Post by CC on Oct 28, 2009 14:45:29 GMT -5
AP sues Corrections Department over release of tape
By Patrick Marley of the Journal Sentinel
Posted: Oct. 26, 2009
Madison — The Associated Press sued the state Department of Corrections Monday for refusing to release a videotape of officers extracting an inmate from his cell with a grenade that launches 180 rubber balls.
The AP in July sought the videotape of the 2005 incident under the state's open records law, but the department refused to do so, saying it would compromise security in state prisons.
Officers used a stinger grenade in March 2005 to force inmate Raynard Jackson from his cell at the Wisconsin Secure Program Facility, the Boscobel prison formerly known as Supermax. Stinger grenades issue a bright flash, a blast, a cloud of smoke and 180 rubber balls in a 50-foot radius. They are usually used outdoors to control crowds.
Jackson, who weighs 135 pounds, said the blast caused ringing in his ears that lasted for months and was diagnosed with tinnitus, according to The Associated Press. He sued the department for excessive force in federal court and the department settled for $49,000 this July.
The AP asked for the videotape in July, but corrections official Lynn Condreay quickly denied the request, saying release of the tape would reveal details of the prison's security system, such as the range, resolution and coverage area of cameras.
The AP asked that Condreay reconsider the decision because the tape was made with a hand-held camera. Condreay again denied the request, saying people could use the videotape to develop "counter strategies" for cell extractions.
The Associated Press filed suit Monday in Dane County Circuit Court and the case was assigned to Judge John C. Albert. The lawsuit seeks release of the tape and payment of legal expenses.
Department of Corrections spokesman John Dipko said the department is reviewing the lawsuit but otherwise declined to comment.
By Patrick Marley of the Journal Sentinel
Posted: Oct. 26, 2009
Madison — The Associated Press sued the state Department of Corrections Monday for refusing to release a videotape of officers extracting an inmate from his cell with a grenade that launches 180 rubber balls.
The AP in July sought the videotape of the 2005 incident under the state's open records law, but the department refused to do so, saying it would compromise security in state prisons.
Officers used a stinger grenade in March 2005 to force inmate Raynard Jackson from his cell at the Wisconsin Secure Program Facility, the Boscobel prison formerly known as Supermax. Stinger grenades issue a bright flash, a blast, a cloud of smoke and 180 rubber balls in a 50-foot radius. They are usually used outdoors to control crowds.
Jackson, who weighs 135 pounds, said the blast caused ringing in his ears that lasted for months and was diagnosed with tinnitus, according to The Associated Press. He sued the department for excessive force in federal court and the department settled for $49,000 this July.
The AP asked for the videotape in July, but corrections official Lynn Condreay quickly denied the request, saying release of the tape would reveal details of the prison's security system, such as the range, resolution and coverage area of cameras.
The AP asked that Condreay reconsider the decision because the tape was made with a hand-held camera. Condreay again denied the request, saying people could use the videotape to develop "counter strategies" for cell extractions.
The Associated Press filed suit Monday in Dane County Circuit Court and the case was assigned to Judge John C. Albert. The lawsuit seeks release of the tape and payment of legal expenses.
Department of Corrections spokesman John Dipko said the department is reviewing the lawsuit but otherwise declined to comment.