Well, well, well, it looks like the Massachusetts Department of Correction has decided to shake things up a bit by lowering the age requirement for correctional officers. Now, 19-year-olds can join the ranks, aiming to attract more long-term and motivated candidates to the field. This change follows in the footsteps of the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, which made a similar move in 2023 due to a shortage of officers.
The Department of Correction clarified that these young officers under 21 won’t be handling firearms just yet. But hey, they still need to be eligible to obtain a license to carry one in the future. Commissioner Shawn Jenkins seemed pretty excited about the change, stating that it will allow the department to bring in more qualified applicants early on in their careers. And honestly, who doesn’t want to start a fulfilling career in corrections at 19, right?
Governor Maura Healey also chimed in, saying that the new age requirement will help recruit dedicated and skilled workers to these vital roles. With a high school diploma, equivalency certificate, or three years in the Armed Forces, plus a thorough screening process and a 12-week training program, these young officers can earn over $250,000 a year. Not too shabby for a 19-year-old, if you ask me.
Now, it’s no secret that the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union has been vocal about staffing and safety concerns in prisons. They’ve criticized the department for issues like lack of searches and the use of tactical units. Last fall, five officers were injured in a single incident at the state’s only maximum-security prison, which raised some eyebrows. The union took to Facebook to express their frustration, calling for better safety measures for their members.
Despite these challenges, Commissioner Jenkins thanked the union for their support in the department’s efforts to enhance their workforce. It seems like they are all working together to address the issues and build a stronger team of correctional officers. Who knows, maybe this new wave of young blood will bring some fresh perspectives to the table and help improve the overall situation in prisons. Only time will tell.
