ADOC Statement on Use of Force Incident at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Corrections’ (ADOC) Law Enforcement Services Division (LESD) is actively investigating an altercation that occurred between correctional staff and inmates at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility (Donaldson) in Bessemer, Ala., on Saturday, January 30, 2021.

During the altercation, two correctional officers received stab wounds and sustained multiple other injuries. Both officers received initial medical treatment onsite at the facility, and subsequently were provided additional care for their injuries at a local area hospital. Inmate Robert Council and inmate Ephan Moore also sustained injuries during the altercation and were transported to a local area hospital for additional treatment. Both inmates have been discharged from the hospital to ADOC custody, and will be housed in a manner consistent with their security needs and recommended medical care.

The correctional officers involved in the altercation are in leave status and are not present at the institution. Today, ADOC Commissioner Jeff Dunn directed the placement of body-worn cameras on supervisors at Donaldson, and a structured review of supervisors assigned to the ADOC’s Level-V correctional facilities to determine if staffing adjustments are warranted.

The ADOC condemns all violence in its institutions, and any actions taken by inmates or correctional staff are being thoroughly investigated. Commissioner Dunn personally has reached out to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Northern District Office and requested its assistance in conducting a joint investigation into the incident. The ADOC’s LESD also has deployed one of its new Use of Force Review Officers to lead a use-of-force investigation.

Due to our ongoing, active investigation into the incident, we cannot release additional details at this time. Upon the conclusion of our investigation, more information will be made available.

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