The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections ordered an immediate lockdown of all state prisons following reports that multiple employees became sick due to exposure to unknown substances.
In a statement, Department of Corrections Secretary John Wetzel said his top priority is the safety and security of employees.
“Our state prisons, especially those in the western part of the state, have experienced recent incidents in which employees have been sickened, and we need to get the bottom of this issue,” Wetzel said. “We will do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of our staff.”
Separately, Gov. Tom Wolf said he spoke with Wetzel regarding the problem. He said they are working diligently to address the emerging issue of synthetic drugs in the state’s prison system.
‘Necessary Step to Ensure Safety’
“Today’s action to lock down all of the state’s correctional facilities is a necessary step to ensure the safety of our officers and provide the department the opportunity to assess and control the situation,” Wolf said.
