And while internal discipline against guards is rare, criminal prosecution is virtually non-existent. The state attorney for the judicial circuit that includes the Florida State Prison can't recall prosecuting a single case against a corrections officer for battering an inmate. This was the system in place when death row inmate Frank Valdes died after a violent confrontation with guards. The criminal investigation into his death has revealed flaws in Florida's system for investigating inmate abuse allegations and prompted reforms by the Department of Corrections. Any time a guard touches a prisoner, he or she must file a report.
Medical staff examine the prisoner.
At Florida State Prison, Warden James Crosby rarely did. The Department of Corrections still does not require photographs of injuries sustained by inmates during confrontations with guards. Nor do corrections rules require that investigators interview inmates who may have witnessed confrontations. For the most part, it was the guards' word against the inmate's. But for the 13 months ending on July 30, Florida State Prison reported 96 allegations of abuse to inspectors.