Unit at Borallon jail locked down after officers assaulted
A unit at a southeast Queensland prison has been locked down after two officers were assaulted.
Police & Courts
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A UNIT of Borallon jail has been locked down after two officers were assaulted by a prisoner this morning, staff say.
Prison officers said the two officers were punched multiple times in the head after the prisoner refused to move cells.
It follows multiple assaults at the state’s jails during the COVID-19 pandemic, some which officers say are a result of restricting visits from family and friends.
“They went to his cell and told him to pick his cell and he refused,” an officer said of today’s assault.
“Then he just started punching them.
“One of them has a bloody nose.”
The officer said at least the unit of the jail was currently being locked down.
A Queensland Corrective Services spokesman confirmed the officers received medical treatment after the incident.
“Two officers were punched during an interaction with a prisoner in a secure unit,” the spokesman said.
“Officers were forced to use OC spray to help restrain the prisoner and he was escorted to the detention unit.
“The unit was locked down while the situation was resolved.
“The officers have both been assessed at the medical centre and have both advised that they wish to continue their shifts.”
The spokesman said the Corrective Services Investigation Unit of Queensland Police Service would be advised.
Support was being offered to the officers and their families and colleagues.
“Prisoners who assault officers may face additional criminal charges and further prison time,” the spokesman said.
“They are also subject to internal disciplinary processes, including loss of privileges.
“New legislation passed by parliament in July increased the maximum penalty for serious assault on a corrective services officer with aggravating circumstances in line with assaulting a police officer and other frontline service officers.
“Aggravating circumstances include biting, spitting and throwing bodily materials, and the offence now carries a maximum penalty of 14 years.”
