US prison on emergency lockdown as inmates refuse orders.
Minnesota Prison on Emergency Lockdown After Inmates Refuse Orders
A Minnesota prison has recently faced a situation involving approximately 100 inmates in one housing unit who refused to return to their cells. This act of “self-preservation” occurred amidst dangerously high temperatures in the region, according to a former inmate. However, the situation was resolved peacefully and without incident, as reported by the Department of Corrections.
The incarcerated individuals expressed dissatisfaction due to the facility’s understaffing, which resulted in limited time outside of their cells. Advocates outside the prison, including those with family members inside, highlighted the inmates’ frustration with the excessive heat, lack of air conditioning, and restricted access to showers and ice during lockdowns over the past two months.
The prison, located in Bayport, approximately 25 miles east of Minneapolis, was under an afternoon heat advisory with temperatures nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Unsafe Conditions and Impromptu Response
Marvina Haynes of Minnesota Wrongfully Convicted Judicial Reform, whose brother is an inmate at Stillwater, received calls from inmates starting early in the morning. David Boehnke of Twin Cities Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee confirmed that the inmates decided not to return to their cells that morning.
The Department of Corrections acknowledged that the inmates had been on lockdown due to the holiday weekend, resulting in limited access to showers, phone use, and recreation. The facility remains on lockdown, and all inmates have returned to their cells.
Bart Andersen, the executive director of the union representing Stillwater’s correctional officers, stated that this incident reflects chronic understaffing within the Minnesota Department of Corrections. Inmates become upset due to restrictions on program and recreation time when there aren’t enough security staff to ensure the facility’s safety.
Haynes, Boehnke, and Cathy Stroud Caldwell emphasized that the inmate action was an impromptu response to unsafe conditions, including access to allegedly brown-colored drinking water. The Department of Corrections refuted these claims, stating that they are false.
Haynes expressed the hope of meeting with officials to discuss the inmates’ living conditions and find solutions for the future.
Concerns for Prison Populations
Intense heat waves across the country have raised concerns for prison populations, particularly those in poorly ventilated or air-conditioned facilities. In response to the emergency lockdown, two correctional officers remained in a secure control area, maintaining contact with facility staff. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
A crisis negotiation team and the Special Operations Response Team were deployed as a precautionary measure. The facility currently houses around 1,200 inmates and was constructed in 1914.
Kevin Reese, founder of the criminal justice organization Until We Are All Free, described Stillwater as a “pizza oven” during the summers. Having been incarcerated there from 2006 to 2009, Reese highlighted the lack of air conditioning and central air, stating that the walls would sweat.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
The post US Prison Put on Emergency Lockdown After Inmates Begin Refusing Orders appeared first on The Western Journal.
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