General News
10 August, 2020
Officers injured at Lotus Glen.
A custodial correctional officer will undergo testing following an incident at Lotus Glen where he was bitten by a prisoner.
A custodial correctional officer will undergo testing for blood-borne diseases following an incident at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre where he was bitten by a prisoner.
Officers were unlocking the safety unit on Sunday morning August 9 when the prisoner suddenly lunged at them, biting the officer on the hand.
The officer was treated at the scene and attended hospital for testing.
The prisoner then reopened an injury from a recent self-harm incident, causing considerable bleeding. His wounds are being treated at the prison health centre.
Prisoners who assault officers may face additional criminal charges and further prison time.
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 front-line service officers.
Aggravating circumstances include biting, spitting and throwing bodily materials, and the offence now carries a maximum penalty of 14 years.
The latest incident comes after two officers were spat on following an interaction with a prisoner on Friday, July 31.
The two officers were conducting a welfare check in the Detention Unit and when they opened the prisoner’s cell door. He then became non-compliant and spat on both officers.
Both officers withdrew from the cell and were taken to hospital for testing.
Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) said that management and senior officers were continuing to support all the officers, their family and their colleagues.
“Prisoners who assault officers may face additional criminal charges and further prison time.” A QCS spokesperson said.
“They are also subject to internal disciplinary processes, including loss of privileges,”
“Queensland Corrective Services is a front line public safety agency and our officers interact with the most challenging and complex people in our society to ensure the safety and security of the community.”
Both officers have returned to work since the assault and the matter is being investigated by CSIU and charges may be laid at a later date.
