I look forward to supporting these needed proposals in the Senate. Appropriate staffing is one of the most important tools in operating safe and secure prisons and ensuring proper supervision of released offenders. This administration wants to ensure that the men and women who deal with criminals on a daily basis, whether inside prison walls or under community supervision, be properly compensated for protecting public safety. This provision will finally and formally recognize the special risks inherent in a CPO's job. Special risk retirement is a benefit that has been sought by CPOs for more than two decades.
Most probation officers are on the streets risking their lives in unarmed confrontation with felons.
The majority of CPOs work in dangerous environments with little or no back up. They deserve special risk retirement based on the unique risks inherent in their jobs. The pay raises for correctional officers will reduce turnover and save money. This administration understands the needs of the corrections community. The pay increases are based on an officer's rank and length of service.