Roy Blunt: “on May 5, 1984, former President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation designating the first week in May as National…”

“on May 5, 1984, former President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation designating the first week in May as National Correctional Officers Week. He did so ``in recognition of the contributions of correctional officers to our Nation.'' I believe it is important to continue to recognize the contributions and critical work that correctional officers engage in on a daily basis, often risking their own safety in the course of carrying out their duties. Correctional officers are tasked with keeping inmates safe, as well as the thousands of staff supporting the operation of correctional facilities. Our Nation's correctional officers are not only an integral part of the criminal justice system, but they play a key role in helping maintain public safety. Correctional officers are also placed in a unique position to have meaningful interactions with incarcerated individuals. It is not uncommon for correctional officers to provide the prisoner population with the support and resources they need to succeed after their release so that inmates are able to become productive members of society. During National Correctional Officers Week, we are reminded of the service and sacrifice of correctional officers. I wish to take this opportunity to thank the over 400,000 correctional officers in the United States for the often thankless job that they do. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring these key public servants. ____________________”