“I am deeply disturbed by the toxic chemical exposure that correctional officers and National Guard members recently suffered at Woodbourne Correctional Facility, and I’m appalled that this has happened repeatedly without effective countermeasures taken. In a single incident in January, 11 officers and eight nurses required emergency medical attention after exposure to an intoxicated inmate. I spoke with staff at Woodbourne and heard that several more officers and National Guard personnel suffered medical emergencies following a chemical exposure this past weekend.

“I have reached out to the governor’s office about implementing a permanent solution, but enhanced safety measures are needed now – not later. It should not take months to install scanners for people and items entering the facility or to implement enhanced security procedures for incoming mail. If we cannot keep our correctional officers safe, they cannot protect our communities.

“I have also spoken with Commissioner Martuscello of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and am pleased to report that legal mail scanning has been outsourced to a third party and placed on a fast-track implementation schedule. I appreciate his rapid response and approach that treats these incidents with the seriousness they deserve. In the meantime, however, each new day poses the risk that someone could become seriously ill or even die. We must remain vigiliant.”