Spring Creek Correctional Center, Seward, Alaska
May 7, 2019
Approximately 62 prisoners barricaded themselves inside of their housing unit, Hotel Mod, and destroyed prison infrastructure. The Alaska Department of Corrections estimated that the riot caused $100,000 in damage to computer lines, cameras, interior glass, fire suppression systems, and plumbing.
According to corrections spokesperson Sarah Gallagher, the prisoners were protesting a newly-introduced 8 a.m. cell inspection.
The uprising lasted roughly 10 hours and required back-up from local law enforcement agencies as well as off-duty corrections officers. Responding officers used OC spray to put down the uprising. According to the prison, no staff or prisoners were injured.
Several corrections officers who spoke with media about the uprising reported being told to keep prison uprisings and protests secret in the past.
According to Must Read Alaska “several gangs were involved. The gangs were not battling each other but had joined forces to battle the institutional rules, officials said. Because of the sequence of events, officials are sure the riot had been planned.”
(Updated 5/13/19)
Citations:
“Media Release – SCCC Incident – 5.8.19“, The State of Alaska Department of Corrections, Sarah Gallagher, Public Information Officer, May 8, 2019.
“62-inmate Spring Creek prison riot causes $100K in damage“, KTVA, May 8, 2019.
“Dozens of prisoners riot at Spring Creek Correctional Center in Seward“, KTUU, May 8, 2019.
“The Latest: Alaska prison riot damage estimated at $100,000“, Associated Press, May 8, 2019.
“Seward residents with ties to Spring Creek Correctional Center say the prison has a mum culture“, KTUU, May 9, 2019.
