In 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued Proclamation 5187 declaring the first week of May as “National Correctional Officers Week.” This proclamation noted that the position of correctional officer is “essential to the day-to-day operations of these institutions [and] without them, it would be impossible to achieve the foremost institutional goals of security and control.”
On April 30, 2025, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders proclaimed May 5th through 11th, 2025 as National Correctional Officers and Employees’ Week. Governor Sanders stated, “These corrections professionals include officers, counselors, medical personnel, teachers, and other support staff who play a critical role in the criminal justice system…”
The Arkansas Department of Corrections wants our staff to know how much we appreciate the job they do every day to help keep our communities safe. It takes special individuals to choose to willingly enter a prison facility everyday. Our staff is made up of officers, medical professionals, educators, IT professionals, farmers, administrative support, maintenance/construction/industrial crews, food service workers, trainers, legal professionals, advisors, coaches, chaplains, etc. and each person plays a vital role in our daily operations. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication you show daily.
A heartfelt message from ADC Director Dexter Payne:
”Since 1984 the first full week of the month of May has served as Correctional Officer and Professionals Appreciation Week. Today I am writing this email to express my appreciation and support to our Correctional Employees that work for the Arkansas Department of Correction. Everyday each of you come to work and assist in carrying out the mission of the DOC. You demonstrate courage and professionalism, while facing challenging circumstances inside of our institutions. Your bravery and sacrifice while serving the State of Arkansas does not go unnoticed. Correctional Staff are a vital part of Public Safety, as you keep those who have committed crimes against others in the community behind bars. You play a very important part in maintaining order, ensuring security, and providing support to those in our care.
Even though this is recognized as Correctional Professionals Week, it is important that we continue to support one another throughout the year. Let’s strive to create a positive and supportive culture that helps all employees flourish and feel like family. Check on your fellow co-workers to see how they are and if they have questions on how to handle situations at the job. Your uplift and inspiration may be the missing piece to the puzzle to help someone get through a tough time.
So, THANK YOU again, from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering dedication, service, and commitment to our State, Agency, and the Communities that we live in. I could not be prouder to work with the great group of men and women in our Agency. Let’s celebrate this week, but always remember no shortcuts, remain vigilant, security minded, and watch the backs of your fellow coworkers. I think we have the best Correctional Officers, Professionals, Teachers, and Nurses in the United States, and I don’t mind telling anyone this. Have a wonderful week, and our Management Team looks forward to seeing you and celebrating you.”
Read the proclamation below:
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME – GREETINGS:
WHEREAS: Thousands of men and women serve as correctional officers professionals at the Arkansas Department of Corrections, along with county and local jails throughout the state;
WHEREAS: These corrections professionals include officers, counselors, medical personnel, teachers, and other support staff who play a critical role in the criminal justice system, facing danger and adversity with courage, while also offering compassion and second chances to those in their charge;
WHEREAS: Correctional officers are mandated to provide security at the highest level while simultaneously filling the role of mentor, teacher, and guidance counselor to those in their charge to ensure conflicts, volatile situations, and crises are handled quickly and properly. Officers make a multitude of decisions every day that have tremendous consequences if made incorrectly;
WHEREAS: Since corrections professionals often perform their jobs out of the public eye, their selfless service, dedication, and heroism may go unnoticed. However, each day, regardless of weather conditions, travel hazards, or other extenuating circumstances, correctional [officers] perform an essential public safety function by overseeing offenders entrusted to their care and custody; and
WHEREAS: Correctional officers and employees are vital to public safety, the well-being of our community, and the rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Arkansas, do hereby proclaim May 5th through 11th, 2025, as
“NATIONAL CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES’ WEEK IN ARKANSAS”
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 30th day of April in the year of our Lord 2025.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor
