Press Release: Alabama Department of Corrections Strives to Meet Staffing Requirements Amid Challenges
MONTGOMERY, Ala.—The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) has announced it will miss a federal court deadline to hire additional correctional officers by July, though significant efforts to bolster staffing numbers are underway. Commissioner John Hamm recently acknowledged the agency’s ongoing recruitment challenges but expressed optimism during a graduation ceremony for 94 new correctional officers, part of ADOC’s second class of 2025.
Despite a 2017 federal court order mandating the hiring of an additional 2,000 officers, ADOC has only increased its workforce to 2,038 officers from 1,744 as of July 2023. "We’re climbing out of that hole,” Hamm noted, referring to the past struggles in recruitment that saw staff numbers dwindle.
To tackle staffing shortages, the ADOC implemented a substantial salary increase, raising starting pay from approximately $37,000 to nearly $57,000 annually. Additionally, existing staff received a 10% salary boost, making positions more appealing. Notably, the agency has partnered with the Alabama Community College System to launch ACTIVATE, a career-readiness program that significantly improved the physical assessment pass rate; it soared from 38% to over 80%.
While Commissioner Hamm admits the goal of hiring 2,000 new officers may be out of reach, he remains hopeful that the ongoing improvements will be recognized in pending litigation regarding prison conditions. "The judges and plaintiffs will see we are making strides in hiring and improving the system," he stated.
While the future remains uncertain as ADOC faces lawsuits due to overcrowding and understaffing issues, the department remains committed to enhancing its recruitment strategies and working toward compliance with the court’s demands.
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