Gov. Justice, WV DCR Celebrate Recruitment And Staffing Milestones

3/26/2024

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Governor Jim Justice and the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (WV DCR) announced a series of significant hiring milestones today. Over the past 100 days, WV DCR has successfully recruited and onboarded more than 300 new employees, significantly bolstering the workforce. This milestone follows successful recruitment efforts and increased pay scales that have significantly reduced staff vacancies across the state.

The recruiting efforts, including increased pay scales for correctional officers, are paying dividends. Staff vacancies are continuing to decrease, with 12 facilities reporting single-digit vacancies.

In 2022, Gov. Justice issued a State of Emergency to address critical staffing shortages at correctional facilities in West Virginia and called for National Guard personnel to alleviate shortages at adult and juvenile correctional and detention facilities. Now, 232 guard members are no longer relied upon, marking a pivotal moment in the operational efficiency of the WV DCR. The National Guard support is currently reduced by 56%, from 413 to 181 members.

"Reducing the need of the National Guard to fill public safety roles in our West Virginia facilities is a big deal. It shows that we're making strides in ensuring that our communities are safe and well-protected without having to rely on temporary measures," said Gov. Justice. "This shift not only boosts morale but also highlights the dedication and preparedness of our correctional facilities. It's a true testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved in keeping our state secure."

Looking ahead, the WV DCR is committed to further enhancing its operational effectiveness, with a target of completely removing National Guard presence from all facilities by summer 2024.

"We are thrilled to welcome so many new employees," said WV DCR Commissioner William Marshall. "This is a testament to the hard work of our recruiting team and every one of our dedicated employees. We thank Governor Justice and the legislature for their continued leadership and commitment to prioritizing public safety across our state."

The WV DCR oversees West Virginia's 11 prisons, 10 regional jails, 10 juvenile centers, 13 Parole Services Offices, 22 Youth Reporting Centers and three work-release sites.

For more information about employment opportunities with the WV DCR, go to dcr.wv.gov/careers.

Gov. Justice, WV DCR Celebrate Recruitment And Staffing Milestones

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