Sen. Kissel expresses concerns re: CT correctional officer safety

August 25, 2023
Sen. John A. Kissel today sent the below email to the Connecticut Department of Correction:
Dear Commissioner Quiros,
Four correctional officers have been assaulted in three weeks.
I know you agree that this is completely unacceptable.  You have called it your “worst nightmare” as Commissioner and I share that deep concern.
As Ranking Senator of the Judiciary Committee, and as a lawmaker who serves a region with multiple correctional facilities that house thousands of inmates, I strive as best I can to represent the correction officers who put their lives on the line every day and walk the toughest beat in Connecticut.
With this in mind, we must act.  We must craft policies which are in our correctional officers’ best interests.  We must keep them protected. Right now, we are failing them, and that needs to change as soon as possible.

Can you tell me:

  1. What action steps have been taken thus far in response to these attacks?
  2. Will any future actions be taken?
  3. What internal controls have been and will be strengthened?
  4. What recommendations do you have for the legislature to consider?
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and thank you for your hard work in keeping the public safe.
Sincerely,
John A. Kissel
State Senator-7th District