Another incident in visitors area at jail in East Meadow

For the second time this month, corrections officers were injured during an incident that involved a visitor at the Nassau County Correctional Center in East Meadow.
   
According to a press release from the Sheriff Officers Association, three officers sustained injuries last Sunday night at about 5 p.m. in the jail's Building Visiting Area No. 832. The ShOA represents more than 1,100 corrections officers at the NCCC.
   
An unidentified female visitor allegedly passed contraband to a male inmate, who was then found to be in possession of a balloon filled with contraband believed to be marijuana, union officials said. During the search, the balloon fell out of the inmate's jail uniform, and a struggle ensued between an officer and the inmate to retrieve it, authorities said. It continued further when the inmate attempted to swallow the balloon, the union said, and he was restrained with the assistant of two other officers.

      
Following the incident, the female visitor was arrested by Nassau police and taken from the Correctional Facility for processing, officials said. The unidentified inmate is being held at the jail, and is being charged with 1st degree armed robbery, the union said on Monday.
   
The corrections officers were transported to Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola and treated for various injuries, including a sprained ankle, a hyper-extended knee, cuts and bruises and respiratory issues.
   
Another corrections officer was allegedly bitten and attacked by a visitor at the facility's main gatehouse during an April 1 incident. The suspect, Sharrief Yelverton, 31, of West Hempstead, faces multiple charges, including a felony. According to court records, he pled not guilty and is due back in court on May 4.
   
In response, an additional guard was stationed at each visitor gatehouse at the jail. However, despite the increased patrols, ShOA leadership says there should be more security at those posts.
  
“This is a disturbing incident and indicates the need for additional correctional officers to be assigned to areas were visitors interact with inmates and officers," said Michael Adams, president of the Sheriff Officers Association. "This incident is on the heels of a correction officer being attacked at the Gatehouse earlier this month. Correction officers do one of the most difficult and dangerous jobs in law enforcement. These incidents underscore this, and our union will continue to push for felony charges for any inmate or visitor who instigates crimes against correction officers."

Related story: Jail assault spurs concern in East Meadow