Corrections officers demand pay raise amid staffing crisis
September 17, 2024 | Rules, Legislative, Guam
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During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the pressing issues facing the Department of Corrections, particularly regarding staffing shortages and the need for infrastructure improvements.
Corrections officers voiced their concerns about inadequate pay and hazardous working conditions, highlighting a request for a pay increase similar to that of the Guam Police Department. The officers emphasized that their current incentive pay, which constitutes 25% hazardous pay, is not guaranteed by law and could be revoked. They argued that the pay raise is justified due to increased responsibilities stemming from overcrowding and the management of behavioral prisoners.
The meeting revealed that the department currently employs only 174 corrections officers, a number deemed insufficient to adequately cover both adult correctional facilities. This shortage has led to restricted inmate movement and limited access to rehabilitation programs, creating dangerous conditions for both staff and inmates. One officer noted that the lack of manpower has resulted in a constant control of movement within the facilities, which undermines the rehabilitation process.
Additionally, the state of the facilities was a topic of concern, particularly regarding malfunctioning air conditioning units. The director reported that repairs would require approximately $600,000, but current budget constraints limit available funds to only $150,000 for capital outlay in the upcoming fiscal year. The aging infrastructure poses ongoing challenges, with many air conditioning units at risk of failure.
The meeting also addressed staffing needs in related departments. A casework administrator reported a recent increase in staff from three to six but requested an additional six social workers to better serve the needs of the population. However, budgetary limitations have hindered the ability to amend appropriations for these positions.
In response to the chronic recruitment and retention issues faced by the Department of Corrections, a legislator announced plans to introduce a bill aimed at addressing these challenges, similar to recent initiatives for the Guam Police Department. The discussions underscored the urgent need for systemic changes to improve conditions within the correctional facilities and ensure the safety and rehabilitation of inmates.
Corrections officers voiced their concerns about inadequate pay and hazardous working conditions, highlighting a request for a pay increase similar to that of the Guam Police Department. The officers emphasized that their current incentive pay, which constitutes 25% hazardous pay, is not guaranteed by law and could be revoked. They argued that the pay raise is justified due to increased responsibilities stemming from overcrowding and the management of behavioral prisoners.
The meeting revealed that the department currently employs only 174 corrections officers, a number deemed insufficient to adequately cover both adult correctional facilities. This shortage has led to restricted inmate movement and limited access to rehabilitation programs, creating dangerous conditions for both staff and inmates. One officer noted that the lack of manpower has resulted in a constant control of movement within the facilities, which undermines the rehabilitation process.
Additionally, the state of the facilities was a topic of concern, particularly regarding malfunctioning air conditioning units. The director reported that repairs would require approximately $600,000, but current budget constraints limit available funds to only $150,000 for capital outlay in the upcoming fiscal year. The aging infrastructure poses ongoing challenges, with many air conditioning units at risk of failure.
The meeting also addressed staffing needs in related departments. A casework administrator reported a recent increase in staff from three to six but requested an additional six social workers to better serve the needs of the population. However, budgetary limitations have hindered the ability to amend appropriations for these positions.
In response to the chronic recruitment and retention issues faced by the Department of Corrections, a legislator announced plans to introduce a bill aimed at addressing these challenges, similar to recent initiatives for the Guam Police Department. The discussions underscored the urgent need for systemic changes to improve conditions within the correctional facilities and ensure the safety and rehabilitation of inmates.
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