Emergency Response at Riverview Correctional Facility Sparks Concerns
Heavy Emergency Response Deployed to Ogdensburg Facility
OGDENSBURG, New York – At around 3 AM on Thursday, a major emergency response was dispatched to Riverview Correctional Facility, situated near Ogdensburg. The issue revolved around difficulties in managing inmates, prompting the activation of several state agencies.
Among the responding agencies was the New York State Corrections Emergency Response Team (CERT). According to 7NEWS, troubles began around 11 PM on Wednesday, escalating to a level necessitating a significant police and corrections presence.
Prison Entrance Blocked, Local Alerts Issued
The entrance to Riverview Correctional Facility was cordoned off by Ogdensburg City Police, who also brought in additional officers to bolster security measures. Given the circumstances, the local hospital also heightened its alert status and mobilized extra staff to prepare for any potential medical emergencies.
For more information on how the hospital responded, see the related article: Prison Emergency Puts Hospital on Alert.
Staffing Shortages Fueling Concerns
The incident at Riverview Correctional Facility highlights the underlying issues affecting correctional facilities statewide, namely severe staffing shortages. Some corrections officers have been pulling single shifts lasting up to 20 or 30 hours, a situation that exacerbates the problems faced by prison staff.
These conditions have led to illegal strikes by corrections officers across various prisons in New York State. However, the strikes are not authorized by the prison workers’ union and have been condemned by the Governor. She emphasized that these unauthorized stoppages put both workers and inmates in danger, stressing the importance of fulfilling job responsibilities.
Recent History of Prison Emergencies
This latest event comes on the heels of similar issues at Collins Correctional Facility in Buffalo. A week prior, that prison went into lockdown after inmates took control of three dormitories, a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the correctional system.
These series of incidents underscore the need for adequate staffing and support to ensure the safety and security of correctional facilities.
Developing Story
7NEWS will continue to monitor and report on the situation at Riverview Correctional Facility, providing updates as they become available. The story continues to evolve, and critical information is expected to unfold in the coming days.
Engage with Our Report
Your thoughts and feedback are valuable to us. Whether you have additional information to share or perspectives on these events, please feel free to leave a comment below. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more in-depth reports and coverage of breaking news.
We invite you to share this article on your social media platforms to reach a wider audience and spark important discussions about prison safety and staff support.