Subcommittee releases recommendations to improve DOC workplace conditions

The House investigatory panel tasked with reviewing the workplace environment within the Department of Corrections has released its final report and recommendations.

The House Subcommittee on Corrections Workforce Environment and Conduct met from February to April. The subcommittee held nine hearings and heard testimony from corrections employees.

The subcommittee also received emails from employees from around the state about work conditions within the department.

The subcommittee delivered several recommendations to House Speaker Todd Richardson. The recommendations include the following:

Implementing a zero tolerance policy and a 24-hour hotline that goes directly to the Office of Professional Standards Requiring yearly sexual harassment training Requiring random employee drug testing Ensuring those guilty of misconduct are terminated, prosecuted, or responded to in a way that fits the offense Creating new recruiting and hiring procedures for supervisors, and instituting mandatory training Implementing a probationary period for new hires and ensuring candidates are fully qualified before being promoted Creating a new selection process for wardens, as well as an annual review by the department director Requiring in-depth management and leadership training for wardens and all prison leadership Creating a Work Environment Committee led by the warden to meet monthly on issues with reports going to the department director

“Our recommendations are meant to give the department a path forward as it looks to end this unacceptable culture of harassment and replace it with an environment that treats employees with respect,” Hansen said.

In the report the subcommittee writes, “We are very pleased that our new Director has provided leadership and direction and has already started implementing many of the recommendations in this report. We look forward to her feedback on all of our recommendations.”

Governor Eric Greitens nominated Anne Precythe to become the new director of the Department of Corrections in December. Her nomination was confirmed in February.