Thursday, August 21, 2008

State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi named to serve on bi-partisan prison task force

Recent assaults and increased violence in state prisons has raised concerns about workplace safety for officers, nurses and other Department of Corrections employees, and State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi (R-Somers) has been tapped to be a part of a new task force created to identify solutions to the problem.

Rep. Bacchiochi was recently named to the bi-partisan prison safety task force. The panel will examine the link between inmate assaults on correction officers and population levels in prisons. The task force will draw up short and long term legislative solutions to the problem.

“As a representative of a district that is home to a substantial prison presence, I am eager to serve on the task force and work toward safety improvements for the staff and for the general public at our prisons,” said Rep. Bacchiochi. “Whether we are discussing the increased use of protective gear, or whether we currently have the proper the staffing levels, these are critical matters that need and deserve our attention.”

The prison safety task force is expected to issue its findings in December along with a suggested course of action of for the 2009 legislative session.

State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi (R-Somers) represents Somers, Stafford and Union in the General Assembly.

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