Governor Proclaims Correctional Officers and Correctional Employees Week 2021

WHEREAS, approximately 13,750 North Carolina correctional officers and correctional employees are responsible for the daily supervision and custody of approximately 28,000 offenders housed in North Carolina’s state prison system; and

WHEREAS, correctional officers and correctional employees are responsible for ensuring the safety of facility staff, incarcerated offenders, and the public; and

WHEREAS, although correctional jobs are extremely difficult and stressful, those who work in the profession perform their duties with dedication and great pride; and

WHEREAS, while the COVID-19 pandemic has made an already difficult job even more challenging, correctional officers and correctional employees have answered the call of duty to protect the health and safety of North Carolinians inside and outside of our prison system; and

WHEREAS, the efforts of correctional officers and other correctional employees are critical to preparing offenders for successful reentry to their communities; and

WHEREAS, correctional officers and correctional employees develop and maintain skills through rigorous basic and annual training to ensure they are prepared to resolve conflicts and react in a professional manner at all times; and

WHEREAS, correctional officers and correctional employees perform outstanding volunteer services outside their workplace, supporting and giving back to their communities in times of need and crisis; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina is proud to recognize the dedication of its correctional officers and correctional employees;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 2 – 8, 2021, as “CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND CORRECTIONAL EMPLOYEES WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.