PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The local union representing corrections officers in Philadelphia's prisons department is speaking out, days after an inmate was shot and killed on prison grounds after his release. Officials say corrections officers are in danger.
District Council 33's Local 159 held a press conference Monday morning. They claimed at least one corrections officer has received a death threat and countless others feel like their lives are Jeopardy after March 18, the day 20-year-old Rodney Hargrove was killed outside Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility.
"(The officer) was threatened to be shot just because of his known affiliation as a corrections officer," said Eric Hill, business agent for Local 159.
Hargrove had been released less an hour before, and dropped off at a SEPTA stop, but was pursued by a dark vehicle. He ran back onto prison property. Prisons Commissioner Blanche Carney told reporters the security arm at the entrance to the facility had been left open. The vehicle following Hargrove drove onto prison grounds, and its occupants fatally shot him.
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"This statement of Prison Commissioner Blanche Carney was made before anyone at the prison system, or at the police department, had an opportunity to speak with the officer assigned to the CFCF main gate," said Hill.
He claimed the prisons department has now issued bulletproof vests to officers guarding the gate, and they are afraid. He also said the prisons are understaffed.
Local 159 called for Carney to resign and refrain from making statements about the shooting until an investigation is complete. Union officials sent their condolences to Hargrove's family.
In a statement, the Philadelphia Department of Prisons said Carney does not plan to resign and will not comment further on the March 18 until the investigation is complete.
It continued, "The safety of PDP staff is a top priority of the Commissioner. She does not believe their safety is at risk, but she has taken an extra precaution to ensure their safety by providing bulletproof vests to those working outside of the campus.
The department also disputed claims the prisons were understaffed.