By C1 Staff
MIAMI, Fla. — Department of Corrections Secretary Julie Jones told senators that correctional officers called to testify before state lawmakers should have no fear of retaliation.
The North Escambia reports that a number of correctional officers have expressed interest in testifying before a committee that was convened to address safety equipment, staffing and other concerns.
But those same officers also said they were afraid of retaliation if they were to publicly discuss concerns about such issues.
Jones said that anyone who wanted to address the committee would have ‘free passage’ to do so.
Last month, Jones also told a House panel that a staff directive barring inspectors from disclosing information about investigations was necessary to shut down gossip and protect investigators. Six whistleblowers sued the DOC over the “gag order.”