CAPTAINS UNION PRESIDENT JASON LANPHER RESPONDS TO SOUZA BARANOWSKI INCIDENT

NEPBA Local 200 President Jason Lanpher states: Captains are the highest-ranking uniform personnel within the Massachusetts Department of Correction and perform the duties of Shift Commander at all major facilities throughout the Commonwealth.

The attempted murder of Correctional Officers at Souza Baranowski Correctional Center was terrible, and a direct predictable result of years of misguided leadership and the “offenders are victims” mentality that has overtaken the Department of Correction.  New England Benevolent Police Association Local 200 Department of Corrections Captains Union is dismayed by the actions or lack thereof the Massachusetts Department of Corrections leadership. We join Mass Corrections Officers Federated Union in condemning the Department of Correction in their refusal to address staff safety issues at all its facilities.  The lack of communication, direction, decisive action, and leadership is incredible and astounding to all the men and women who work these facilities at all ranks twenty-four hours a day.  Standing on the sidelines in Headquarters hoping someday this will stop, is not a strategy.  The disconnect between Headquarters and the realities of the facilities is far too vast.  When will enough be enough?  It is time for a change in direction and mission that focuses on running secure and safe facilities first, so those who want to repair and rehabilitate their lives have a path, and those who don’t are held accountable.  It is really that simple, Security, Safety, Rehabilitation in that order.  We pray for a return of focus to common sense procedures in place of liberal agendas and advocate pandering and stand with all the uniformed men and women who are working day in and day out to make a living, support their families, and survive their career.  We know how to run safe prisons.  We need people to lead, follow, or get out of the way.