11 Taken to Hospital After Pepper Spray Episode at Manhattan Detention Complex

Eleven correction officers were taken to local hospitals in Manhattan after getting exposed to pepper spray in jail cells Wednesday, officials say.

The officers were conducting cell extractions at the Manhattan Detention Center and used pepper spray when seven inmates refused to be searched, officials said. No inmates were injured.

The officers were taken to New York Downtown and Bellevue hospitals with minor injuries.

The Department of Correction said in a statement, "The safety of our officers is Commissioner Ponte’s number one priority. That is why we have launched a comprehensive program of meaningful reform that includes many measures to improve officer safety -- such as providing officers with specialized training in conflict de-escalation and mental health first aid."

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