The first full week of May — National Correctional Officers Week — is set aside to honor correctional officers and personnel who work in corrections.
Many area residents are employed by the McKean County Prison, Potter County Jail, Warren County Jail, the Federal Correctional Institution-McKean and SCI Forest State Penitentiary, explained a press release from the office of Stephanie L. Vettenburg-Shaffer, McKean County district attorney.
“Corrections is a critical component of the criminal justice system and these officers must carry out the goals of a criminal sentence that allows for both punishment and rehabilitation,” Shaffer stated.
“They must create an environment that allows for these goals while remaining vigilant about security of the facility and safety of staff and inmates. They must command authority while promoting peace.”
Shaffer explained that correctional officers work in a dangerous profession.
“The risks they face include the always-present risk of violence,” she said. “Any encounter can turn deadly within seconds and Correctional Officers are often harmed or killed in the line of duty.”
They face additional risk — and more obligations — due to the spread of COVID-19, according to Shaffer.
“These essential employees cannot stay home to avoid infection,” she said.”They remain responsible for the lives of thousands of inmates and their duties do not end even during a public health crisis. In fact, their obligations increase. And now, they face an invisible risk that they cannot avoid due to the nature of their jobs. In addition to keeping themselves healthy, they must ensure the safety of the inmates — a seemingly impossible task in any secure facility where limited space and overcrowding make social distancing impossible.”
It is because of their important and dangerous work that Shaffer wants to honor them.
“We recognize them and thank them for the work they do,” she said.
“On behalf of the McKean County District Attorney’s Office, I am honored to recognize Correctional Professionals and personnel.”
