Correctional Officers' Week

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, correctional officers are responsible for supervising offenders in local, state, and regional correctional facilities across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, correctional officers effectively promote the safety of all Virginians by supervising offender conduct to avoid behavior conflicts and escapes; and

WHEREAS, correctional officers often go above and beyond serving the facilities in which they work and assisting the community at large; and

WHEREAS, correctional officers are well trained and dedicated to promoting positive behaviors and outcomes which improve offenders’ post release success; and

WHEREAS, correctional officers are crucial to the statewide re-entry initiative and reducing recidivism, playing a critical role in preparing offenders for successful assimilation into their communities after release; and

WHEREAS, correctional officers strive to maintain a safe working and living environment in correctional facilities throughout the Commonwealth, often in the face of significant challenges and dangers; and

WHEREAS, National Correctional Officers’ Week was first proclaimed on May 5, 1984, by President Ronald Reagan to recognize the men and women who work in jails, prisons, and community corrections across the country; and

WHEREAS, Correctional Officers’ Week offers an opportunity to acknowledge and honor Virginia’s correctional officers for the vital contributions they make each day and for the sacrifices they make to protect the citizens of our great Commonwealth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize May 7-13, 2023, as CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS’ WEEK in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations