DOC investigates incident at ISP on Monday

Chuck Vandenberg, current editor of Pen City

FORT MADISON – Authorities are keeping information about an incident that occurred early Monday afternoon at the Iowa State Penitentiary top secret.
LeeComm sent an emergency response team to the prison Monday afternoon because a stabbing had been reported there, but Iowa Department of Corrections officials did not release any further information other than to say an investigation is ongoing.
The Des Moines Register reported Tuesday afternoon that two correctional officers were injured in Monday's attack, one of whom was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Pen City Current was unable to confirm those details with ISP officials, who declined to comment, or with the DOC.
“We cannot confirm or deny that anything happened. All we know is that an investigation is currently underway and we cannot release any information until the investigation is complete,” a DOC spokesperson wrote in an email to Pen City Current Tuesday morning.
Tuesday afternoon, the DOC issued another statement in response to information from AFSCME, the union that represents prison staff at Fort Madison.
The AFSCME statement was not received by Pen City Current and had not been posted on the AFSCME website as of 5 p.m. Tuesday.
“The Iowa Department of Corrections has been notified of a statement from AFSCME regarding an assault at the Iowa State Penitentiary. While we do not comment on ongoing investigations, the safety of our correctional officers and inmates is of paramount importance. We are committed to implementing best practices in safety, training and compliance to create an environment where all individuals can feel safe. These include:
1. Comprehensive training: All correctional staff undergo comprehensive training that enables them to handle difficult situations, de-escalate conflicts and ensure their own safety and that of the inmates entrusted to them.
2. Compliance Office: This includes regular security checks, security audits of each prison and risk assessments.
3. Enhanced safety measures: We continually evaluate and enhance our safety protocols, including surveillance technology and staffing levels, to effectively manage risks in our facilities.”