Broome Jail Corrections Officer Charged After Striking Inmate
A Broome County Jail corrections officer faces charges after an incident involving an inmate at the town of Dickinson facility.
Authorities said officers responded to a jail housing unit around 9:40 a.m. on July 23 when a man refused to return to his cell. The man was said to have been threatening suicide.
The inmate was taken to the jail's medical housing unit for observation.
According to Sheriff Fred Akshar, video of the incident shows a corrections officer "forcefully escorting" the man to the medical unit. There another officer can be seen striking the inmate before applying a "gooseneck" wrist restraint on him after he was seated in handcuffs.
A sheriff's office news release said the physical force used in the incident was deemed to be unnecessary and contrary to the agency's policy. The actions also allegedly violated state law pertaining to the use of force.
After an initial investigation, 39-year-old James Woodard of Windsor was charged with official misconduct, a misdemeanor and harassment, a violation.
Woodard and one other corrections officer have been suspended without pay while the investigation continues.
The sheriff's office released edited body camera and security recordings of the incident. The video - which contains strong language - can be viewed by clicking HERE.
Akshar, in the news release, said the incident was "a black mark amidst the good work being done by men and women who proudly wear the uniform."
Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.
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