Following another disturbance within an upstate correctional facility, visitation has been temporarily suspended across numerous New York prisons. The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) announced the suspension via Facebook, stating that visits are canceled until further notice.

The most recent incident occurred around midnight on Thursday at Riverview Correctional Facility, as reported by WWNY. Sources suggest that inmates controlled several dormitories for hours, with staff expressing safety concerns. While staff reported feeling unsafe, the state claims correctional officers abandoned their posts, leaving the dorms unsupervised. WWNY reports indicate that the facility housed approximately 500 inmates across 10 dormitories, with 15-20 staff members present during the overnight shift.

The exact trigger for the escalating tensions remains unclear. However, staff, perceiving the situation as unsafe, retreated to a visitor's area upon hearing sounds of potential vandalism from within the dorms. Subsequently, they relocated to the administrative section for enhanced safety and called for reinforcements, which arrived from Gouverneur and Albany. The facility regained full control around 8 a.m. Thursday, with no reported staff injuries.

A retired corrections officer, John Robla, expressed concern about the changing landscape within correctional facilities, highlighting the fear and challenges faced by staff. The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) confirmed their awareness of the incident, stating that officers withdrew from the dorms due to safety concerns after inmates became unruly.

This event follows another uprising at Collins Correctional Facility in Erie County on February 12, where inmates seized control of three dorms, resulting in minor injuries to three correction officers, according to NYSCOPBA Vice President Kenny Gold. Earlier that week, DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III announced permanent staffing adjustments due to persistent shortages. WRGB reported that previous incidents at Collins Correctional Facility, including one in June where nine officers were injured and another in August where 11 officers were hospitalized after exposure to an unknown substance, have fueled concerns.

Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed an executive order deploying the National Guard to bolster security at correctional facilities amid an ongoing work stoppage by correction officers. The order also authorizes additional overtime pay for working staff. Furthermore, an injunction filed by New York State resulted in a temporary restraining order compelling striking officers to cease their unlawful actions. Governor Hochul emphasized the need to end the work stoppages, citing safety risks and community concerns. She expressed confidence in resolving the situation and thanked the officers who continue to report for duty. Fox News Digital contacted DOCCS, NYSCOPBA, and Governor Hochul's office for comment but has not yet received a response.