Missouri House subcommittee to examine harassment cases within Department of Corrections

A special investigatory subcommittee will examine the workplace environment within the Department of Corrections after allegations of harassment.

House Speaker Todd Richardson and House Corrections and Public Institutions Committee Chairman Paul Fitzwater on Wednesday announced the creation of the House Subcommittee on Corrections Workforce Environment and Conduct.

Rep. Jim Hansen was named to lead the panel.

“We have all been shocked and concerned by the stories and the lawsuits that have resulted from the environment that was allowed to exist within the department,” Hansen said. “It’s clear significant changes need to be made to put an end to this culture, and to give our underpaid corrections employees a safe, professional work environment.”

Hansen told ABC 17 News he met with the new department director Tuesday. He said he plans for the subcommittee to begin its investigatory work immediately.