LETTER TO THE EDITOR COLUMBINE COURIER 7/13/2005
The report by Jonathan Ellis, "Mandatory overtime for jail deputies" accurately describes an alarming government-wide concern. The situation at the Federal prison in Littleton and other federal prisons across the country is even worse. Budgets have been slashed up to fifteen percent.  Overtime pay is greatly restricted. Treatment and non custodial staff are routinely being used to cover correctional posts and some posts are even being vacated.  Reduction in force notices have been sent to thousands of employees. For the first time in our history, many Bureau of Prisons facilities have been placed on the "commercial list," so jobs can be contracted out to the lowest corporate bidder.  If running a prison is not "inherently governmental, then what is?  The first responsibility of government is to serve and protect the public, but the prevailing right-wing ideology is that government should be run like a corporation where the "bottom line" is money, putting profit over security.   

 

Understaffing of federal prison facilities, we believe, has contributed to a large increase in assaults against correctional staff. The inmate population is rising, violence is rising, and staff must have relief. Management must follow the company line and describe the problem as a temporary inconvenience.  In reality, these budget shortfalls are a dangerous pattern of neglect. We will continue to speak out and educate the public and our elected officials.  

 

 

American Federation of Government Employees

Council of Prison Locals, Local 709

Federal Correctional Institution

9595 West Quincy Avenue

Littleton, CO 80123