ROSS COUNTY, Ohio – The tragic death of Correction Officer Andrew Lansing at Ross Correctional Institution on Christmas Day has prompted a major step toward improving officer safety across Ohio’s prisons, extending Lansing’s legacy.
After a successful 90-day pilot program at Ross and Trumbull Correctional Institutions, the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association (OCSEA) and the Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (DRC) have reached an agreement allowing correction officers to carry tasers as a deterrent against violent assaults.
“DRC finally faced up to the reality that staffing and security concerns cannot be downplayed any longer,” said OCSEA President Chris Mabe. “The mutual agreement to deploy tasers at Ross and Trumbull represents a significant victory for the safety of our members.”
Bobby Stamper, President of RCI Chapter 7130, noted that tasers provide officers with “another tool in the tool bag to manage a situation” and can neutralize threats quickly, improving safety for both staff and inmates.
A report finished this month said that Lansing or the Ross County prison was not at fault for the beating death of Lansing. The report said that the suspect, who was allowed to roam somewhat freely, took it upon himself to find Lansing and kill him. That suspect idenfitied as Rashawn Cannon was indicted in Ross County on two counts of aggravated murder in connection with the death of corrections officer Andrew Lansing, according to an Ohio State Highway Patrol spokesperson.
Following the pilot program, the DRC has requested additional funding in the state budget to expand taser deployment statewide across Ohio’s correctional facilities.
