This from the Kokomo Tribune: BUNKER HILL, IN – The Indiana Army National Guard has been deployed to Miami Correctional Facility to help operate the prison following staffing shortages caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.
James Frye, the prison’s public information officer, said soldiers from the National Guard started at the prison the second week of August working in control pods inside the facility. He said guardsmen do not have contact with any of the offenders.
According to the Indiana Department of Correction, units from both the Army and Air national guards have been deployed to state prisons since May following the coronavirus outbreak.Frye said it is unknown how long National Guard units will be stationed at the prison. He said IDOC was not releasing to the number of deployed units for safety reasons.
The IDOC Training Division conducted two-day training sessions to prepare the guard members for their assignments. All aspects of the training were designed to provide operational awareness during temporary assignments.
“This joint agency cooperation helps ensure the safety and security of all of our staff and offenders,” said IDOC Deputy Commissioner of Operations Jim Basinger in a release. “The Indiana Army and Air National Guard have been an incredible ally during the COVID-19 pandemic. We appreciate their service to the Indiana Department of Correction, the state of Indiana, and their country.”
