Guards to hold protest outside Fort Madison prison

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Prisoner officers are planning a rally outside the Fort Madison prison to protest what they see as staffing shortages that have led to a jump in inmate violence.

Danny Homan leads a union that represents many of the prison workers. He told The Des Moines Register on Thursday that prison workers believe the staffing problems will lead to a riot or a slaying.

The rally is planned for Friday afternoon. The prison has more than 970 inmates who are watched by more than 300 guards.

Iowa Corrections Director John Baldwin told the newspaper that some prison workers have been assaulted but that prison employment comes with risks. He says he believes inmates and staffers are safe despite the tight budgeting.