“We are proud to have put forth an appropriations bill that prioritizes funding for many of Virginia’s hardworking first responders, including bonuses for state police, correctional officers, deputy sheriffs, and direct care staff. While this funding is tremendously important, we also recognize the need for a long-term solution to ongoing staffing challenges.

“To that end, we plan to convene a work group to review and address the compensation structure for correctional officers within the Department of Corrections, deputy sheriffs, and regional jail officers. This work group will include staff from the Department of Human Resource Management, the State Compensation Board, the Department of Corrections and the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission and will deliver recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly no later than October 15, 2021.

“We are committed to recruiting and retaining highly-qualified officers and ensuring the safety of families and communities across the Commonwealth.”