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Recognizing correctional officers and their value as part of law enforcement

National Correctional Officers Week is when the nation acknowledges the vital role COs play in the criminal justice system

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May 3-9, 2020, is National Correctional Officers Week. During this week, we recognize correctional officers, who exemplify professionalism, integrity and strength in the face of a difficult and often dangerous work environment. Correctional officers have a thankless job, but play a vital role in the criminal justice system.

If you’re a correctional officer, know that it’s up to us to tell our stories, recognize our achievements, support one another and shine a positive light on our profession. So often, we are portrayed negatively by the media and Hollywood. Now is the time for us to change that narrative.

If you’re a member of the public, know that correctional officers are an indispensable part of law enforcement. They keep our communities safe. Corrections staff might be hidden behind prison walls, but when their shift is over, they are a visible force for good in their communities. Whether they’re coaching little league sports, assisting after a car accident, or working at a food pantry, corrections staff volunteer their time to serve and improve communities.

Michigan Corrections Organization (MCO) represents roughly 6,000 corrections officers and forensic security assistants working inside Michigan’s prisons and the Center for Forensic Psychiatry. MCO also represents Absconder Recovery Unit investigators and other Michigan Department of Corrections employees.

MCO has the highest membership density of any state of Michigan employee union. Members own the union and are engaged on the things that matter most to them. Read more about MCO at http://www.mco-seiu.org/about-us/.