Arizona Department of Corrections director visits Yuma

Arizona Department of Corrections Director Dora Schriro visited The Sun Monday to tour the facilities and speak about funds she is requesting from legislators.

 

She is asking lawmakers for funding to help with prison overcrowding and a disparity in salaries for prison employees.

"We are terrifically short on permanent beds," Schriro said. "We have over 160 new inmates per month."

She said many supervisors earn much less than the employees they train and manage, making it a challenge to retain good employees.

"It's more difficult to find people to step up for promotions," she said, because employees can often collect more money staying in a lower ranked position.

Schriro said she is pleased with the progress the department has been making with the productivity of inmates, who are working, going to school, completing job training and doing community service projects and restorative justice for crime victims.