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Pay hike for correctional officers needed

It’s crucial that the Arizona Legislature approves Governor Napolitano’s recommended $39 million pay increase for state correctional officers. Currently, Arizona has a statewide prison population of 33,500 inmates and growing, and yet the state has fewer and fewer correctional officers to run those prisons. This should be of paramount concern to everyone.

The Arizona Department of Corrections (ADOC) is currently experiencing a staff vacancy rate in excess of 22 percent statewide and as great as 30 percent at certain locations. Low pay — much lower than the county detention systems and the bureau of prisons — coupled with growing jail systems that are expressly targeting ADOC officers to work in their facilities is causing more and more ADOC officers to leave for better paying jobs with normal work weeks. Their salaries are climbing higher and ADOC wages are falling further behind. It is impossible for the state to compete with other agencies. We are losing our well trained and high performance officers to those jurisdictions willing to pay for talented correctional professionals.

With my experience I, more than most, understand the importance of retaining seasoned officers who are able to respond to any and all situations. Additionally, I understand the value of having the right number of people on shift. Not having enough officers to cover critical posts and not having enough experienced officers impacts the operation of the state’s prisons and erodes the overall morale of staff working overtime to make sure each shift is covered. Our climbing vacancy rate places an immense burden on state correctional officers who are committed to keep the public safe.

I know firsthand that being home with family at the end of the day is as crucial as protecting the public. I still speak with many people who are serving the state as correctional officers. I see the problems that they face because of the overtime hours they have to work, hours away from their families. As someone who is newly married, I know the value of being able to get home after a long shift. Right now, a lot of dedicated people can’t do that because of the increasing shortage of officers. Most people have young children at home. Nothing is better than having their parents home on a normal basis.

This state prizes law and order. I see no better way to ensure the state’s safety and well being than by supporting the governor’s pay plan for correctional officers, the men and women of ADOC who truly keep the public safe.

Jason Auch

Correctional Records Clerk II

Arizona Department of Corrections

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