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| Bill gives corrections officers rights in disciplinary actions |
| By citizensvoice.com |
| Published: 07/08/2013 |
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HARRISBURG, PA - A Schuylkill County senator is pushing legislation to provide legal safeguards for state corrections officers involved in disciplinary proceedings. Sen. David Argall, R-Tamaqua, calls his legislation a "Corrections Officers Bill of Rights." The measure provides that information relating to the nature of a complaint must be provided in writing to an officer not less than 24 hours prior to an interrogation. It gives officers legal cause to seek action for damages if a complaint is found to be without merit, frivolous or in bad faith. "Prison inmates have fundamental rights and a myriad of safeguards to protect and exercise those rights," Argall said. "If we recognize that convicted criminals retain certain rights when they enter prison to serve their punishment, surely we can insist on the same for corrections officers when they enter prison to serve the public." The legislation stems from a case where corrections officers were suspended without pay and benefits for nearly a year without the ability to ask questions related to why they were suspended or to defend themselves at a hearing, Argall said. Notwithstanding the bill, Argall said he strongly believes that any corrections officer found guilty of a crime should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The bill was subject of a recent joint hearing by the Senate and House Labor and Industry Committees. The statewide association representing corrections officers called for the bill's passage while Gov. Tom Corbett's administration has raised concerns. The legislation seeks to impose a negotiation-by-legislation approach in areas better suited for collective bargaining, said a statement by the Office of Administration. Read More. |
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
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UNALIENABLE RIGHTS
Everyone should receive restitution if falsely accused and remedies should be applied by due process alone. This should be common sense and equally accessible. Rights com from our CREATOR through our laws but privileges come from government . I am surprised that legislation was even needed here.