Recognizing Corrections Officers And Their Values as Part of Law Enforcement
Michigan Corrections Organization is proud to recognize May 6 through 12, 2018 as Correctional Officers Week.
During this week, we recognize corrections officers, who exemplify professionalism, integrity, and strength in the face of a difficult and often dangerous work environment. Corrections officers have a thankless job but play a vital role in the criminal justice system.
MCO proudly represents 6,200 Michigan corrections officers and forensic security assistants. But MCO isn’t your typical labor union. We proudly hold the highest membership density of any state of Michigan employee union. Members own the union and are engaged on the things that matter most to them. Our leaders (who are corrections officers themselves) and staff listen to members intently, and that input guides the union as we work to transform corrections. We take our messages beyond just state politics and are leading a nation-wide campaign to raise the professional profile of corrections officers.
We’ve also spread awareness of corrections PTSD; created a special committee to address the needs of our union’s military members; partnered with law enforcement groups to address officer dignity assaults; and more.
If you’re a corrections officer, know that it’s up to us to tell our stories, recognize our achievements, support one another, and shine a positive light on our profession. So often, we are portrayed negatively by the media and Hollywood. Now is the time for us to change that narrative. MCO leaders and staff are doing this by implementing programs like Move Forward and One Voice, a national campaign spearheaded by MCO that brings together COs, corrections reform advocates, corrections administrators, and other stakeholders to discuss reform and chart a path forward that includes the voices of COs across the country.
If you’re a member of the public, know that corrections officers are an indispensable part of law enforcement. They keep our communities safe. Corrections staff might be hidden behind prison walls, but when their shift is over, they are a visible force for good in their communities. Whether they’re coaching little league sports, assisting after a car accident, or working at a food pantry, corrections staff volunteer their time to serve and improve communities.
Following tradition, MCO has obtained from Gov. Rick Snyder an official proclamation making the first full week of May Correctional Officers Week in the State of Michigan. It states:
WHEREAS, the safety and well-being of every Michigan citizen is of utmost importance, and the correctional officers who work in our county and state correctional facilities dedicate themselves to this critical task each and every day; and,
WHEREAS, in an environment that may become intimidating, aggressive or even hostile, correctional officers are skilled professionals that are trained to maintain composure while preserving safety and property, and restraining persons that may be dangerous to themselves or others; and,
WHEREAS, these men and women are hard-working and committed public servants and without their expertise and service, Michigan’s correctional facilities would be unable to operate as successfully and efficiently as they do today; and,
WHEREAS, during this week, we join with the Michigan Corrections Organization to honor every correctional officer that serves in Michigan, and we thank them for the essential role they play in helping to protect the people of the Great Lakes State;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Snyder, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim Sunday, May 6 through Saturday, May 12, 2018 as Correctional Officers Week in Michigan.
Thank you for helping us honor corrections officers and their professionalism, integrity, and tireless dedication.