In 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued Proclamation 5187 (see below), 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.”
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Correctional officers have the difficult and often dangerous assignment of ensuring the custody, safety and well-being of the over 600,000 inmates in our Nation’s prisons and jails. Their position is essential to the day-to-day operations of these institutions; without them it would be impossible to achieve the foremost institutional goals of security and control.
Historically, correctional officers have been viewed as “guards,” occupying isolated and misunderstood positions in prisons and jails. In recent years, 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.
In recognition of the contributions of correctional officers to our Nation, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 132, has designated the week beginning May 6, 1984, as “National Correctional Officers Week,” and authorized and requested the President to issue an appropriate proclamation.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning May 6, 1984, as National Correctional Officers Week. I call upon officials of State and local governments and the people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eightyfour, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighth.
RONALD REAGAN
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CORRECTIONAL OFFICER’S WEEK
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Send a thank-you card
It takes nothing to say a small thank you. Let your local correctional officer know that their work matters.
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Read up about the role
If you find this job interesting, the best way to start is by reading up about what the profession entails. Find your nearest library or browse the internet for more knowledge about the role.
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Post about it
Show how much you appreciate correctional officers by posting about them every single day of the week. Don’t forget to add the hashtag #NationalCorrectionalOfficersWeek!