Does Governor Moore have a plan to save Maryland's prisons?

I retired from the Maryland prison system about 21 years ago. When I began my career in 1969, the prison was overcrowded, and for most of my career, it was overcrowded.

Many staff have now retired and conditions appear to be deteriorating. Persistent vacancies always have a long-term impact on the overall security of a prison.

In January 2020, a News 4-I team consisting of Scott McFarlane, Rick Yarborough and Steven Jones pointed out that “Maryland state prisons are experiencing a staffing shortage of nearly 1,000 correctional officers, according to a review of state records.”

From my own prison experience, I know that staff shortages and other early leave have to be compensated for by the use of “overtime” and the elimination of some positions.

Burnout among correctional staff due to longer working days and hours to fill these vacancies is also a serious concern, leading to worsening sickness absence and staff wellbeing.