Understaffing

COs were assaulted when they responded to a gang-related altercation between prisoners that occurred in an open area inside the facility

Marshals pulled more than 40 inmates from Portland's jail in early September due to insufficient staffing

Long hours, dangerous conditions and remote, rural locations have meant fewer officers and a system plagued with increased killings and violence

"We are concerned that the way he presents himself will drive away more employees in our already critically understaffed departments," the letter read

The guard will assist with perimeter security, entry and exit security and issuing supplies to inmates from secure stations, among other things

About 6,400 officers were available to work at the city’s jails in July

The program was launched this month and employs officers who transitioned from correctional duties to assist on ambulance calls as needed

Critics claim earmarking stimulus money for new prisons is an "improper expenditure" for the funds

Problems flagged repeatedly by inspectors were related to the jail being too small, too dark and understaffed

Early career CO annual pay to increase from $41,288 to $46,654 in a facility that has a 52% vacancy

The bond issue is a key funding piece for the $1.2 billion construction price tag