The State Personnel Board approved implementing the special hiring rate for some positions — Correctional Officer 1 through 7 — at facilities across the state. Moreover, Correctional Officer 1 and 2 positions will receive an increase after the first six months.
The new rates signify a significant increase, raising the starting salary for a correctional officer from $40,000 to $42,900. By the end of their second year of service, the salary will be $49,400.
“The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation is dedicated to fostering a resilient and skilled workforce,” said state Corrections Commissioner William Marshall.
“These pay raises are a testament to our commitment to attracting and retaining qualified professionals who are passionate about ensuring public safety and upholding the standards of our correctional facilities. These enhancements recognize the hard work of our current employees and position us to draw in top talent, further fortifying our mission to protect and serve the Mountain State with integrity and excellence.”
The Division of Corrections oversees West Virginia’s 11 prisons, 10 regional jails, 10 juvenile centers, 13 parole services offices, 22 youth reporting centers and three work-release sites.
Gov. Jim Justice issued a state of emergency Aug. 11, 2022, to address critical staffing shortages at correctional facilities in West Virginia. The declaration allowed facilities to bring in National Guard personnel.
This past May 24, the governor declared an end to the emergency. That month, Marshall told lawmakers that the vacancy rate among uniformed corrections officers was down to 12% while the vacancy rate among non-uniformed personnel was 20%.
Special hiring rate increases are going into effect at the state Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
The State Personnel Board approved implementing the special hiring rate for some positions — Correctional Officer 1 through 7 — at facilities across the state. Moreover, Correctional Officer 1 and 2 positions will receive an increase after the first six months.
The new rates signify a significant increase, raising the starting salary for a correctional officer from $40,000 to $42,900. By the end of their second year of service, the salary will be $49,400.
“The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation is dedicated to fostering a resilient and skilled workforce,” said state Corrections Commissioner William Marshall.
“These pay raises are a testament to our commitment to attracting and retaining qualified professionals who are passionate about ensuring public safety and upholding the standards of our correctional facilities. These enhancements recognize the hard work of our current employees and position us to draw in top talent, further fortifying our mission to protect and serve the Mountain State with integrity and excellence.”
The Division of Corrections oversees West Virginia’s 11 prisons, 10 regional jails, 10 juvenile centers, 13 parole services offices, 22 youth reporting centers and three work-release sites.
Gov. Jim Justice issued a state of emergency Aug. 11, 2022, to address critical staffing shortages at correctional facilities in West Virginia. The declaration allowed facilities to bring in National Guard personnel.
This past May 24, the governor declared an end to the emergency. That month, Marshall told lawmakers that the vacancy rate among uniformed corrections officers was down to 12% while the vacancy rate among non-uniformed personnel was 20%.
