"He
is concerned because many of the inmates are complaining they are not
getting enough food and the doctor is concerned about the weight loss he
has actually observed. His says he has heard
comments from many people that the real reason for the recent
riots/disturbances at Tucson and Rynning is because of an underlying
tension or stress among the inmate population due to (1) not enough
food; (2) being denied medical care. The DOC explained the
reason for the riots to the media as "racial disturbances."
------original post (9/21/2012)-----
Several prisoners remain hospitalized from this; at least one is in ICU. Sounds like the DOC just let people have at it for half an hour, till these guys got too tired to fight. If anyone knows what really happened - particularly families of prisoners who were injured - please contact me, Peggy Plews at 480-580-6807 or at arizonaprisonwatch@gmail.com. I never believe the state's version of events.
Families trying to get information on their loved ones at Tucson/Santa Rita should probably call the AZ DOC Constituent Services' office at 602-364-3945 or in-state toll-free 1-866-333-2039
-------------Here's the DOC's UPDATE for Friday 9/21-----------
NEWS RELEASE
|
Jennifer
Bowser
|
MEDIA ADVISORY
September 21, 2012
Disturbance Update
Tucson, Az – As a result of the disturbance yesterday in the Santa Rita Unit at ASPC-Tucson, two officers were taken to the hospital where they were treated and released. Eleven inmates were also transported out to the hospital for treatment to injuries sustained in the disturbance. Six of the inmates are still at the hospital in stable condition at this time. The other five inmates have been treated and returned back to the complex.
The Santa Rita Unit remains locked down, while this incident is investigated. The Santa Rita Unit will not have visitation this weekend. The other units of the complex are slowly returning to normal activities.
The fight started at the Santa Rita Unit around 5:30 p.m. yesterday, and involved approximately 200 inmates. Tactical Support Unit teams and on duty personnel were able to secure the yard with minimal force, including the use of pepper spray. Control of the unit was regained at approximately 6:00 p.m. No other units were involved.
ASPC-Tucson has 5,150 beds in custody levels of minimum, medium and close custody. Yesterday’s inmate count for the complex was 5,132. The Santa Rita Unit has a total of 727 inmates housed in 768 beds across four yards within the unit.
-----the original release from the AZ Department of Corrections-------
September 20, 2012
Disturbance locks down Tucson complex
|
Tucson, Az – A fight started at
the Santa Rita Unit of the Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson earlier this
evening, around 5:30 p.m., involving approximately 200 Hispanic and
African-American inmates. Tactical Support Unit teams and on duty
personnel were able to secure the yard with no force required. Control of
the unit was regained at approximately 6 p.m. No other units were
involved.
All staff have been accounted for
with one officer sustaining an injury to his rib cage. Some inmates have
sustained injuries. The details of these injuries are not known at this
time.
All of the Tucson complex is on
lockdown status at this time. The Santa Rita Unit will remain locked down
for several days, while this incident is investigated.
ASPC-Tucson has 5,150 beds in
custody levels of minimum, medium and close custody. Today’s inmate count
for the complex is 5,132. The Santa Rita Unit has a total of 727 inmates
housed in 768 beds across four yards within the unit.