By Sarah Roebuck
Corrections1
WASHINGTON — In recognition of their vital role in the justice system, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation on May 5, 1984, designating a special week to honor correctional officers.
Proclamation 5187 designates the first week in May as National Correctional Officers Week, which falls on May 5-11 this year.
Reagan’s proclamation noted that the position of a correctional officer “is essential to the day-to-day operations of these institutions [prisons and jails]; without them it would be impossible to achieve the foremost institutional goals of security and control.”
“The important work of correctional officers often does not receive the recognition from the public it deserves. It is appropriate that we honor the many contributions and accomplishments of these men and women who are a vital component of the field of corrections,” Regan said in the proclamation.
Explore the social media posts below to see how various agencies are commemorating the week and honoring the dedication of men and women working in corrections.