Changes coming for ECI staffing process

For the second time in as many months, those who support ECI held a rally in response to staffing problems at the prison

Much has changed since the first rally in July.  Following a meeting on Monday with the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, it has been announced the hiring process will be returning back to the shore.

"It's going to be a lot easier to recruit officers because they can just come here to ECI, they can go through all their testing and everything here, they don't have to go across the bridge," said George Chester, a former Correctional Officer Captain.

"That will be big as far as keeping hands on here in our area with the applicants and moving people forward," said Kerry Carr, a member of the ECI support group.

Another move being seen as win is a change coming to the polygraph test, which many have tapped as the reason the state hasn't been able to hire correctional officers.

"We're working on having a private contractor in the area who has experience giving pre-employment polygraphs to assist us without polygraphs and that's a step in the right direction," said Gary McLhinney, the acting executive director of human resources.

It's another step in the right direction is it seems the two sides are working together now to fix the staffing problem.

"They've stepped up. Kerry stepped up and is doing a commercial with the secretary which I think sends a strong message that we're all in this together and we're looking for solutions," said McLhinney.

Another recruiting event is planned for this Friday at Wor-Wic Community College.

Candidates can apply and test in the same day.  And those who get the job will be eligible for a $5,000 hiring bonus if they complete a year with the department.