National Correctional Officers and Employees Week begins May 5

"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. 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."

- President Ronald Reagan

Since 1984, the first full week of May has been designated as National Correctional Officers and Employees Week. This year’s observation begins on May 5 and continues through May 11. During this time the Texas Department of Criminal Justice will host appreciation events and conduct memorial services in honor of correctional employees across the nation.

TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier explained why the agency strongly supports this annual event: “This week commemorates the contributions of those who serve as correctional officers, and personnel who work in jails, prisons and community corrections across the country. Within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, we take time during that week to recognize the efforts of these staff and to honor the memory of all correctional staff across the nation who have given their lives in the line of duty.” Collier continued, “The criminal justice system would be inoperable without the steadfast efforts exhibited daily by these brave men and women who hold vital roles ensuring this agency operates effectively.”

The 20th annual TDCJ Fallen Officers Memorial ceremony, held in conjunction with National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, is scheduled to take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 10, on the Sesquicentennial Plaza at the Texas Prison Museum in Huntsville. TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier and Texas Board of Criminal Justice Vice-Chairman Terrell McCombs are among those expected to speak in honor of correctional officers and staff who lost their lives in the line of duty. In case of bad weather, the service will be held in the Hearts Veterans Museum located next to the Prison Museum.

In addition to the Huntsville ceremony, services will be held across the nation in honor of criminal justice corrections employees, and TDCJ units will host luncheons and other activities in appreciation of the difficult and demanding work performed by agency staff. For more information about National Correctional Officers and Employees Week activities in your area, contact your regional CID director's office.