Hamilton Correctional Annex, Florida: 100 Prisoners “Become Noncompliant”

Hamilton Correctional Annex, Jasper, Florida September 7, 2018 Staff mobilize security teams and law enforcement from the surrounding area to contain prisoners who “became noncompliant” on the recreation yard. News helicopters capture images of prisoners, dressed in white, in the yard confronted by a line of guards.

According to the Miami Herald, the disturbance comes in the midst of conditions of serious instability in the Florida prison system:

“The Florida Department of Corrections — the nation’s third-largest prison system — is grappling with a rise of gang-related violence and an epidemic of deaths involving synthetic marijuana, also known as K2. The past two years have each been the deadliest in Florida prison history. Total deaths this year are on track to possibly exceed 500 for the first time and with recent budget cuts by the Legislature, the problem is likely to get worse. The agency has a severe shortage of corrections officers who are often forced to work long shifts to keep the prisons at minimum staffing levels.”

One week later, approximately 10 prisoners at Columbia Correctional Institution in Lake City brawl on the prison yard with shanks. The fight leads to several prisoners being flown out in medical helicopters.

Citations:

“Florida officials say no ‘riot’ at prison in Hamilton County,” News 4 Jax, September 7, 2018.

“Florida inmates cause a disturbance — and more than 100 law officers respond,” Miami Herald, September 7, 2018.

“In latest clash, inmates with shanks brawl at Florida prison; several hurt,” Miami Herald, September 13, 2018.