May 7, 2026 — Over the years, state employees working inside DOCCS facilities have faced an increase in violent incidents as well as incidents of chemical exposures. Last year, incidents involving chemical exposures and contraband were reported at Clinton, Attica, Fishkill, Five Points, Cape Vincent, Wyoming and Upstate Correctional Facility. Each incident involved unknown substances and drugs introduced through the mail or with drug-saturated paper that upon discovery caused harm to staff.
In 2026, the exposures have continued with alarming frequency, including a major incident at Mohawk Correctional Facility in Rome, N.Y., where a visitor exposed staff to papers saturated with several substances, including cocaine, ketamine and phenyl cyclohexyl piperidine (PCP).
According to a report issued by DOCCS, the number of “unusual incidents” increased by 16 percent between 2015 and 2023. Unusual incidents as defined by the report include accidents, assaults, fire, escapes, and stolen or lost property. The same report shows that over the same period of time, assaults on staff and contraband incidents both increased by 24 percent.
In a letter to DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III sent April 9, PEF President Wayne Spence told the commissioner that the time to take action is now.
“While incidents have been occurring in multiple locations for some time, this past week alone saw several serious exposures at Marcy, Mohawk, and Midstate. In these cases, both uniformed officers and civilian staff—including nurses, social workers, and other essential personnel, were exposed to unknown chemical substances requiring medical intervention,” wrote President Spence. “These events are part of a broader pattern affecting many facilities. Employees across all job titles are increasingly fearful for their safety and feel that their lives are being put at risk simply by coming to work.”
PEF Parole Officer, Region 9 Coordinator and Article 18 Health and Safety Co-Chair Gabriela Franklyn works closely with others who are at risk of drug exposure inside DOCCS facilities. She said that members are increasingly using workers’ compensation due to medical injuries.
“Sadly, it is not uncommon to hear: ‘My job is going to kill me,’ or ‘I fear for my safety at work,’ or ‘I fear retaliation if I speak out,’” said Franklyn. “Especially from our health care providers, vocational counselors and teachers.”
In his letter, President Spence offered suggestions to the commissioner, including introducing trained canine units to assist with visitor searches.
“A clear and repeated message we’ve heard is that one of the most effective deterrents to contraband is the presence of trained canine units,” wrote President Spence. “The mere presence of having dogs on site for visits and for random searches within the facility significantly deters and reduces the likelihood of illicit substances entering by any means and being used throughout the facilities.”
In closing, President Spence urged the commissioner to act before it is too late.
“Given the urgency and the systemwide nature of this threat, we are requesting immediate, visible action to protect all staff—uniformed and civilian alike—as well as the incarcerated individuals and their families who visit our facilities,” he wrote. “We urge swift action to prevent further harm.”