house resolution no.91

Reps. Calley, Allor, Chirkun, Clemente, Crawford, Haadsma, Hope, Jones, Kuppa, Pagan, Rendon, Sabo, Shannon, Sneller, Sowerby, Warren and Whitsett offered the following resolution:

A resolution to May 5-11, 2019, as Correctional Officers Week in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, No group of Americans has a more difficult or less publicly visible job than the brave men and women who work in our correctional facilities. Correctional officers who work in jails and prisons are currently responsible for the safety, containment, and control of more than 40,000 prisoners in Michigan. Correctional officers must protect inmates from violence from fellow prisoners, while encouraging them to develop skills and attitudes that can help them become productive members of society after their release; and

Whereas, The general public should fully appreciate correctional officials’ capable handling of the physical and emotional demands made upon them daily. Their profession requires careful and constant vigilance and the threat of violence is always present. At the same time, these dedicated employees try to improve the living conditions of those who are being confined; and

Whereas, It is appropriate that we honor the correctional officers in all our institutions, at all levels of government, for their invaluable contributions to our society; and

Whereas, Correctional facilities require staffing throughout each hour of the year, which leads to overtime and sacrifices made, not just by the correctional officers, but by their family members who should also be commended for the time they forfeit for the sake of public safety; and

Whereas, Both state and national observances of this week will focus on increasing public awareness and the important contributions of correctional officers nationwide; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 5 -11, 2019, as Correctional Officers Week in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That correctional officers across this state be commended for their outstanding contributions to public safety.