Thirty years ago this week, President Ronald Reagan issued Proclamation 5187 in honor of the men and women who work daily in America’s jails and prisons. This week, we celebrate National Correctional Officers’ Week across the country and recognize the dedication and professionalism of public safety officers here in Virginia. See below for Governor Terry McAuliffe’s proclamation issued on Sunday as well as President Reagan’s proclamation from 1984.
Correctional Officers’ Week Proclamation
May 4, 2014
By the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia
WHEREAS, correctional officers are responsible for supervising offenders convicted of crimes and sentenced to serve time in a local jail, regional jail or state correctional facility; and
WHEREAS, correctional officers are committed to ensuring public safety by supervising offender conduct and behavior to avoid conflicts and escapes, and maintaining security within the facility; and
WHEREAS, correctional officers are dedicated to protecting offenders while promoting positive behavior, attitudes, and skills which will improve the offenders’ chances of becoming productive members of society when they are released from custody; and
WHEREAS, correctional officers are crucial to the statewide re-entry initiative and reducing recidivism, as they play a critical role in preparing offenders for successful assimilation into the community 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, Correctional Officers’ Week offers an opporunity to acknowledge and honor Virginia’s correctional officers for the important work they perform each day, and for the sacrifices they make to protect the citizens of our great Commonwealth;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Terence R. McAuliffe, do hereby recognize May 4-10, 2014, as CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS’ WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.
Terence R. McAuliffe
Governor of Virginia
Proclamation 5187 – National Correctional Officers’ Week, 1984
May 5, 1984
By the President of the United States of America
Correctional officers have the difficult and often dangerous assignment of ensuring the custody, safety and well-being of the over 600,000 inmates in our Nation’s prisons and jails. Their position is essential to the day-to-day operations of these institutions; without them it would be impossible to achieve the foremost institutional goals of security and control.
Historically, correctional officers have been viewed as “guards,” occupying isolated and misunderstood positions in prisons and jails. In recent years, the duties of these officers have become increasingly complex and demanding. They are called upon to fill, simultaneously, custodial, supervisory and counseling roles. The professionalism, dedication and courage exhibited by these officers throughout the performance of these demanding and often conflicting roles deserve our utmost respect. 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.
In recognition of the contributions of correctional officers to our Nation, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 132, has designated the week beginning May 6, 1984, as “National Correctional Officers Week,” and authorized and requested the President to issue an appropriate proclamation.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning May 6, 1984, as National Correctional Officers Week. I call upon officials of State and local governments and the people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eightyfour, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighth.
Ronald Reagan
President of the United States