NCJ Number
195468
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 64 Issue: 3 Dated: June 2002 Pages: 92-95
Date Published
June 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This articles focuses on the ways that the Illinois Department of Corrections has recruited and retained staff while facing severe budget constraints.
Abstract
The author of this article contends that layoffs, hiring freezes, and business reorganizations have recently challenged the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) much as they have challenged other corrections departments. Discussing the ways that the IDOC has streamlined operations, while controlling costs, the author shows that the IDOC organizes statewide informational sessions and attends job fairs to provide communities with information concerning job opportunities. Of late, the IDOC developed the Policy and Recruitment Division in order to help the Office of Affirmative Action coordinate the IDOC’s Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action programs. In order to recruit high quality correctional officers and youth supervisors, the IDOC offers rapid salary advancements and conducts a rigorous screening process complete with intensive physical and written exams. Once hired, corrections staff may serve on special operations teams, may receive computer assistance to learn more about the various facets of their jobs, and may participate in the Illinois employees deferred compensation plan.