Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon recently delivered remarks at the Elevating Our Profession Corrections Conference and Medal Of Honor Ceremony in Chicago. During her speech, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honor the distinguished Medal of Honor recipients and acknowledged their exceptional contributions to the corrections field and the safety of communities. Solomon commended One Voice for recognizing heroes in the corrections field and for their leadership on behalf of America's corrections professionals.
Reflecting on her extensive career dedicated to working on corrections and reentry issues, Solomon highlighted the importance of having individuals like the honorees who uphold high personal and professional standards in the corrections system. She emphasized the significance of including diverse perspectives, such as those of individuals with lived experience and correctional officers, in reform discussions to create safer and more humane environments.
Solomon also addressed the challenges faced by corrections officers, including high job vacancy rates, extended hours, and increased responsibilities. She highlighted the impact of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic on the corrections field, with hundreds of correctional staff losing their lives to Covid-related illness.
Recognizing the critical role corrections professionals play in public safety, Solomon emphasized the importance of supporting their well-being and ensuring adequate staffing levels. She mentioned initiatives such as the Corrections Officer Safety and Wellness Initiative (CorWellness) launched by the Bureau of Justice Assistance to improve correctional officer safety, wellness, resilience, and retention.
Solomon underscored the need for collective action to address staffing challenges in the corrections field and emphasized the importance of creating positive environments focused on safety, dignity, and humanity for staff, residents, and visitors. She highlighted various programs and initiatives aimed at transforming corrections culture, improving staff morale, and enhancing working and living environments in correctional facilities.
In closing, Solomon expressed her appreciation for the dedicated corrections professionals and reiterated her commitment to supporting their success. She congratulated the honorees and expressed her eagerness for continued collaboration in advancing the mission of corrections.