Delaware’s prison union says many officers are leaving the correctional system due to burnout and competition from other local law enforcement.
WBOC reports that Geoff Klopp, head of the Correctional Officers Association of Delaware, says this has left many positions unfilled.
He added that it has also meant that 35 percent of the staffing involves overtime which he warns is not safe for his members.
Klopp said that between 9 and 11 officers a month have left over the last 6 years.
The union leader notes that the salary of $32-thousand a year is not competitive with positions in other police departments.
WBOC reports that a spokesperson for the agency said in an email that Delaware’s correctional facilities are safe but do face staffing challenges.
In addition, she said that the entry level hires get around $35-thousand a year with hazard pay.
She said that was comparable to other state agencies.
