Ivey visits prisons, thanks officers for ‘essential’ service

Gov. Kay Ivey this week made surprise visits to two major Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) facilities and expressed her appreciation to correctional officers and support staff.

During her visits to Kilby Correctional Facility and Tutwiler Women’s Facility, which were made during shift changes, Ivey met with every present staff member individually.  Demonstrating her gratitude for their service, Ivey presented each member with an official Governor’s Challenge Coin.

Upon completing her visits, Alabama’s chief executive released a statement praising corrections personnel for their unwavering dedication to the state.

“The work of correctional staff is not easy. In fact, it may just be one of the toughest jobs in the country, absent of the recognition that is beyond well-deserved,” said Ivey in a release. “Corrections officers and support staff play a vital role in keeping our families and communities safe, while providing opportunities for rehabilitation to the inmates willing to better themselves.

“The work they do each and every day is essential to our public safety, and their necessary contributions are something we should never take for granted.”

ADOC’s workforce comprises more than 3,000 people serving as correctional officers, supervisors, health care professionals, chaplains, counselors, and support staff. Alongside the state’s 15 major correctional facilities, there are 11 work release and community work centers throughout Alabama.

ADOC Commissioner John Hamm recognized the department’s rank and file for their service to Alabama’s correctional operations.

“Working in Corrections can be compared to managing a small city where you provide all of the food, laundry, utility and maintenance services, while also providing security and protection to the public and incarcerated,” said Hamm. “I thank Governor Ivey for her constant recognition and support of our correctional staff.

“They are essential to day-to-day operations, and without them, safety, security and successful rehabilitation wouldn’t be possible.”

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL