1st court hearing set in Conn. prison closure case
A Connecticut judge is set to hear arguments this week in a lawsuit filed by the union for correctional officers seeking to force the state to reopen the Bergin prison in Mansfield.
The first hearing in the case is set for Friday in Hartford Superior Court. Leaders of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees say the closing of Bergin Correctional Institution earlier this year because of state budget cuts has created hazardous work conditions at other prisons because of overcrowding.
Union officials say recent prison fights related to crowding show how dangerous conditions are.
Correction Department officials tell the Norwich Bulletin that the prison population is at a 10-year low and there's sufficient space in existing facilities to handle all current inmates.