Introduction

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

We all know the risks COs and corrections employees face each time they go to their jobs. To keep the community safe, and to keep their families clothed, fed and sheltered, these employees work with criminals in a volatile environment, often with inadequate resources.

As a union, we can help mitigate some of that danger for our members. AFSCME Corrections United has fought vigorously for members’ safety in legislatures and at bargaining tables across the country and will continue to do so. But some protections can only come from the local level: This manual will help guide councils and local unions through those steps.

The information and advice in it comes from the experience of AFSCME staff and members in too many disturbances across the country. It is intended to prepare your council or local to respond to a disturbance in a way that will be the most helpful for the members, their families and the union.

It is our greatest hope that this manual never has to be put to the test, but our experience in Attica, Santa Fe, Lucasville, Southport, Camp Hill and elsewhere has taught us that we must always be prepared. Please read through this manual now and follow the steps in the first section. Keep the manual available, so you can refer to it in the event of a disturbance.

In solidarity,

Gerald W. McEntee
International President

William Lucy
International Secretary Treasurer