Governor Jim Justice declared a state of emergency over the state’s jails and prisons in 2017 due to staffing shortages. In response, the state National Guard was called in to provide support. Last summer, the vacancy rate in correctional facilities was more than 30%. To address the situation, state lawmakers approved over $21 million in pay increases for correctional officers and two one-time bonuses for other jail staff.
Since January 2024, almost 240 individuals have graduated from the state’s corrections academy. Additionally, 38 National Guard members who were assigned to work in the jails and prisons decided to stay on permanently. These measures have contributed to the improvement in staffing levels, allowing Governor Justice to lift the state of emergency.
The Republican governor expressed gratitude for the National Guard’s assistance and recognized the progress made in reducing staff shortages. The state will continue to focus on recruitment and retention efforts to ensure adequate staffing in its correctional facilities.
