Law denies inmate access to guard info.

Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) - The Freedom of Information law is designed to help people find out what their government is doing. But when prison inmates use it, lawmakers are ready to draw a line.

There are approximately 4,500 correction officers working at the state's 18 prisons, guarding and supervising a prison population of approximately 18,000 inmates. What has prompted this legislation is the requests by some inmates for correction officers' personal information such as where they live under the State's Freedom of Information Law.

"Your family is in jeopardy, sooner or later, if [there is a] release, there's always that possibility of a grudge factor," said Joe Vecchitto, of Prison Employee's Union.

"There's no honorable intention to request our personnel file. It's always something to try and get to us or get at us," said Jon Pepe of the Prison Employee's Union.

There are at least 13 cases where the Freedom of Information Commission has approved inmates' requests. Those cases have all been appealed to the courts in an effort to get the decisions reversed. The Correction Department agrees with the union that intimidation could be a motive.

"Last year we figure for the department, in all the requests for inmates, in total about $1.1 million, cost to the taxpayers of the state of Connecticut. I think during these fiscal times we can spend our money otherwise," said Acting Commissioner Brian Murphy of the Conn. Department of Correction.

The Judiciary Committee unanimously approved the bill, Wednesday, that would prohibit anyone serving time in prison from getting that personal information.

Republican Senator John Kissel is a principle sponsor of the bill.

"There are some folks, currently, with the best of intentions, who think that inmates can serve as 'whistle-blowers' as to wrong doing that occurs in their correction facility. I think that's mistaken, at best," Sen. Kissel said.

There is a grievance procedure for complaints of prison guard abuse and inmates are free to write to lawmakers and the news-media.

While the Correction Department and the union have often been at odds, they are acting together on this proposal.

The bill was amended to include information about members of the State Board of Pardons and Parole.