RAISING OUR VOICES

More Correctional Officers need to raise their voices to law makers and other various elected officials in order to receive adequate funding for the continued safe operation of our nations’ prisons and jails. Generally, safety is meant to mean a low inmate-to-officer ratio and better security equipment. And, generally, that means more money. Some of the ways I can think of to raise awareness are as follows:

· Call, email or write elected officials. Not only your elected official for whom you can vote for, but also those who are on certain committees that determine funding and programs for your prison or jail system.
· Call, email or write news papers. Not just your local paper (although that is one most likely to respond and/or print your “editorial”) but national news papers also and tell them about the dangerous conditions you work in. Don’t forget online news media either. Many online articles allow for comments at the bottom the report or a discussion forum. Make your thoughts known.
· If the news article is negative or is a report about a bad Correctional Officer, then post comments about how 99.9% of Correctional Officers are professionals who work in a dangerous environment for low pay. Comment about how we are a major and vital part of the criminal justice system and that this one Officer does not represent the vast number of professional Corrections Officers.
· If the news article is positive, then write or email comments which show your support. If it’s online article, make the appropriate comments and email the article to law makers, co-workers, union officials and anyone else you can think of.
If you have any other ideals, I’m all ears.