Two years after fatal prison riot, 700 cameras installed in Delaware’s largest prison
More than two years after the death of correctional officer Lt. Steven Floyd, 714 security cameras are in place throughout the Vaughn Correctional Center.
James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Smyrna is currently locked down due to what the Delaware Department of Correction is calling an emergency situation. (Licensed under Creative Commons)
A lack of security cameras inside Delaware’s largest prison made it difficult for police responding to the 2017 inmate riot that ended in the death of correctional officer Lt. Steven Floyd. Now, more than two years later, 714 cameras are in place throughout the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center.
Installing cameras was one of the recommendations of an independent review commissioned by Gov. John Carney.
“While cameras may not have prevented the incident from occurring, they could have had a deterrent effect and could have provided additional information for post-incident investigations had they been installed inside the housing unit,” former Delaware Attorney General Charles Oberly and retired Family Court Judge William Chapman wrote as part of their independent review report.
The camera installation work started in October 2017 after state lawmakers set aside $2.5 million for the project.
“The safety of staff and inmates is a priority at all DOC facilities,” said Department of Correction Commissioner Perry Phelps. “Without talented IT professionals and support from Gov. Carney and the Legislature, this project would not have been possible.”
Phelps said the cameras significantly increases the safety and security of both staff and inmates at Vaughn.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
The man was put in isolation for seven months in 2016. An appeals court says the lawsuit alleging cruel and unusual punishment can resume.
1 year ago
New education building opens at Vaughn prison 3 years after deadly uprising
Vaughn prison’s new max-security education building is part of an effort to reduce recidivism and a response to recommendations after a deadly 2017 riot.
4 years ago
Lawsuit: Inmates cries for help were ignored before suicide death
The lawsuit alleges Darius Sarro was raped and bullied by other inmates on multiple occasions over a two-year period, while housed at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center.
5 years ago