Delaware correction officials have decided to demolish the building at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center, the site of the February 2017 inmate uprising and death of Lt. Steven Floyd.
Department of Correction Commissioner Perry Phelps announced plans on Tuesday.
Gov. John Carney stated: “The building is a constant reminder of the senseless, brutal murder of one of one of DOC’s dedicated public servants – Lieutenant Floyd. To remove the building from the complex will aid in mental and emotional health of officers who work at JTVCC every day. It’s the right thing to do.”
Corrections Commissioner Perry Phelps said that as DOC continues to honor the sacrifice, courage and service of Lt. Floyd, demolishing C Building will demonstrate that JTVCC is moving forward and cultivating a new culture for the future.
“The presence of C Building at JTVCC only serves as a constant reminder of the tragedy that occurred on February 1, 2017 that senselessly took the life of one of our family members,” said Phelps. “Demolishing the building will serve as a point forward in the healing process and enable the staff at JTVCC to become stronger and stronger as each new day passes.”
An independent report found a dysfunctional, adversarial culture between prison leaders and rank-and-file, and correctional officers and inmates, both of which, the report says, contributed to the deadly siege. The state has since increased salaries and is offering incentive bonuses for new correctional officers.
The 12,700 square foot building housed up to 135 medium-security inmates. It has been vacant since February 2, 2017, when the hostage standoff ended after nearly 20 hours. The inmates who were previously housed at the site have been moved to other correctional facilities.
The Delaware Department of Correction expects to start demolition this fall.
Demolishing sites of prison uprisings is not unknown, especially when reports point to security and other issues. A bloody prison riot in New Mexico that led to a killing spree among inmates led to the construction of an entirely new prison.
Story includes information from WHYY.
