West Virginia Governor Ends State of Emergency for Department of Corrections Staffing Issues

West Virginia Governor Ends State of Emergency for Department of Corrections Staffing Crisis

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has made the decision to end the state of emergency related to staffing issues in the state Department of Corrections, signaling a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to address the ongoing challenges in its prison system.

The Republican governor had initially called on the state National Guard to help address worker attrition in the state’s jails and prisons almost two years ago, when the vacancy rate was over 30%. During a press briefing on Friday, Gen. William E. Crane, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, expressed pride in the Guard’s efforts to address the staffing crisis.

Since January 2024, nearly 240 people have graduated from the state’s corrections academy, and 38 National Guard members who were assigned to work in jails and prisons have chosen to stay on permanently. The state had previously declared a state of emergency for its jails and prisons in 2017, highlighting the severity of the staffing challenges.

In response to the crisis, state lawmakers approved over $21 million for correctional officer pay increases during a special session last summer. Additionally, two one-time bonuses of $2,294 were granted to non-correctional officer jail staff, such as kitchen staff, to improve working conditions in correctional facilities across the state.

Governor Justice’s decision to end the state of emergency reflects the progress made in addressing the staffing issues that have plagued the state’s Department of Corrections. Moving forward, it will be crucial for state officials to continue monitoring the staffing situation in West Virginia’s jails and prisons to ensure that the progress made during the state of emergency is sustained.

Implementing long-term solutions to attract and retain correctional staff will be essential for maintaining the safety and security of the state’s correctional facilities. By working collaboratively with state agencies, lawmakers, and correctional staff, West Virginia can build on the progress made during the state of emergency and create a more stable and secure prison system for the future.