Texas Prison Guard Shortage Spurs Safety Concerns
View Mobile Site
IMPORTANT REMINDER: DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS AT 2 AM SUNDAY…REMEMBER TO SET YOUR CLOCKS FORWARD ONE HOUR AND TO CHANGE SMOKE DETECTOR BATTERIES…
Save Email Print
Texas Prison Guard Shortage Spurs Safety Concerns
Texas prison guards are expressing safety concerns about the effect of a shortage of correctional officers in state prison units.
width:200 and height: 120 and picwidth: 200 and pciheight: 120
Font Size:

(January 10, 2008)--Some Texas correctional officers are worried that their jobs are becoming too dangerous because of a shortage of guards.

A coalition of the guards released a letter to legislative leaders warning of "real concerns about the safety and well-being of our prison agency."

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has about 83 percent of the correctional officers it needs.

At least 14 state prisons were operating with 75 percent or fewer of their guard positions filled at the end of November.

The agency shuttered part of the Dalhart Unit in the Panhandle because of a shortage of guards.

Department officials say staffing shortages are an increasing problem but security at Texas' 112 prisons remains adequate.

They said low pay is a primary obstacle to hiring guards.

The officers say they plan to ask the Legislature for a pay raise.

Click Here For TDCJ Web Site

More Stories
Video
Central Texas Shooting Victim Identified, Suspect's Bond Set
164 Comments
Baylor's Griner Suspended For Two Games
139 Comments
PUC Won’t Halt Oncor Smart Meter Conversion
89 Comments
Central Texas Sheriff's Son Dies In One-Vehicle Rollover
73 Comments
Four Arrested In Local Robberies; Two Are Former HS Football Players
56 Comments
One Man Arrested After Post Office Discovers The Pot Was In The Mail
47 Comments
KWTX.com Features
Double Dollar Deals
Half Price Deals at Central Texas restaurants and businesses. A new deal every Thursday at 7:00am.
Boss of the Month
Who is Central Texas’ best boss? Nominate your supervisor for Boss of the Month!
Golden Apple
Your chance to nominate an outstanding teacher. Find out how they are making a difference in classrooms.
Emily Wants to Know
Emily Matthews' inquisitive look at life in Central Texas.
Army Way
Learn all about the symbols, traditions, and customs of the US Army.
Job of the Week
Click now to see hundreds of other jobs on Job Board TV!


Bilingual Account Representatives & Account Representatives - Paid training! No sales! High school diploma or GED required. Bilingual positions require excellent Spanish/English communication skills. Apply Monday – Friday, 8am-3pm at GC Services, 332 Town Square, W. Highway 190, Copperas Cove, TX or call (254) 518-COVE. EOE.

Also, take a look at the most recent jobs posted to Job Board TV at KWTX.com: View More Jobs.
AP Video