On Friday January 3, 2024, an inmate, armed with a homemade pick, took four healthcare workers and a prison guard hostage in the health unit of the Central House of Arles. Fortunately, thanks to the responsiveness, professionalism and composure of the teams present, the situation was brought under control and no casualties were reported. However, this positive outcome should not make us forget that such an incident was predictable.
A REALITY WITHOUT SURPRISE FOR THE GROUND
As soon as the alert was received, the seriousness of the situation was immediately perceived. The intervention teams, trained and trained in these crisis situations, reacted fluidly and efficiently. The Marseille ERIS, quickly deployed, took charge of the situation, in perfect coordination with local staff. The professionalism of everyone, supervisors, negotiators, medical teams and specialized workers, made it possible to stabilize the situation. This exemplary teamwork deserves to be highlighted, and UFAP UNSa Justice warmly thanks all those who contributed to this intervention.
A LACK OF REACTIVITY TO THE ALERT ON THE GROUND
Today’s incident is unfortunately not an isolated case. The inmate in question, with a notoriously unstable and violent profile, was already well known for his disruptive behavior. Several alerts had been issued, both by prison staff and medical staff, concerning the risks linked to this inmate. Previous incident reports already mentioned his violent nature, and his previous attacks in another establishment, using a homemade bladed weapon, had left serious consequences among the agents.
Despite these repeated warnings, the necessary measures were not taken in time. During the DAP’s recent visit, we had already warned him about the management of prisoners with a dangerous profile, highlighting the inadequacy of keeping them in non-specialized establishments for this type of profile. Such management is a predictable error, the consequences of which have unfortunately burst before our eyes today.
If this hostage-taking was able to be brought under control without any injuries thanks to the responsiveness of the responders, it is appropriate to underline the courage of the staff taken hostage, who demonstrated exemplary calm and professionalism in the face of violence. . We particularly salute the action of our colleague Alberto, whose courageous and thoughtful intervention made it possible to limit the dramatic consequences of this event. The UFAP UNSa Justice requires official recognition of its commitment and dedication.
THE LOCAL OFFICE UFAP UNSa JUSTICE REQUIRES ENHANCED SECURITY AND ADAPTED MANAGEMENT!!
This type of event is a cruel reminder that the security of our establishment can no longer be relegated to the background. It is imperative to strengthen the workforce and guarantee the presence of intervention teams trained for such situations. We demand concrete and immediate actions:
● The creation of specialized penitentiary establishments to manage high-risk and multi-repeat offenders.
● Strengthening surveillance teams and material resources to better protect staff.
● The systematic establishment of two agents in health units, in order to guarantee the safety of personnel in sensitive areas.
WE WARNED, BUT THE ADMINISTRATION MUST ACT NOW!
THE LOCAL OFFICE UFAP UNSa JUSTICE of the MC Arles requires the prison administration to honor its commitments made during previous alerts and to stop minimizing the risks. The field has made its voice heard, and it is urgent to act so that such events do not happen again. Listening to the field is a necessity, not an option.
EVERYONE IS MOBILIZED FOR THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE!
The local UFAP UNSa Justice office calls for an immediate reaction from the administration and public authorities. Too much is too much! Our agents are not human shields and deserve security commensurate with the risks they face.
Arles, January 4, 2025
Le Bureau Local UFAP UNSa Justice
