ILLINOIS DEBATE

Union concerned about knives in youth prisons

The state is equipping guards at its juvenile prisons with knife-like devices – a move that union officials are calling "foolish."

The state says the folding, hook-shaped knives are supposed to be used if inmates attempt to commit suicide by hanging themselves.  Instead of waiting for someone to bring a cutting tool, guards could quickly unsheathe their knives and use them to free the inmate.  But, in a letter sent Thursday, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union argues that the knives could fall into the hands of the inmates, thus endangering the guards.

"It is only a matter of time before a youth or a group of youths overpower a staff and take their knife from them," wrote AFSCME regional director Buddy Maupin. The new agency, which was split from the Illinois Department of Corrections last year, has been hit with accusations of understaffing in both its guards and schools. A recent spate of assaults on staff members have AFSCME concerned about the situation.

Typically, guards at adult prisons do not carry weapons so that inmates cannot use them against their captors.  Department spokesman Derek Schnapp said the hooked shape of the 6-1/2 inch blade makes it impractical to be used as a weapon.

"We don't see it as a weapon," Schnapp said.  Rather, he emphasized that it could save lives of inmates who attempt to commit suicide.  "Every second counts," Schnapp said.  He said Department of Juvenile Justice Director Kurt Friedenauer decided to move forward with the plan because it already is in place in other states.

"It's nothing new," said Schnapp.

Kurt Erickson
12 July 2007

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/07/12/news/doc4696b2d3e2ab0289783967.txt

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