Updated Mon., 5/7 – In 1984, President Ronald Reagan recognized Corrections Officer nationwide. His observation of the changing of the roles of Corrections Officer proved timeless.

In the proclamation, he stated, “Correctional officers have the difficult and often dangerous assignment of ensuring the custody, safety and well-being of the inmates in our Nation’s prisons and jails. Their position is essential to the day-to-day operations of these institutions; without them it would be impossible to achieve the foremost institutional goals of security and control.

“Historically, correctional officers have been viewed as ‘guards,’ occupying isolated and misunderstood positions in prisons and jails. In recent years, the duties of these officers have become increasingly complex and demanding. They are called upon to fill, simultaneously, custodial, supervisory and counseling roles. The professionalism, dedication and courage exhibited by these officers throughout the performance of these demanding and often conflicting roles deserve our utmost respect. The important work of correctional Officers often does not receive the recognition from the public it deserves.”

May 6-12, 2012 is designated National Correctional Officers Week. It is a time for us to reflect on the sacrifices of a difficult and often underappreciated profession that many have chosen to dedicate their lives to. With utmost professionalism, the men and women of the Oneida County Jail Corrections Staff perform countless duties inconceivable to most.

“I applaud and thank all Corrections Officers for the work they do and recognize the challenges they face,” said Oneida County Sheriff Jeff Hoffman. “As employees of Oneida County, they are most valuable to all those they serve and they should be very proud of their profession and the service they provide.”