Security measures at FCI Phoenix as prison staff conduct investigations.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons is investigating multiple employee illnesses at FCI Phoenix due to unknown substance exposure. Following a series of incidents involving staff members, the facility is on lockdown, and staff concerns heighten over safety. Despite thorough searches, no illegal substances were identified. The investigation aims to uncover the source of the substance and ensure the safety of inmates and employees alike, amid existing staffing challenges.
Phoenix – The Federal Bureau of Prisons is conducting an investigation after multiple employees at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Phoenix reported illnesses due to possible exposure to an unknown substance. This disturbing situation has resulted in a complete lockdown of the institution, raising serious safety concerns for staff and inmates alike.
The incidents, which began on May 8, occurred five times over the span of less than two weeks. The initial outbreak involved two employees who fell ill while conducting cell searches in a housing unit. Their distress notification radios alerted others to the situation, prompting immediate medical evaluation. Both employees received Narcan (Naloxone), a medication used to counteract the effects of opioid overdoses.
In the following days, additional cases of illness were reported, involving another two employees, including a member of the medical staff. The situation escalated when another employee, who had previously been exposed, required hospitalization after a fifth incident occurred.
In response to these alarming occurrences, the warden of FCI Phoenix ordered a comprehensive search of each housing unit to identify and eliminate any potential threats. However, despite thorough inspections, no illegal substances were discovered. This raises concerns that inmates may have disposed of any narcotics prior to the searches.
The nature of the unknown substance remains a mystery. Union president Loren Hogan suggested that it could be a narcotic comparable to fentanyl, a potent opioid that poses significant health risks. The inquiry is also examining how this substance managed to infiltrate the facility, as no clear source has been identified.
All employees who experienced symptoms were swiftly transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment, where they have since been released. The ongoing investigation, led by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, aims to ensure the safety and security of both staff and inmates at FCI Phoenix.
There are concerns regarding staffing at the institution, as FCI Phoenix is reportedly short-staffed. As a temporary measure, the prison has employed an “augmentation” policy to assign non-correctional officers to fill in correctional roles. This has raised alarms regarding the overall safety of the environment within the prison.
The safety and well-being of correctional staff became particularly crucial after an incident last summer when a correctional officer in a California prison died due to narcotics exposure from a letter. This tragic event highlighted the potential dangers faced by correctional officers and intensified discussions about necessary precautions and safety measures.
Moreover, morale among the staff at FCI Phoenix has reportedly declined due to the frequency of these exposure incidents. With repeated occurrences prompting fears for their safety, employees are advocating for enhanced resources and tools to protect everyone in the facility, including inmates and the surrounding community.
The investigation into the exposure incidents continues as officials seek to determine the source of the unknown substance and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. The Federal Bureau of Prisons is focused on ensuring a secure environment for all personnel and inmates at FCI Phoenix while addressing the pressing issues of staffing and safety within correctional facilities.
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