AFGE Local 4070 is calling for staffing increases following an incident in which a federal correctional officer at United States Penitentiary Thomson in Illinois was hospitalized March 15 after allegedly being exposed to drugs during a mail screening.
USP Thomson is currently short 75 positions in custody and 10 positions in medical.
"We're told that the officer was sorting mail in one of the prison housing units when the exposure took place. The officer was transported to a local hospital, was treated and later released,” said AFGE Local 4070 President Jon Zumkehr.
The incident comes just three weeks after another officer at USP Thomson was hospitalized for exposure to synthetic drugs.
"We are in need of additional staff in our mailroom and throughout the institution,” Zumkehr said. “We as a union implore the agency and local management to return the search/shake down teams that were eliminated due to staffing cuts. These teams are essential in helping eliminate dangerous contraband, to include illegal drugs within the institution."
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