In a major legal victory for those affected by violence in Massachusetts’ Souza Baranowski Correctional Center, a federal judge has officially approved a $6.75 million settlement in a class action lawsuit. The lawsuit involved allegations of severe abuse and mistreatment of prisoners following an incident in 2020 where correctional officers retaliated against inmates. The settlement will provide compensation to over 150 prisoners, with amounts ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 per individual, including those who have since been released.
Allegations of Brutal and Systematic Violence
The class action lawsuit came after a series of events in 2020, when dozens of prisoners alleged they were subjected to violent retaliation by correctional officers and tactical teams at the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center. The suit claimed that following an initial attack on correction officers, prison staff engaged in what was described as “brutal and calculated collective revenge” against individuals who were not involved in the incident.
Inmates reported being beaten, attacked with dogs, targeted due to their race, and retaliated against in ways that included the use of tasers, pepper ball guns, chemical agents, and police dogs. Additionally, some prisoners were reportedly forced to kneel with their hands and ankles shackled for extended periods, enduring physical and emotional distress.
Despite the severity of the allegations, no correction officers were criminally charged in connection to the incident.
Reforms and Policy Changes for Future Safety
As part of the settlement, a series of reforms have been established aimed at preventing further abuse. These include:
- Use-of-force restrictions: New guidelines will limit the ways in which correction officers can employ force against inmates.
- Removal of officers involved in excessive force: Officers found to have used excessive force will be removed from duty.
- Mandatory diversity and bias training: This will be required for all staff to address and combat racial discrimination and bias within the prison system.
In response to the settlement, Department of Correction Commissioner Shawn Jenkins stated that the department had already begun implementing reforms prior to the settlement, including changes to the use-of-force policies and the introduction of a body-worn camera program for staff. Jenkins called the settlement a “final step” in a broader review of prison policies and the continued implementation of necessary reforms.
Get Legal Help Today
If you or a loved one has been affected by mistreatment or abuse in prison, it’s important to understand your legal rights. At Police Brutality Center, we are committed to advocating for those who have been harmed by prison violence. Our experienced legal team can help guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.
Contact Police Brutality Center today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help protect your rights.