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Big Spring Mayor Mclellan: 'FCI-Big Spring is understaffed'

Tuesday, an inside source says that the Federal Correctional Institution in Big Spring is now under Modified Operations.

WEST TEXAS (KWES)


Inmates returned to work Tuesday at the Federal Correctional Institution in Big Spring as the prison transitioned to Modified Operations.

The move comes after a 10-day lock-down.  

As a federal institution, Big Spring Mayor Larry Mclellan does not have authority to officially make changes to the understaffed prison in his city but has been vocal about his concerns for public safety.  

"You know the fact that you have understaffing, and you have more contraband going in and you have situations in the evenings when they do bed checks that you have got only one person on a ward," said Mayor Larry Mclellan.  

Although the lock-down may be over, the issue of low-staffing is not.  

According to Union Local 3809 for the Correctional Officers, the ratio of C.O.'s to inmates is lower than in the past.  

Numbers below are approximate 

During the day shift, from 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., there are 18 inmates to one C.O., and during the night shift, 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M., there are 60 inmates and only one C.O.  

Source: FCI Big Spring Website. 

FCI-Big Spring has two housing units both 3 stories, and about 100 inmates or more in open-bay dormitories 

"There was concerns here and they have consistently downgraded the amount of staff not only in the FCI here in Big Spring but throughout the county," said Mayor Mclellan.  

The Mayor also says that he has met with Prison Administration and some of the stories could put C.O's lives in danger.  

"One guy I think he had found a cell phone in the cell and I don’t know if he was assaulted, but I think he was, and they finally got him out in a safe area," said Mayor Mclellan.  

The prison is in close proximity to a children's daycare and a school but according to Danny Campbell, dean of instruction at the Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf, says it is not an issue.  

"We have had a good relationship, we have never had any issues, and I honestly feel that we are safer being across the street from the Prison than we would be if we were in the some of the other parts of town just because they have a lot of guards," said Campbell.  

Mayor McCleen says their focus is on what is happening inside the fence and the dangers of low-staff. 

"You sign-up for a job, but you should have enough support on staff to take care of situations," said Mayor McCleen 

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