and don’t forget police, prosecutors, courts, the never ending war on drugs, welfare and etc, etc, etc, etc,

I don’t begrudge the officers their pay. I don’t think anyone does. It looks like a very tough job.

What you say about Hickman shutting down the academy to new hires is very interesting. Sounds like I need to check that out further.

HOWEVER, and this is a big however, in protecting the rank and file officers, the union is wielding too much power for the health of the system. As California’s prisons continue to teeter on the edge of Federal takeover, Judge Thelton Henderson, continues to say—as he has for the past three years—that he sees the union as a big part of the problem.

About that power: Most companies allow senior employees more latitude than those less senior, but they don’t let them call the shots the way the correctional officers are doing.

I’ve spoken to correctional officers on many occasions. But at 1 am last night, when I was posting this puppy in response to the LA Times story, I admit, I didn’t start dialing.

If you stick around, which I hope you do, you’ll find that some of the posts are are based on original reporting, some—like this one—are closer to Op Eds, based on my experience as a criminal justice/social justice reporter, but pegged to the timely news available in the moment.

(By the way, you don’t think there should be an “R” in the CDD? Why not?)

Next time you do a story, don’t piece it together. Do your research. Why don’t you interview the Correctional Officers (not prison guards) who earned those 6 figure OT incomes.

Most did it because they were ordered over to work an extra 4 shifts per week because the Former Agency Secretary Rod Hickman shut down the academy to new hires. Now, last report I read, said there is still over 3,000 vacant positions that need to be filled in the Department. Would you want to be one of those employees forced to work that many OTs weekly and never see your children or spouse, never be able to attend your childs ball games, plays, etc because you were forced to stay at work.

As far as the Warden not having the ability to assign jobs, they can for about 30% of the staff. The top 70% of the positions are given out on a seniority basis. Is that much different from other companies who allow senior employees to pick their shifts or positions for which they are qualified.

And poor old GAS (Governor A. S.) brought this mess on himself when he decided to reorganize the CDC into the CDCR. He even made a statement that the feds could take over the prison system because it was no sweat off his back.

And for those that do not think that Correctional Officers earn the money that they are paid , come spend a day or two in prison and take a tour. You must be over 18 years of age.

Simple – Supply and demand.

Meanwhile a real labor battle is going on over health care with the UAW vs GM. A note: GM says it loses over $1000 per car on “Legacy” costs (retirement bennnies) here in the US. IN CANADA they make a car – same car – for $1400 less. Reason? Health care costs. I’ll leave it to the geniues here to figure out what is different.

As they have stated time and time again, this Administration really does believe that all of us would forsake our profession and forget where we came from for a few pieces of silver to put in our pockets. They are convinced, and use the media to try and convince others, that we are nothing more than selfish, greedy, money-grubbing guards.
They are certain the only item of concern to us is money. After all, they exchanged raises of 27% to 49% for middle and upper managers for their silence about the problems plaguing our department like critical overcrowding and dangerous staff shortages. Have you ever wondered why the managers aren’t all screaming bloody murder about the crisis conditions in every institution? If so, please ask to see copies of the memos they have sent up the food chain demanding better conditions for the staff to work and the inmates to live. Ask for the memos demanding more staff to carry out the stated mission of rehabilitation.

Prohibits arbitration of any provision of the state’s “deal,” including arbitration if the state refuses to honor its promised 5% pay raise — meaning no more “pay arbs”

Has no guarantee that the promised 5% pay raise will be funded by the Legislature— which refused to fund a promised pay raise two years ago. They want us to sell out our rights and protections for 5% — with no guarantee we’ll ever see a penny

Pays top-step correctional officers $1,959 a month less than the CHP— making it nearly impossible to fill the 4,000 CO vacancies, meaning double shifts and more forced overtime

Gives managers the right to make their own rules — without restriction

So, the problems are two of the favorite heros of liberals–government and unions. Yet, neither one can do what’s right for anyone, except the union doing more than what’s right for its leaders and the workers at the expense of the taxpayers and the prisoners.

But, who is going to fix it? Why the government and unions, of course! Isn’t it great to live in the wonderland of liberalism?