committed to the safety, security, and wellbeing of staff at DOC correctional facilities," Cook said. "As part of this effort, DOC conducts a review of significant incidents to identify potential improvements to department and institution policies and practices."
This is at least the seventh attack on prison guards in just a few months. Previously, there have been multiple attacks at the Green Bay Correctional Institution including stabbings, assaults and a case of an inmate throwing scalding hot water on guards this past July.
In October a guard at the Oshkosh Correctional Institution was also stabbed and survived.
"I've talked with a number of correctional officers and I know Senator Hansen and others have had similar meetings and there is real worry, real fear on the part of these correctional workers that they're putting their lives at risk every day when they're going into our prisons across the state and we need to step up for them," said Democratic Representative Eric Genrich of Green Bay.
Representatives on both sides of the aisle are working together to come up with a solution to fix the reoccurring attacks.
Republican Representative from De Pere Andre Jacque says he plans to introduce a bill that would help stop these attacks.
“I am deeply saddened by the increasing frequency of attacks on those who protect our community, including yesterday’s assault at Waupun Correctional Institution. These events are personal to me, as one of my cousins who worked as a prison guard was attacked and severely injured by an inmate. As I announced earlier this year, I will be introducing “Protect Our Protectors” legislation in the upcoming legislative session which will expand penalties for criminals who target those who have put themselves in harm’s way to protect our country and our communities from criminals and enemies at home and abroad. Specifically, the bill will expand the list of persons who can be a victim of what is commonly known as a “hate crime” to include law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and active duty or former military personnel. I have spoken with Gov. Walker about my proposal and am grateful for his support.
In response to the incident the Department of Corrections says they are looking into what happened.
The Waupun Correctional Institution has been placed on a temporary lockdown while the incident is investigated.
No further information is available at this time.
