DATE: May 10, 2022

CONTACT: Madeleine Schmidt

**MEDIA ADVISORY**

Colorado Springs – Colorado Department of Corrections employees will hold a rally in Colorado Springs this Thursday, May 12th during National Law Enforcement Month to demand safer working conditions.

Department of Corrections employees work one of the most dangerous jobs in the nation, but staffing shortages are making working conditions even more unsafe. As a result of a high turnover rate and a failure to fill vacancies, corrections officers are overworked and there is an increased danger of violence in correctional facilities.

Members of Colorado WINS, the state employee union which represents 4,659 Department of Corrections employees, are calling for immediate action to fill more than 800 vacancies in Colorado correctional facilities, which is creating an unsafe work environment for officers and other DOC staff.

WHO: Colorado WINS members, Department of Corrections staff

WHAT: Rally for safe staffing and fair treatment for Department of Corrections staff

WHEN: Thursday, May 12th at 4 p.m.

WHERE: DHS Headquarters, 1250 Academy Park Loop, Colorado Springs, CO 80910

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