Missouri Department of Corrections is Luring Young People to Work in the Prison System While Lying about the Dangers
As the critical staff shortage continues in the Missouri Prison System, the department is trying hard to get people in the door. DOC has always relied on lowering the bar to get more staff. Most recently they lowered the minimum hiring age to 19, removed the requirement to have a valid driver's license and eased up the already easy physical requirements. Many of the people staffing Missouri Prisons now are 19-22 with little work experience. At the same time, veteran staff with years in the department are leaving in droves. The prisons are losing experienced officers in a time when that experience is crucial to deal with the coming unrest. It is known by all experienced staff and administration that the staffing crisis paired with the Missouri DOC smoking ban is going to lead to a perfect storm in the prison system. The result will likely be loss of life. Alana Boyles Director of the Division of Adult Institutions was reported as saying that she "doesn't care about longevit...