West Virginia Governor Justice lifts emergency status for jail staffing after almost two years.
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has made the groundbreaking announcement that he will be lifting the state of emergency concerning staffing in the state Department of Corrections. This decision comes almost two years after the Republican governor initially called on the state National Guard to assist in combating worker attrition within the state’s jails and prisons. At one point last summer, the vacancy rate skyrocketed to over 30%, underscoring the dire need for intervention.
During a recent press briefing on Friday, General William E. Crane, the Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, expressed pride in the readiness of the Guard to confront challenges head-on. “We’re just always proud to run to the fire,” Gen. Crane affirmed, highlighting the dedication and commitment of the Guard in addressing the staffing crisis within the correctional facilities.
Throughout the duration of the state of emergency, over 730 members of the state National Guard were deployed to 17 correctional facilities across West Virginia. Governor Justice commended their tireless efforts and invaluable contribution to maintaining smooth operations during a tumultuous period.
Since the start of 2024, nearly 240 individuals have successfully graduated from the state’s corrections academy. Of these graduates, a noteworthy 38 National Guard members who were temporarily assigned to work in the jails and prisons have decided to transition to permanent roles within the correctional system. This seamless integration speaks to the effectiveness of the collaborative efforts between the National Guard and the Department of Corrections.
Furthermore, in a bid to address the underlying issues contributing to staff shortages, state lawmakers convened in a special session last summer and earmarked over $21 million for correctional officer pay raises. Additionally, two one-time bonuses of $2,294 were approved for non-correctional officer staff, such as kitchen personnel, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the functioning of the correctional facilities.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Governor Justice has declared a state of emergency for the state’s jails and prisons. The proactive measures taken by the administration in response to staffing challenges underscore a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of both staff and inmates within the correctional system.
As Governor Justice lifts the state of emergency, West Virginia can reflect on the resilience and resourcefulness displayed in the face of unprecedented challenges. The collaboration between the state National Guard and the Department of Corrections exemplifies the spirit of unity and collective action in overcoming obstacles. Moving forward, the focus will undoubtedly shift towards sustaining these positive strides and reinforcing the foundation for a robust and effective correctional system in West Virginia.
