The Bureau of Corrections has dismissed one officer and suspended three others after they were found asleep on duty last month.
The incident took place after the new warden, Ishmael Smittie, conducted a surprise inspection at the St. Thomas jail in the early morning hours of Feb. 8.
Upon finding the officers asleep, the warden immediately relieved them of duty and placed them on administrative leave with pay pending an internal investigation. The agency then conducted its own investigation followed by an administrative hearing. Corrections Director Wynnie Testamark handed out the discipline yesterday.
“The Bureau of Corrections is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all staff, inmates and visitors,” said Winthrop Maduro, the bureau’s spokesman. “When an officer neglects his duty by falling asleep on duty, he places everyone at risk.”
Corrections policy, as well as its agreement with the unions, prevent the correctional officers who were disciplined to be identified.
