$23 hourly starting pay, crap benefits after a probationary period? You're asking too much of the CO's, stretching them too thin. Of course you'll see violent incidents with poverty-stricken, sleep-deprived staff ignoring policy for "efficient" convenience when the inmates are protected by law.

Higher pay, better benefits. Longer, more consistent training. Active support from supervisors, policy change regarding inmate privileges. Orderlies run the pods, CO's are just opening doors. Invest in the technology to make the job easier, such as more & better cameras and wocell door locks.

Occupational risks are not worth the reward. Benefits do not offset the physical and legal dangers of the job. No wonder the turnover rate is sky-high. One week of OJT, two weeks of "Academy" powerpoints for CO's? Ludicrous. Short staffing is no excuse, change the security policy to ensure safety.

Better, more consistent training and an executive team that follows & enforces all the rules all the time. The paperwork required to punish an inmate usually isn't even threatened as it's "not worth the trouble". Top-down, cohesion is only possible with a common mindset. Shouldn't be live & let die.

"12 hour shifts" are unreasonable, I usually 14 hours at minimum. The lack of competent coworkers leads to one good CO doing the work of three at the same pay rate as the lazy & foolish. Then there's the legal repercussions of any "slip-up", any over- or under-reaction. Protect your employees.