Recruitment

The pilot program started last year in hopes of bringing in more candidates. Candidates must still pass a physical agility test

They can be a threat to the prison environment – could they be an asset too?

Good training helps with morale, boosts employee self-confidence, improves job performance and improves staff retention

The current class of roughly 89 recruits in the Correction Department Academy will graduate May 19 under the reduced timeline

CO staffing is running at 80% of its full complement to protect and secure the 500 or more inmates at Westmoreland County Prison

Officials want the St. Louis County Council to approve $1.6 million from the general fund to hire an additional 27 correctional officers

"Alarmingly low morale" and continuous long overtime shifts cited by COs

CO trainees who complete the 10-week academy will have a starting salary of no less than $50,712

The state also announced there will be pay grade and salary increases for current officers and additional steps for pay raises

Bill passed to lower minimum hiring age brings a new detention deputy to Lexington County

Last year, a bill was signed into law to lower the minimum age for detention deputies from 21 to 18

Currently, DACA recipients can become troopers, game wardens, COs and serve in the Wisconsin National Guard

19-year-olds can join at a salary of up to $68K with a $2,500 signing bonus and become eligible for the state's 100% tuition reimbursement program

The proposed plan also includes pay raises for inspectors and probation officers, while designating millions for infrastructure and equipment needs

Youth workers at the detention centers will now be re-classified as COs under the new plan