STATE CORRECTIONAL POLICE OFFICERS FACE STRING OF BRUTAL ATTACKS IN JANUARY WILLINGBORO (1/31/24)— While the beginning of the new year offers a fresh outlook for most New Jersey residents, January 2024 has brought continued assaults and hospital visits for State Correctional Police Officers. In past two weeks alone, staff at the Juvenile Medium Security Facility have reported five assaults with all occurrences resulting in officers being sent to the emergency room. January 14, 2024— Resident exited cell with two food trays, presumably to discard of trash. Resident proceeded to smash trays into nearby officer’s face, punch the officer’s face repeatedly and slam her to the ground multiple times until the officer’s body went completely numb. January 28, 2024— Resident randomly attacked officer as he was directing another toward the shower. After being struck in the face, the other resident on his way to shower joined in. While trying to defend himself, the officer’s radio malfunctioned and was forced to fend off the two attackers until help arrived. January 28, 2024— After the previous assault listed above, resident was escorted to the intake area to be searched. While there, resident proceeded to spit in another officer’s face and attack him, injuring the officer’s forearm while being restrained. This officer had just returned from his medical leave after his last assault that required surgery. January 29, 2024—Resident exited the shower and began striking the officer who was supposed to escort him to the next wing, landing several strikes to the face and upper body. A tussle ensued until responding officers were able to step in and restrain. “If it wasn’t clear before how commonly our State Correctional Police Officers face such brutal attacks, it certainly is now,” said William Sullivan, President of the New Jersey Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local 105. “It is plain as day and completely unacceptable. We call on the NJDOC Special Investigations Division to conduct an investigation and furnish criminal charges against the residents for the continued violent attack on our brave men and women.” ##