Press Release

RICHMOND — Correctional officers in Virginia’s prison system work hard every day to make Virginia a safer place to live. Their dedication to public safety will be honored May 4–10, which is recognized as Correctional Officers' Week in the Commonwealth.

"Virginia is a national leader in combating recidivism in no small part because of the dedication of our correctional officers,” said Department of Corrections Director Harold Clarke. “Working with a population that has many needs, our correctional officers are the front line of the Department’s re-entry efforts for incarcerated offenders.”

Throughout the week, the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) will recognize and honor the Commonwealth’s correctional officers. In recent years, correctional officers have taken a lead role in implementing evidence-based practices and preparing offenders for successful life outside the prison system. Re-entry preparation begins with an offender's first contact with the VADOC.

More information about the VADOC can be found at www.vadoc.virginia.gov.