Senator Saint Nicholas proposes $5 million for urgent repairs at overcrowded detention facilities
January 01, 2025 | General Government Operations and Appropriations , Legislative, Guam
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The 37th Guam Legislature convened on December 11, 2024, to address pressing issues within the Department of Corrections (DOC) during its Regular Session. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding facility conditions, staffing shortages, and the overall safety of both inmates and correctional officers.
A key discussion point was the deteriorating state of the DOC facilities, which have not been adequately repaired following typhoon damage. The department reported a funding request of approximately $1.5 million to address urgent repairs, including the replacement of non-operational generators and air conditioning units. The lack of functional cooling systems has raised serious concerns about the living conditions for inmates, as sealed windows prevent proper ventilation and expose them to health risks from insects and other wildlife.
The DOC emphasized that these deficiencies could lead to violations of inmates' civil rights under the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. The department is awaiting funds to expedite necessary repairs to ensure the safety and security of the facilities.
Staffing levels were another critical issue discussed. The DOC currently employs only 169 correction officers to oversee a population of approximately 950 inmates, resulting in a dangerously low officer-to-inmate ratio. This shortage has raised alarms about the potential for violence and assaults within the overcrowded facilities. The department noted that with only a limited number of officers available for duty, the safety of both inmates and staff is at risk.
In response to these challenges, Senator Saint Nicholas introduced a bill requesting $5 million for repairs and improvements to the DOC facilities. The senator highlighted that improving the working environment for correctional officers, including functional air conditioning, could help reduce tension among inmates and create a safer atmosphere for all.
The meeting concluded with a call for immediate action to address these pressing issues, emphasizing the need for adequate funding and resources to ensure the DOC can fulfill its mission of care, custody, control, and rehabilitation of offenders while maintaining public safety. The legislature's next steps will be crucial in determining how effectively these challenges can be addressed moving forward.
A key discussion point was the deteriorating state of the DOC facilities, which have not been adequately repaired following typhoon damage. The department reported a funding request of approximately $1.5 million to address urgent repairs, including the replacement of non-operational generators and air conditioning units. The lack of functional cooling systems has raised serious concerns about the living conditions for inmates, as sealed windows prevent proper ventilation and expose them to health risks from insects and other wildlife.
The DOC emphasized that these deficiencies could lead to violations of inmates' civil rights under the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. The department is awaiting funds to expedite necessary repairs to ensure the safety and security of the facilities.
Staffing levels were another critical issue discussed. The DOC currently employs only 169 correction officers to oversee a population of approximately 950 inmates, resulting in a dangerously low officer-to-inmate ratio. This shortage has raised alarms about the potential for violence and assaults within the overcrowded facilities. The department noted that with only a limited number of officers available for duty, the safety of both inmates and staff is at risk.
In response to these challenges, Senator Saint Nicholas introduced a bill requesting $5 million for repairs and improvements to the DOC facilities. The senator highlighted that improving the working environment for correctional officers, including functional air conditioning, could help reduce tension among inmates and create a safer atmosphere for all.
The meeting concluded with a call for immediate action to address these pressing issues, emphasizing the need for adequate funding and resources to ensure the DOC can fulfill its mission of care, custody, control, and rehabilitation of offenders while maintaining public safety. The legislature's next steps will be crucial in determining how effectively these challenges can be addressed moving forward.
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