FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky is increasing pay for corrections officers and hazardous duty staff in an attempt to curb high turnover rates.
Gov. Steve Beshear has approved the plan to give raises and move hazardous duty, non-security staff to 40-hour work weeks.
A state Personnel Cabinet review showed that the state’s corrections officers and hazardous duty workers were paid at below-market rates compared with nearby states. A release from the state Department of Corrections says that has led to high turnover.
Starting salaries for corrections officers will be increased by 13 percent, from $23,346 to $26,400 annually. It includes higher increases for sergeants, lieutenants and captains. Hazardous duty, non-security staff will be converted to a 40-hour work week from a 37.5-hour schedule, meaning they will receive a nearly 7 percent raise.
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