Each year during the first full week of May, our nation takes time to recognize and honor the dedicated individuals who serve in one of the most challenging and often overlooked professions: corrections. Known officially as National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, this observance pays tribute to the correctional officers and all correctional staff who work tirelessly to maintain safety, enforce court mandates, and rehabilitate individuals within our criminal justice system.
The roots of this important week go back to May 5, 1984, when President Ronald Reagan issued Proclamation 5187, officially designating the first week of May as National Correctional Officers Week. In doing so, he recognized the essential, yet frequently underappreciated, role of correctional officers in maintaining law and order. President Reagan’s vision was clear: to provide a time for the nation to pause and say “thank you” to the men and women who carry out the demanding work of overseeing individuals who have been placed under the supervision of the justice system.
Correctional officers work on the front lines of our correctional institutions—jails, prisons, and detention centers—ensuring the safety of staff, inmates, and the public. Their role is critical not only in enforcing rules and regulations but also in managing crises, preventing escapes, and serving as the daily stabilizing force within facilities that can be unpredictable and often dangerous. Their job demands vigilance, courage, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Recognizing the broader scope of professionals working in the field, Congress expanded the observance in 1996 to include all correctional employees. This expansion was a vital step in acknowledging that the successful operation of our correctional systems depends on a diverse team of individuals. From administrative staff, probation and parole officers, counselors, educators, maintenance personnel, medical providers, case managers, to reentry coordinators—each plays an essential role in the rehabilitation and reintegration of justice-involved individuals.
Correctional employees often perform their duties under challenging circumstances, facing physical and emotional stress, long hours, and high-pressure environments. Despite these difficulties, they remain committed to their mission, ensuring that correctional facilities function securely and humanely while also helping individuals in custody take steps toward productive lives after release.
Throughout this commemorative week, agencies and institutions across the United States organize ceremonies, appreciation events, awards presentations, and educational programs to recognize the commitment and professionalism of their staff. These gestures, while symbolic, carry significant weight in affirming the value of the work correctional employees do every day.
National Correctional Officers and Employees Week is more than a ceremonial tribute. It is a moment for society to reflect on the critical importance of the corrections profession and to renew our collective appreciation for the individuals who perform this essential public service. Their efforts uphold justice, protect communities, and contribute meaningfully to public safety and rehabilitation efforts.
To all correctional officers and staff—past and present—thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your unwavering dedication. Your work matters, and your impact is profound.
Please check back during the week as CPOF field representatives and volunteers honor staff throughout the nation. And please, share your photos on social media and be sure to tag us!