For my fellow Ohio Officers

[BOPCO87]

Prison Workers Protesting Job Cuts
May 2, 2008

Prison workers at the Belmont Correctional Institution have been on the picket line since 5 a.m. Friday, protesting 16 job cuts that could come in the near future.
The possible job cuts have been proposed by Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland.
Workers said they are protesting to inform the community about what's happening at the institution.
Union chapter president Terry Dayton said the jobs they're at risk of losing are crucial positions to the prison, and it’s important for union members to let everyone know what’s going on.
“We chose to picket and we put the issue out to the public. We are going to let the public judge. We want the public to call their legislatures, call the government office, call the warden down here,” said Dayton.
Dayton said violence between inmates has been on the rise and workers want to keep their jobs to ensure safety.
“That’s what our mission is in the department, to provide quality safe services to the community, to the offenders and to the people who actually work in the institutions,” said Dayton.
Andy Douglas, the executive director for the Ohio Civil Service Employees Union Association, said job cuts could make the atmosphere at the prison even more dangerous.
“In the end it’s a safety issue. It’s our job to keep the worst of the worst incarcerated and we do that to keep communities safe. This is playing with disaster,” said Douglas.
Public Information Officer at the prison, Kathy Cole, confirmed for NEWS9 Friday that within the past week there have been at least three instances of inmate on inmate violence.
Also, NEWS9 confirmed with troopers at the Ohio State Highway Patrol that a case of violence involving shanks, or knife-like objects, at the institution is currently being investigated.
Cole said that safety and security is top priority and they are waiting on direction from the Gov. Ted Strickland's office in Columbus.
The job cuts are part of Strickland's plan to balance the state's budget. Keith Daily, the governor’s press secretary, said that there are significant cuts being made to every agency of state government.
Daily said it was a tough choice to eliminate the jobs but it was something the governor felt was necessary.

[BOPCO87]

Just to add to this post, every institution in Ohio is slated to have to lay off a certain amount of officers. I am glad I am in the BOP now. My old institution in Ohio is tabbed to cut 30 officers. Mind you that the state of Ohio is at an all time high in poplulation. They are also 2 less institutions then the previous record. The way that they are housing inmates up there now is comparable with California with the common areas, tv rooms, gyms, and chapels housing inmates.

[shakedownshorti]

Thought and prayers go out to these officers and their families!!! Stay Safe and God Bless!

[JCoffin]

I hope they succed in changing the governers mind on this. what is he thinking? Portland PD has to cut a couple positions as well.. funny, they day after they mention it some kid goes out and lights 9 cars on fire in the city.

[USPBOB]

My heart is with the Brothers and Sisters on the picket line, my prayers for their safety at work.