Letter to the Editor
The Lowell Sun
I am currently the Local #0222 Union president at the Federal Medical Center at Fort Devens. I am writing this so your readership may better understand that budget cuts are putting hard-working federal correctional workers in harm’s way.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons has proposed $143 million in possible spending cuts, including not replacing vehicles and equipment, eliminating overtime, reducing corrections officer training and a possible cut in officer staff positions.
This is very troubling news for the staff members who work at FMC Devens. This is all being done in the wake of a Federal Correction’s officer who was killed by two inmates at the U.S. Penitentiary in Atwater, Calif.
Even with this grave evidence of the increased danger facing staff, the Federal Bureau of Prisons uses budget cuts and the adoption of the “Do more with less” mantra to function. This way of thinking doesn’t minimize the undue risk to my co-workers and myself. By the Federal Bureau of Prisons not lowering the inherent risks to its staff, it has made us all appear to be expendable.
I find the lack of “Investment in human capital” very troubling. Staff members need the equipment, training and staffing to stay safe in this very dangerous environment.
I urge your readership to contact their senators and members of Congress. Urge them to give us the funding to keep these hard-working government employees safe at work. Their silent, hard work keeps the convicted felons we house, safely incarcerated, all while attempting to rehabilitate them so they may re-enter society.
Help keep us as safe as possible.
PETER M. CIVILIK
President
Local #0222
FMC Devens
Copyright 2008 MediaNews Group, Inc.