SCI-Greene guards have ‘bull’s-eye’ on backs, union says
WAYNESBURG – The union representing the state’s prison guards said the Greene County district attorney’s decision to not charge an inmate who stabbed a corrections officer last year will put a “bull’s-eye” on their backs.
Jason Bloom, vice president for the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association, asked District Attorney Marjorie Fox to reconsider her decision to forgo prosecuting the unidentified inmate, who stabbed the corrections officer nearly a dozen times Nov. 19 at State Correctional Institution-Greene in Franklin Township.
“I don’t believe this district attorney understands what she’s doing with my staff members. She’s blatantly painted a bull’s-eye on the corrections officers in the prison,” Bloom said. “You’re a lifer, you’ve been punished and the next you know, you act up inside an SCI facility and you get a free swing with no repercussions.
“I think it’s crazy.”
State police investigators this week said they decided against filing charges after speaking with Fox and the injured corrections officer. Police said the inmate’s life sentence for murder was a leading factor against filing charges since he will not be released from prison.
The corrections officer told Bloom in a conversation Wednesday charges weren’t filed because it was Fox’s “policy” on inmates serving life terms.
Fox declined to discuss the incident or why no charges will be filed.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to comment if I prosecute or do not prosecute,” Fox said.
Bloom said he wished Fox had reached out to the union to explain the reasoning. He said they have no immediate plans to contact her to discuss their concerns, although the union might eventually try to arrange a meeting.
The inmate used a shank to stab the guard in the pod area of the general population B-Block. The officer suffered 10 cuts and lacerations, most of which were superficial wounds, although one cut to the back of the head required stitches at WHS-Greene hospital. The guard subdued the prisoner and other correction officers were able to come to his aid to restrain the attacker.
Neither a motive for the attack nor the identities of the inmate and corrections officer has ever been released.
Bloom said district attorneys in other parts of the state have prosecuted similar cases. He added that correction officers at SCI-Greene have expressed unhappiness with Fox’s decision.
“Life is all about actions and reactions,” Bloom said. “I believe she doesn’t see my officers as first class citizens.”
Bloom said the injured corrections officer has recovered from his injuries but still has not returned to the position.
“When you have someone try to make a pin cushion out of you, tries to stab you, then you have to get your head right,” Bloom said. “It’s not a normal part of the job.”