ABOUT THE PROJECT

Whether the tragedy of February 1, 2017 at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center is regarded as a watershed event in the Delaware Prison System remains to be seen.  However, there is no doubt that the bravery and sacrifice of the Delaware Correctional Officers during that siege will be remembered by all Correctional Officers.

The death of Officer Steven Floyd brought the danger faced by Correctional Officers every day on the job into stark relief.

While the world watched, the Delaware Prison siege unfolded with an eventual tragic result which brought the entire Prison System under reactional scrutiny.

Conditions contributing to the inmate revolt and killing of an Officer could not be ignored. 

What were the contributing factors that lead to the inmate revolt and murder of Officer Floyd and do those factors remain in place and exist elsewhere.

How fragile and antiquated is the Delaware Correctional System.  And most importantly, how long and for what reason has the State Government ignored the Delaware Correctional System.

Despite various media depictions, most of us do not give much thought to the Prison System as prisons are similar to utility companies, entities we take for granted and forget exist - until a crisis.

Up until recently, the State of Delaware Prison System seemed to operate quietly, efficiently and out of sight of the general public.  But the events of February 1, 2017 brought the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center national attention.

Questions regarding all aspects of operations are now being reviewed.  But the position with the most impact is the Correctional Officer because a prison is like a city within a city, it requires a workforce with special skills to conduct the system of confinement to be safe, secure and productive.

Correctional Officers are that trained workforce.

Who are they, the people on the front lines.  Who report to work with prisoners on a daily basis with little or no recognition, thanks or appreciation.

What motivates Correctional Officers to show up when so many other options are available.  Is it starting pay or possible overtime compensation.  Are the risks worth the rewards.

Those and other questions are raised and answered by Delaware Correctional Officers who have had years of experience in the State of Delaware Prison System.

We will meet dedicated Correctional Officers who found the reasonable entry requirements to start their career appealing but, after training, quickly found themselves holding the only line between order and chaos.

Here are their stories.