CLEARFIELD – Correctional officers have a difficult and often very dangerous assignment.
These men and women are tasked with ensuring the custody, safety and well-being of the over 600,000 inmates in U.S. prisons and jails.
“Their position is essential to the day-to-day operations of these institutions,” states a proclamation issued Tuesday by the Clearfield County Commissioners.
“Without them it would be impossible to achieve the foremost institutional goals of security and control.”
Historically, correctional officers have been viewed as “guards,” occupying isolated and misunderstood positions in prisons and jails.
“In recent years, the duties of these officers have become increasingly complex and demanding,” the proclamation states. “They are called upon to fill, simultaneously, custodial, supervisory and counseling roles.
“The professionalism, dedication and courage exhibited by these officers throughout the performance of these demanding and often conflicting roles deserve our utmost respect.”
But, the important work of correctional officers often does not receive the recognition from the public it deserves.
“It is appropriate that we honor the many contributions and accomplishments of these men and women who are a vital component of the field of corrections,” the proclamation states.
In recognition of the contributions of correctional officers to the United States, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 132, has designated the week beginning May 6, 1984, as “‘National Correctional Officers Week,” and authorized and requested the President and the officials of state and local governments to issue the appropriate proclamation.
The commissioners will officially pass their Corrections Officers Week proclamation Tuesday, May 14 during its voting meeting.
“It’s a tough job,” commented Commissioner Chairman Dave Glass. “There’s no off time. You constantly have to be on alert.”
Commissioner John Sobel noted the county’s large community of correctional officers that includes the men and women of the Clearfield County Jail, as well as of SCI Houtzdale, Quehanna Boot Camp and Moshannon Valley Processing Center, which was formerly a private prison.
There’s approximately 1,000 officers in Clearfield County, according to Jail Warden David Rupprecht Jr.
