Things began returning to normal Tuesday at the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility as staff returned to work, a day after what management called "a coordinated sickout" caused the prison to be locked down.
Acting Corrections Director Basil Richards, who is also warden of Golden Grove, said Tuesday he had 100 percent schedule coverage.
“Today the facility is approaching normalcy, with all scheduled personnel and correction officers reporting for work,” he said. “However, the facility is currently on a modified status while we complete a series of assessments,” a series of checks on the status of critical workers and the reinstatement of all programs and services for inmates.
“I have met with the job steward and several officers who have indicated that there was nothing lending credence to yesterday’s actions outside of the already stated concerns of the personnel," Richards continued in a press release issued Tuesday afternoon.
"These concerns include the negotiated contract for the past three years, infrastructural issues at the facility including a lack of cameras in units, mold in units, an inoperable control panel, inadequate security, lack of security equipment; and resources needed to fulfill their duties,” Richards said.
Richards said he would begin holding monthly meetings with the staff to hear and address their concerns. He already meets regularly with Bureau of Corrections supervisors, and now a six-person group of officers will be organized to represent the larger body of personnel at monthly meetings.
