Corrections Shortage Resulting in Prison Violence, Burnout

A union representing Maryland state corrections officers says that at least 3,500 new officers need to be hired to solve ongoing staffing issues at the state’s prisons.  AFSCME officials met with corrections employees in Western Maryland Wednesday night where they heard more stories about mandated overtime, decreased morale, and burnout. Senator Mike McKay was at the meeting and said the department needs emergency funding, but it won’t come up at the special session aimed only at redistricting…

“We’re not funding the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to the level it needs to be and unfortunately it’s not a priority. And I don’t want someone getting killed or hurt to then it make a priority in the General Assembly.”