By: Richard L. Smith
The start of 2024 has been marred by a troubling spike in assaults against State Correctional Police Officers in New Jersey, particularly at the Juvenile Medium Security Facility.
According to New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association Vice President Vincent Sherrier, in just two weeks, five serious assaults have been reported, each resulting in officers needing emergency medical attention.
On January 14, an officer was brutally attacked by a resident using food trays as weapons, followed by physical assault until the officer was numb.
January 28 witnessed two separate incidents: the first involving an officer being attacked by two residents while directing one to the shower, and the second, an officer spat upon and assaulted by a resident, resulting in forearm injuries.
The next day, January 29, another officer was struck multiple times by a resident after a shower.
William Sullivan, President of the New Jersey Policemen's Benevolent Association Local 105, expressed grave concern over these recurring violent incidents.
He strongly emphasized the urgency of the situation, calling on the Juvenile Justice Commission to initiate a thorough investigation and press criminal charges against the residents responsible for these attacks.
This string of assaults highlights the significant risks faced by correctional officers and the need for immediate intervention to ensure their safety.