Tecumseh State Correctional Institution, Johnson County, Nebraska
March 22, 2019
One staff member was stabbed and kicked by two inmates after a door was mistakenly opened, according to a news release from the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. The staff member was escorting an inmate back to his cell at approximately 6:30 p.m. Thursday night when a door was mistakenly opened allowing a second inmate to attack the staff member with a homemade weapon. The first inmate then delivered multiple kicks to the staff members head.
The staff member was taken to Johnson County Hospital where he received stitches and was released.
Gary Young, attorney for the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 88, which represents the prison guards at Tecumseh, told reporters that the union is pleading for help from the state to address dangerous conditions at the prison.
“The situation is no better now than it was (at the time of the 2015 Mother’s Day riot), and it’s likely worse,” Young said. “Corrections officers who work there will tell you that it’s worse. More dangerous.”
According to Young, the assault at Tecumseh occurred because of inadequate training of corrections officers resulting from dangerous levels of understaffing in the three main prisons in Nebraska. He also pointed out the lack of stab-resistant vests for officers.
(Updated: 4/1/19)
Citations:
“TSCI staff member treated for injuries resulting from assault“, News Release, Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, March 22, 2019.
“Inmates’ Attack Sends Tecumseh Staff Member To Hospital“, Sandhills Express, March 22, 2019.
“Two inmates assault staffer at Nebraska’s Tecumseh state prison“, KETV 7, March 22, 2019.
“Staffer stabbed, kicked at Tecumseh prison” Lincoln Journal Star, March 22, 2019.
