Since 1984, the first full week of May has been recognized as National Correctional Officers Week, an important opportunity to acknowledge the courage and heroism it takes to live life as a correctional officer. It takes an unyielding daily commitment to professionalism, integrity, and strength to be successful in the face of a difficult and often dangerous work environment.
This is the third National Correctional Officers Week held during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting just how long our officers have bravely faced the necessary demands put in place to get through a major public health emergency. When the world shut down, you showed up every single day, making the impossible happen simply because it had to, and you continue to show up today. I am grateful to see cases continue to decrease across the state, and the beginning of our return to normal operations. I thank you, and your families, for all you have done over the last several years to ensure the health, safety, and security of those in our care.
Correctional officers might be hidden behind prison walls, but when their shift is over, they are a visible force for good. Whether they’re volunteering their time for positive causes, jumping into action during an emergency, or mentoring the next generation, correctional officers serve and improve communities as much on the outside as on the inside.
I’m excited to see the new cohorts of recruits and recent graduates joining our correctional peace officer family. There are many opportunities available to make a positive difference in someone’s life, and for strong leaders to continue to move this department in a positive direction. I look forward to all of your individual and collective success.
I thank all of those correctional officers who have given years, and even decades, in public service to this department and our community. Your experience, perspectives, commitment, and tenacity are commendable not just during National Correctional Officer Week, but every single day of the year—because this is a 24/7/365 day enterprise that is only possible because of you.
Please join me in celebrating National Correctional Officer Week and be sure to express your gratitude for those who serve as a crucial pillar in our public safety systems.
Connie Gipson, Director, Division of Adult Institutions
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
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