Missouri prison employees slam work environment

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     (AP) – An employee says working in Missouri’s troubled

prisons is like “walking into hell.”

     Northeast Correctional Center storekeeper Travis Case told a panel of House

lawmakers Thursday that prisons are plagued by unfair hiring, little

accountability and vague policies that allow for abuse.

     House lawmakers are investigating after the Kansas City alternative weekly The

Pitch reported on harassment and discrimination claims by prison employees. Some

say they were retaliated against.

     The paper reported the state’s paid more than $7.5 million in related

settlements and judgments from 2012 to 2016.

     Farmington Correctional Center corrections officer Lt. Jason Horn told the

House panel that poor treatment of employees has led to low morale and high

turnover.

     Rep. Jim Hansen says he wants to hear from more employees before making

recommendations for change.




   

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