Sign at FCI Ray Brook.
(Enterprise file photo — Andy Flynn)
RAY BROOK — FCI Ray Brook has been on lockdown since Tuesday and visitations have been suspended until further notice, according to the federal Bureau of Prisons.
The BOP did not elaborate on what sparked the lockdown. BOP spokesperson Randilee Giamusso said modified operations at the medium security prison began on April 30, but that the BOP does not discuss specific security practices or internal procedures for safety and security reasons.
“The Warden will continue to monitor events carefully and will adjust its operations accordingly as the situation continues,” Giamusso said. “The institution will return to normal operations status as soon as possible.”
This is at least the third lockdown at FCI Ray Brook since the start of the year, and the fourth since September. Previous lockdowns were caused by fistfights, a stabbing and the discovery of a drone-delivered package of drugs, phones and chisels.
Updates on the status of the prison can be found at tinyurl.com/4t2ujdrw.
“Ordinarily, institutions remain on modified operations in order to thoroughly investigate an incident and ensure the safety of staff and the individuals in our custody,” Giamusso said. “With respect to the day-to-day operations of the facility during modified operations, all incarcerated individuals at FCI Ray Brook have access to unit team, medical care, food, water and other programs.”
While on lockdown, visitations are suspended, inmates are kept in their cells for most of the day and their access to phone calls and email is revoked. Inmates can still send paper mail.
The prison’s union representatives have been vocal about severe understaffing at FCI Ray Brook for several years and the impact of shutdowns on the prison’s staff.
