Somerset County Commissioners hold meeting to address issues at Eastern Correctional Institute
ECI Staffing Crisis
Somerset County, Md. – A meeting was held on Tuesday, September 10th in Princess Anne by the Somerset County Board of Commissioners, and that brought up a bit of controversy. The agenda included a discussion concerning the Eastern Correctional Institute’s staffing crisis, and attendees had a lot to say about it.
Major Problems
Overworked and Understaffed. These are just a few issues brought up at the Somerset County Commissioners meeting and the officers at the Eastern Correctional Institute have had enough. State Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R) District 38 was in attendance and noted that the concerns of the employees wouldn’t fall on deaf ears. “You have correctional officers that are working day after day double shifts and then being forced to come in and continue to work when they’re absolutely exhausted, that’s a dangerous situation,” says Carozza. “It’s what they call drafting. The forced drafting to work.”
Employee Concerns
Somerset County Commissioners heard about issues at Eastern Correctional Institute, like problems with staffing, bonuses, retention, and recruitment. John Bourne has been employed at ECI for the past three years, and he says there are other issues as well. “Well, we know the staff shortage is an issue, but to heightens it, and what magnifies it is the amount of drug use and the, not just the drug use, but I can’t imagine the amount of money that’s spent sending inmates out to 911. I don’t think it’s a safe environment.”
ECI Response:
The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services say ECI closed its staff vacancy rate by almost three percent between February 2023 and may of this year, but hiring remains a challenge, saying quote…
“Secretary Carolyn Scruggs regularly visits correctional facilities across the state including the Eastern Correctional Institution, where she most recently visited in August. Addressing staffing and operational needs at all DPSCS institutions is of highest priority and the secretary will continue routine visits to ensure the safety and well-being of staff, incarcerated individuals, and the community.
While hiring remains a challenge in certain parts of the state, the Eastern Correctional Institution contributes to a positive department-wide trend, reducing vacancy rates from 16.06% in February 2023 to 13.59% in May 2024. More broadly, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services has made significant strides in mitigating vacancy rates across the agency, with a rate reduction from 14.41% in February 2023 to 10.65% in May 2024, reflecting a 26.1% reduction in 1.25 years under the Moore-Miller Administration.
The department will continue to aggressively pursue opportunities to increase our workforce and support its dedicated and hard-working correctional officers every day, who are vital to the Department’s mission and success.”
End quote.
Looking Ahead
State Senator Mary Beth Carozza says she’s also working towards solutions. “Delegate Otto and I are going to be demanding that the leadership of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, to come in person as soon as possible to hit these issues head on.” Senator Carozza and Delegate Charles Otto are planning to submit today’s complaints to the State within 48 hours. Lawmakers say this is an urgent issue as there are approximately 450 staffed officers, 100 vacancies and over 3,000 inmates.
