WV Division of Corrections Welcomes 429 New Recruits to Combat Staff Shortages

CHARLESTON, WV WVDN — Gov. Jim Justice and the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation WV DCR have celebrated a significant milestone with the graduation of 52 new officers and staff.

This year, WV DCR has added 429 new graduates to its team, nearing last year’s total of 483. The increase in recruitment, partly due to higher pay for correctional officers, has helped reduce staff shortages across the state. Notably, 19 facilities now have a vacancy rate of 10% or less for Correctional Officers.

I am thrilled for the 429 individuals who graduated from the training academy this year, Gov. Justice said. It’s impressive to see so many West Virginians stepping up to these crucial roles. By enhancing pay and benefits, we’re not just filling jobs; we’re attracting talented and dedicated individuals. This graduation highlights what we can achieve together, and I am committed to supporting our correctional officers as they make a positive impact on our communities. The importance of this progress cannot be overstated.

The West Virginia Corrections Academy program provides graduates with essential training in areas like Correctional Documentation, the Prison Rape Elimination Act, Emergency Procedures, Communication Skills, Suicide Prevention, Autism Awareness, Trauma-Informed Care, Scenario-Based Training, and more.

We are excited to welcome our new recruits to the WV DCR, said WV DCR Commissioner William Marshall. Their dedication to public service and their desire to positively impact our communities are truly inspiring. We are confident they will uphold our mission with integrity and professionalism. The future of our organization looks promising with these exceptional individuals joining us.

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