Nine officers were injured due to increasing violence at the Five Points Correctional Facility

The Five Points Correctional Facility in Romulus has seen an increase in violent incidents over the past two and a half weeks, with nine officers injured during seven separate altercations involving inmates, according to a report released Oct. 31. In these incidents, officers physically assaulted inmates, with one officer suffering a broken nose and several others sustaining injuries while trying to contain the disturbance.

The series of events began on September 27 when an inmate attacked another inmate and later lunged at responding officers. Despite orders to stop, the inmate continued his attack, leaving one officer with chest injuries. This initial altercation was followed by multiple incidents, including an attack on October 2 when an inmate refused orders to return to his cell, during which an officer was struck in the chest.

On October 4, staff had to administer Narcan to revive an unconscious inmate. After treatment, the inmate became combative and attempted to bite officers before being transported to Cayuga Medical Center for further care. Subsequent incidents occurred in the facility’s dining hall, classrooms and during routine patrols, with officers repeatedly injured as they intervened in fights and attacks. Notably, on October 10, an officer suffered a broken nose after an inmate with a history of violent crimes launched an unprovoked attack while on patrol outside his cell.

Kenny Gold, vice president of the Western Region, expressed deep concern about the escalating violence at Five Points. “The number of violent attacks at Five Points is staggering and there is no end in sight,” Gold said. He criticized ongoing staff shortages, mandatory overtime and a perceived lack of response from state leaders, adding: “Our members are suffering… When is enough, enough?”

The incidents at Five Points reflect the broader challenges facing New York prisons, highlighting the strain on staff and the increased risks they face every day.

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