2 ADOC facilities on lockdown after inmates refuse to work

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - Two Alabama correctional facilities have been place on lockdown because officials with the Alabama Department of Corrections say inmates are refusing to work their assigned jobs.

ADOC spokesperson Bob Horton says the inmates refusing to work are currently being housed at the Atmore Correctional Facility and the Elmore County Correctional Facility. While they are refusing to work, they have not given a reason for their refusal or a demand.

According to emails and phone calls we've received, the inmates are upset over their pay, overcrowding, and prison conditions.

"We hear those concerns all the time and sometimes particularly in respect to conditions, those are concerns that are in many cases valid," said Department of Corrections Commissioner Jeff Dunn. "Our facilities are rundown, our facilities are not in the best shape they can be. Obviously with the Alabama Prison Transformation Initiative, we are trying to address that."

Horton says the inmates failed to report to work on Sunday by refusing to help corrections staff in preparing the morning meal. On Monday, the inmates continued their refusal to work as they did not report to their assigned jobs.

As a precaution, the two correctional facilities have been placed on lockdown while ADOC investigates the situation further.

"We put the facility on lock down, we restrict movement and then the staff that's actually in the facility prepares the meals that our dietitian approves," said Dunn.

Officials assure that the facilities are secure and inmates are receiving their daily meals. Their health care needs are also being met, according to ADOC officials.

"We have a contingency plan," Dunn said. "We have the ability to continue to feed, continue to provide their medical care, and all their necessities as we work through it."

No other correctional facilities have been placed on lockdown at this time.

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