By Police1 Staff
TRENTON, N.J. — Unions in New Jersey have called on county prosecutors to bring charges against inmates in a recent string of attacks against officers.
NJ.com reported that several officers have been attacked recently and the amount of inmates who think it’s acceptable is growing the longer attackers go unpunished.
“This is not an accident,” Assemblyman Daniel Benson said. “These are crimes being committed against these employees.”
Four COs recounted their violent attacks at the Policemen’s Benevolent Association Monday.
Officers Travis Stevens and George Mack were each overpowered in separate incidents by defiant inmates. Officer Todd Feuster had his jaw wired shut after he was ambushed and knocked unconscious. Officer Andrea Berry had her face pummeled by a prisoner and was left with severely injured eyes.
The state’s corrections workers union also asked legislators to restore benefits to COs injured on the job. Currently, COs injured while at work are only eligible for worker’s compensation and receive only a portion of their regular salary with a large reduction in benefits.
The union pointed out that police officers in the state receive full pay and benefits following such injuries. The law for COs was slashed in 2011.
A new bill (A2347) introduced to state legislature is aimed to restore benefits in such injuries. Benson told the publication attacks should be treated the same way as a workplace slip-and-fall.
The bill was approved by the Senate but did not get a vote from the Assembly which means it will have to move through both houses again.