Milldale, CT, Nov. 1., 2018 – Rudy Demiraj, President of AFSCME Local 387, representing correction officers and other front-line staff throughout the Cheshire Correctional Complex, issued this statement regarding the escape and capture of an inmate:

 “The steady elimination of positions and reduction of staff presence within Connecticut’s prison system has left us more vulnerable to these types of incidents occurring,” Demiraj commented. “Initiatives enacted by the agency that allow for more leniency for inmates have also contributed to the increased risk facing our staff and our surrounding community.”

“Our jobs are dangerous and demanding. We understand that coming in. But we need to recognize the negative impact of cost-saving and inmate incentive programming on the safety and security of the staff and the public,” Demiraj concluded.