Originally Posted by SPD3

A story was related to me from a coworker of mine and I wanted to run it by some of you folks who work for the MA DOC. He stated that a corrections officer was conducting a search of a cell for contraband (with p.c.) and during said search opened an innocuous looking ball point pen which turned out to be a razor tipped weapon which lacerated the officer's finger. Rightly concerned about the presence of communicable disease the officer was treated at the hospital and placed on the AIDS cocktail of drugs. When we inquired about the use of search gloves designed to prevent or reduce injury he stated that the personnel were PROHIBITED FROM WEARING SUCH GEAR BECAUSE IT INTIMIDATED THE INMATES. Is this policy department wide? And if so I apoligize for not knowing before how much your administration SUCKS.

Originally Posted by nirtallica

Yes. You cannot wear any gloves except for rubber medical ones. The inmates sued years ago and said that black gloves, no matter what they were used for were intimidating and the inmates feared that officers would put lead in the gloves knuckles.

Originally Posted by the jeff

did the guy get aids

Originally Posted by SPD3

Even if someone were to have acquired HIV or Hepatitis C in such a manner it could be months before a blood test would detect antibodies.

The CO union needs to jump on this incident and use it as a basis for a civil suit in the U.S. District Court immediately. The officer in question and his or her spouse have suffered the loss of consortium not to mention the numerous side effects of the drugs in the cocktail, all of which are actionable matters. The Commonwealth is in effect denying the officers basic protections routinely (and inexpensively) afforded almost every other vocation across the profession of law enforcement. Even district court officers wear search gloves. Maybe it is time for the DOC to start calling in other agencies for assistance with disturbances to bring home the point that they are not being allowed to protect themselves properly. A few front page pictures of troopers on the tiers in riot gear would do wonders.

Originally Posted by wheelofmisfortune

Please kill me nirtallica, please! I still wear my cheap black walmart gloves outside during pats.

Originally Posted by SGT_GRUNT_USMC

I have a friend who is a state CO here in the Nevada DOC.They have armed gun posts all through the prison with "gun coverage" pretty much everywhere, icluding the chow hall, yards,and cell blocks.They're not afraid to use firearms either.All CO's also are equipped with stab resistant vests, PR-24 batons, and OC on their person.They are issued Glock 22's on armed posts.They have tactical squads, K-9 units and tasers available to quell disturbances on a moments notice....a far cry from the Mass DOC.

Originally Posted by SGT_GRUNT_USMC

I have a friend who is a state CO here in the Nevada DOC.They have armed gun posts all through the prison with "gun coverage" pretty much everywhere, icluding the chow hall, yards,and cell blocks.They're not afraid to use firearms either.All CO's also are equipped with stab resistant vests, PR-24 batons, and OC on their person.They are issued Glock 22's on armed posts.They have tactical squads, K-9 units and tasers available to quell disturbances on a moments notice....a far cry from the Mass DOC.