To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Sheriff’s Office
Staff Name and Phone Number: Julie Bertoli 707-565-1469
Vote Requirement: Informational Only
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt a Gold Resolution designating May 1 through May 7, 2022 as National Correctional Officers and Employees Week in Sonoma County, to recognize the efforts of all correctional staff in keeping our communities and incarcerated persons safe. (Countywide)
End
Executive Summary:
In recognition of the difficult work performed by the dedicated employees of the Sonoma County adult detention facilities, Sheriff Mark Essick is requesting the Board of Supervisors adopt a Gold Resolution designating May 1 through May 7, 2022 as National Correctional Officers and Employees Week.
Discussion:
The annual observance honoring the men and women who work in jails, prisons, and community correction facilities across the Country was first introduced by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 when he signed Proclamation 5187 to establish “National Correctional Officers Week.” The U.S. Senate officially changed the name in 1986 to “National Correctional Officers and Employees Week.” It is observed the first full week of May.
The work of housing and caring for a large and increasingly complex incarcerated person population 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, through pandemic, social unrest, wildfires, and ongoing staffing shortages has become more challenging, both personally and professionally, for Sonoma County’s sworn correctional staff, janitors, detention assistants, detention specialists, kitchen, administration, and healthcare staff at the adult detention facilities.
Correctional staff roles have become consistently more challenging due to legal, societal, and legislative changes that impact the size and composition of Sonoma County’s incarcerated person population. Implementation of AB109 in 2011 significantly impacted the population, which now includes higher levels of severity in terms of violent, mentally ill, and high-risk offenders who are serving longer stays in County detention facilities. For the last five years, correctional employees have also managed particularly difficult and persistent challenges presented by fires and the pandemic. During dangerous and high stress times for our communities, and often when their own homes are threatened and families have evacuated, correctional employees have maintained facility operations and ensured incarcerated person safety and care 24 hours a day. In 2019, corrections staff evacuated all of the incarcerated persons housed in the North County Detention Facility to Alameda County to ensure safety from the Kincade Fire, and correctional deputies were required to also stay in Alameda for the week in order to staff Sonoma’s housing modules at the detention evacuation facility.
During trying times such as COVID 19, power shut-offs and other fire and air quality events, staff meet ongoing challenges to keep clean air circulating, emergency foods served, and health/safety protocols maintained. Corrections staff have served on the front lines of the COVID pandemic for two years, under challenging health and wellness conditions, all the while maintaining strict COVID mitigation strategies aimed at keeping incarcerated persons, staff, and the community safe.
The professionalism, dedication, and courage exhibited by the Sonoma County correctional employees in the performance of challenging and often conflicting roles, amidst historic staffing shortages, deserve our utmost respect. It is appropriate that we honor the many contributions and accomplishments of these men and women who are a vital component in the field of corrections.
This resolution is requested to provide Sonoma County the opportunity to recognize the complex, dangerous, and demanding responsibilities carried out by each and every staff member inside our detention facilities. Correctional employees take on an enormous level of both personal and professional responsibility each day they come to work. We respectfully request that the Board honor and recognize the dedication and commitment of these employees and thank the selfless men and women who serve within our detention facilities each day. We encourage all our residents to join in recognition and appreciation of the outstanding professional service correctional employees provide to ensure the safety and welfare of our community.
Prior Board Actions:
Since 2014, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed the first full week in May as “National Correctional Officers and Employees Week.”
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
No fiscal impacts.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None
Attachments:
Gold Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None