This week is National Correctional Officer Week!

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued Proclamation 5187, declaring the week beginning May 6, 1984, as "National Correctional Officers Week."  This proclamation, "in recognition of the contributions of correctional officers to our nation," noted that the position of correctional officer "is essential to the day-to-day operations of these institutions [prisons and jails]; without them, it would be impossible to achieve the foremost institutional goals of security and control."

In the proclamation, President Reagan stated that "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."