Swanson Troubles

Swanson Correctional Center has enjoyed a relatively quiet reputation with occasional reports that are usually cleaned up with explanations. Recently, serious concerns have surfaced about internal administration improprieties, which have led to youth takeovers in far too many instances. During the month of December 2019 and going on into January 2020, youth are reportedly assaulting staff and actually getting away with it. Reports from staff about youth behavior have fallen on deaf ears, which comes off looking like the youth have the support of administration. Reports of unacceptable behavior include youth assaulting staff. One staff person had to have staples on his head after an assault by a youth, another female staff had her eye socket and nasal cavity broken due to an assault and another staff suffered a broken wrist, and on and on the list goes. Recently, a staff was placed on suspension due to an attempted escape from her Unit. She was in the Unit alone when there were three (3) recent escapes. Problems are grave and much attention is needed to save the facility and the staff. Unruly youth are taking over, which can lead to serious fatalities. Results of reports have often been suspension or termination. Youth are very much aware of these actions or lack of actions. Therefore, administration appears to be taking the sides of the youth making them feel empowered to disrespect and ultimately attack security staff. Work hours for staff have become excessive; staff is placed on call and being made to feel uncomfortable about job performances no matter how many hours and how hard they continue to work. Staff is being made to work 12 hours for 5 days per week; some staff are working 16 hours a day. This condition is not worth the money and the safety risks are at a peak. The morale of employees is at an all-time low. The overall atmosphere at Swanson is toxic and bordering on trouble soon. It is most important to note that there is a need for Governor John Bel Edwards and the AFSME Union to come forward and review the unprofessionalism among administration at Swanson and execute an improved work environment immediately. Troubling warnings continue happening at Swanson, which need addressing before the ultimate tragedy occurs. There are three sides to every story. This was one side of this story. The Monroe Dispatch welcomes another or the other side of this story.