U.S. Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) on Dec. 11 sponsored a bipartisan bill that would task the director of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) with conducting a comprehensive review of understaffing across the agency.
“It’s time we solve this staffing shortage and address the lack of correctional officers that is plaguing BOP facilities like FCC Victorville in my district,” Rep. Obernolte said.
The congressman introduced the Prison Staffing Reform Act, H.R. 6711, with three original cosponsors, including lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), to also require that BOP devise a plan to fill existing vacancies, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Obernolte’s staff.
“The current staffing shortage at the Bureau of Prison facilities endangers the lives of both the staff that serve there and the inmates incarcerated there,” said Rep. Obernolte. “Inmates are not provided thorough care or adequately monitored, and the current inadequate levels of staffing have put lives at risk.”
Rep. Chu also pointed out that understaffed prisons endanger both prison workers and incarcerated people, and with only a minimal number of on-site medical professionals, minor health problems can become medical emergencies.
“Further, the inability to maintain proper staff ratios also means serial abusers are kept on prison payrolls, subjecting incarcerated women in particular to sexual violence and harassment,” said the congresswoman. “Congress must step up to ensure the Bureau of Prisons fully protects everyone in their custody and to implement an accountability structure when facilities violate the constitutional rights of incarcerated people.”
Americans for Prosperity endorsed H.R. 6711, which has been referred to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee for consideration.