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 inmate Luis Clark:

“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.”'

Clark escaped the Cheshire prison on the evening of Oct. 31 and was captured approximately 3 hours later, according to The Courant. Click here to read the story.

“Our jobs are dangerous and demanding," Demiraj added. "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."

In January, an inmate escaped from Carl Robinson Correctional Institution in Enfield, prompting AFSCME Local 391 to express concerns about safety and security. Click here for the news release.

Council 4 represents nearly 5,000 front-line Department of Correction employees from Locals 387, 391 and 1565.