Staff shortages at the Cook County Jail contributed to a melee Wednesday in which 11 correctional officers and seven inmates were injured, said the union representing correctional sergeants and lieutenants.
The gang-related fight that involved more than 40 inmates in an exercise yard could have been quelled faster or even prevented if more staff were on hand, said representatives of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
When the fight broke out, 13 correctional officers were on duty in the yard with more than 225 maximum-security inmates. It took help from additional officers before it was quelled, said an AFSCME spokesman.
Anders Lindall, spokesman for the union that represents about 200 sergeants and 80 lieutenants, said the jail is understaffed by several hundred people.
