Governor Rell Announces New Class of

Correction Officers to Begin Immediately

Recruits Will Ensure Continued Safety, Refilling Vacancies from RIP

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that she has directed the Department of Correction to immediately begin a new class of correction officers, ensuring the Department continues to maintain the highest levels of safety for the public, staff and inmates after the success of the Governor’s Retirement Incentive Program (RIP).

            More than 3,800 state employees participated in the RIP that Governor Rell negotiated with state employee unions, far exceeding the cost-cutting program’s target of 3,000 retirements. A total of 425 Department of Correction employees participated in the RIP, more than in any other state agency.

            “The RIP has more than met my expectations when it comes to reducing the overall size and cost of state government,” Governor Rell said. “And the hiring freeze that I ordered last year remains in effect. However, I have always said that we must make exceptions for positions that are critical to public safety and public health – and correction officers do some of the most difficult and dangerous jobs in the state.

            “We must ensure that public safety is not compromised in any way,” the Governor said. “We also owe it to these dedicated officers to make sure they are not short-handed. And, of course, we have a responsibility to ensure that inmate safety is maintained. This new class of correction officers is absolutely necessary.”

            The RIP is part of a comprehensive agreement Governor Rell negotiated with state employee bargaining units. It includes significant changes in employee health care and pension benefits and agreements in individual labor contracts that include wage freezes and furlough days for all state employees.

            The new class – which will be drawn from applicants who have already passed a screening process – is scheduled to begin training on August 14. The class will consist of 125 correction officers and 10 miscellaneous positions such as counselors and food service workers.

            Recruits attend a 10-week course held at the nationally accredited Maloney Center for Training and Staff Development in Cheshire. In addition to learning Department of Correction policies and procedures they receive physical training and more than 100 hours of on-the-job training at their assigned facility.