Recruitment and Retention Strategies for Correctional Staff

This technical report presents findings from a national survey conducted by the American Correctional Association (ACA) focusing on the recruitment and retention challenges faced by correctional agencies in the United States. The survey, which received responses from 23 states, highlights significant vacancy and turnover rates among correctional officers, with reported vacancy rates reaching as high as 55% and turnover rates up to 48%. The report details the impact of training on recruitment and retention, revealing that basic training duration varies across states and that financial obligations for recruits can influence turnover rates. Additionally, the report assesses various recruitment strategies, including job postings and social media outreach, and their perceived effectiveness. Compensation strategies such as bonuses and competitive salaries are also evaluated. The report concludes by identifying factors that positively and negatively impact staff retention, emphasizing the importance of employee recognition and flexible scheduling to improve job satisfaction and reduce turnover.