The Nevada Department of Corrections has announced the completion of a major inmate transfer involving nearly 2,000 prisoners between two state prisons. The prisons involved are the High Desert State Prison located near Indian Springs and the Ely State Prison in northeastern Nevada, as reported by news3lv.com. This operation has led to a switch in security designations. High Desert now functions as a maximum-security facility while Ely has been downgraded to a medium-security facility.
Officials cited several factors for the prisoner swap, including an increase in gang activity and violence. More notably, a recent brawl at Ely State Prison that resulted in the deaths of three inmates was a factor, though not the sole impetus for the move, per a statement obtained by FOX5 Vegas. An upgrade in the ability to handle maximum-security offenders was also part of the rationale, as High Desert's employees have received additional training and now leverage "Less Lethal Systems" such as pepper ball launchers. The change was also influenced by the higher availability of staff and immediate access to outside law enforcement and medical services in Southern Nevada.
According to James Dzurenda, Director of the Nevada Department of Corrections, the transfer was a "highly sensitive operation." He praised the smooth transition, highlighting that there were "no injuries to staff or offenders," and credited the success to collaboration with various agencies. High Desert's newer facilities boast higher perimeter security standards which include features such as a high-voltage electric fence, contributing to the decision to reassign higher-risk offenders there, as reported by news3lv.com.
As a part of this realignment, death row inmates will now be housed at the High Desert facility, however, the state's execution chamber will remain at Ely. The operation was carried out with a focus on maintaining the safety of offenders during transit, as such movements make them potentially vulnerable to rival gangs or other enemies, according to an NDOC press release. Details on the exact dates and timeframes of the inmate trade were not provided before the move, reflecting the operation's sensitive nature.
