The Collins Correctional Facility has been locked down since around 1 a.m. Wednesday following an incident, according to state Department of Corrections officials.

The incident is currently under investigation, but so far three minor injuries to staff members have been reported.

“These members need to be on high alert," said Kenny Gold, New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), vice president, western region. "You’re dealing with murderers and rapists every single day. You have to be able to think on your feet and it’s dire and immediate." 

Union officials say they’ve been adamantly requesting more staffing from state officials. According to NYSCOPBA, just in the past few weekends, multiple officers were put on triple shifts due to a lack of staffing available, though they didn’t specify which facilities saw the change.

There are a number of reasons for what has been called a shortage of correction officers in New York state, including struggles with recruitment.

The situation is still ongoing, but crisis teams from around the state and response teams from other states are still trying to bring a peaceful resolve.