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| Violence levels raise concerns |
| By fdlreporter.com - Colleen Kottke |
| Published: 12/09/2011 |
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WAUPUN WS — Union officials argue that a perfect storm of low morale, unfilled vacancies and an exodus of experienced staff may have contributed to a rash of inmate attacks on prison workers last month at Dodge Correctional Institution. Four staff members were sent to the hospital for treatment after being attacked by three inmates during three separate incidents at the Waupun-based correctional facility. In the wake of the passage of Act 10 and its accompanying provisions affecting prison workers, state union boss Marty Beil says corrections officers now face heightened concerns for their safety. "Working in a prison is not an easy setting even at the best of times, and now with the morale and vacancy levels being where they're at, it becomes a much more difficult place to be," said Beil, executive director for the Wisconsin State Employees Union, AFSCME Council 24. "You've got long-term correctional officers moving out and less seasoned officers moving in. The inmates understand what's going on and see the changes. This is already a manipulative environment, and this just enhances that." No link Department of Corrections officials maintain there is no link between the assaults and staffing levels at the prison and referred to the attacks as "isolated events." Linda Eggert, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Corrections, said the units where the assaults occurred were covered by security staff. "There is no staffing shortage," Eggert said. "All posts are being covered with regular staff or staff on overtime." Eggert confirmed that there are more than 30 vacancies at DCI but expects those to be filled by new recruits following graduation from the academy early next year. Dan Meehan, president of the union at Waupun Correctional Institution, said newer hires are already looking for work elsewhere. According to a report compiled by WCI staff, the institution has approximately 37 unfilled security staff positions. "A lot of (least senior) corrections officers are being ordered to work all the time due to all the job vacancies so that it's just not worth it to them anymore," Meehan said. "I think the DOC is going to have a lot of trouble trying to recruit people, especially with all the unknowns associated with the job and benefit structures. Morale is at a rock bottom, and many people have either left or are actively looking for other jobs." Under a new plan by the Walker administration, overtime shifts at correctional facilities will be assigned on a rotating basis and shared equally among employees instead of being dispensed using seniority. Read More. |
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