After two years, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced the end of the state of emergency regarding staffing in the Department of Corrections. The governor had called on the state National Guard to help address worker attrition in the state’s jails and prisons, where the vacancy rate exceeded 30% last summer. Over 730 members of the National Guard were deployed to 17 correctional facilities during this emergency period. Since January 2024, nearly 240 individuals have graduated from the state’s corrections academy, and 38 National Guard members who were assigned to work in the jails and prisons have decided to continue on permanently.
In response to the staffing crisis, state lawmakers convened in a special session last summer and approved over $21 million for correctional officer pay increases. Additionally, two one-time bonuses of $2,294 were allocated for other jail staff who are not correctional officers, such as kitchen staff. This financial support was intended to address the challenges faced by the state’s correctional system and improve the working conditions for its employees. This emergency situation had initially been declared by Governor Justice in 2017, reflecting the ongoing struggles within West Virginia’s correctional facilities.
During a press briefing, Gen. William E. Crane, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, expressed pride in the Guard’s role in addressing the crisis within the state’s jails and prisons. He highlighted the collaborative efforts between the National Guard and the Department of Corrections to stabilize staffing levels and enhance security within the facilities. The decision to deploy National Guard members was deemed successful, with a significant number of individuals opting to continue working in the correctional system after their assignment. This transition serves as a positive outcome of the emergency measures taken to address the staffing shortages.
The conclusion of the state of emergency signifies a turning point for West Virginia’s correctional system, as Governor Justice signals confidence in the progress made to stabilize staffing levels within the state’s jails and prisons. The support provided by the state National Guard has played a crucial role in this effort, with over 730 members contributing to operations in 17 correctional facilities. The decision to end the state of emergency reflects a concerted effort to address the underlying challenges faced by the Department of Corrections and create a more sustainable staffing model for the future. This development marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve conditions within West Virginia’s correctional facilities and ensure the safety and security of both staff and inmates.
Moving forward, it will be important for state officials to continue monitoring staffing levels within the correctional system and implementing strategies to prevent attrition and maintain adequate personnel. The investments made in correctional officer pay increases and bonuses for other jail staff demonstrate a commitment to recognizing and supporting these essential workers. By prioritizing staffing stability and employee satisfaction, West Virginia aims to build a stronger and more resilient correctional system that can effectively fulfill its mandate to ensure public safety and rehabilitate individuals in custody. The collaboration between the state National Guard and the Department of Corrections serves as a model for addressing emergency staffing challenges and achieving positive outcomes that benefit both the workforce and the community at large.
