Pennsylvania Jail Officers Demand Action on Critical Staffing Shortage

Correctional Officers in Pennsylvania Highlight Staffing Crisis at Franklin County Jail

In a compelling demonstration of unity and urgency, corrections officers at Franklin County Jail in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, have raised alarms over the severe understaffing issues plaguing their facility. Members of AFSCME Local 589, representing these officers, have voiced their concerns directly to county commissioners, highlighting the precarious safety conditions for staff, inmates, and the surrounding community.

The current staffing predicament is stark, with over half of the 100-plus positions at the jail unoccupied. This shortage has left officers stretched thin, mandated to undertake excessive overtime, and frequently managing large groups of inmates single-handedly. Officer Brock Hohman captured the gravity of the situation by stating, “When we don’t have enough officers on the floor, the risk level increases immediately. A single officer might be responsible for supervising dozens of inmates, handling conflicts, monitoring behavior, and responding to emergencies — often simultaneously and with little to no support. This is not just inefficient. It’s dangerous.”

The staffing crisis is exacerbating retention challenges and complicating new recruitment efforts. The jail has reached a point where probation officers and other non-security personnel are being utilized to fill gaps, further underscoring the urgency for a solution. Officer Stephen Knouse, with 13 years at the facility, expressed the dedication of the officers to their roles but emphasized the unsustainable nature of current conditions: “We are proud of the work we do to protect Franklin County residents… We cannot continue to do it under these conditions or have to choose between doing our job and risking our life because of preventable staffing shortages.”

Backing from other local unions has been strong, with members from AFSCME Locals 246, 2935, and 2536 showing solidarity in their signature green attire. Together, they are pressing for measures to address the staffing shortfall, advocating for the recruitment and retention of the 106 full-time correctional officers necessary for safe operations.

To tackle these challenges, the corrections officers have proposed several actionable strategies:

• Ensure new officers receive academy training within two months of their start date.
• Implement retention bonuses for staff hired from the start of 2025.
• Increase hourly wages by $2.00 annually, beginning in 2026 and continuing through 2027.

AFSCME Local 589 members are committed to furthering public awareness and garnering community support. They aim to work collaboratively with management to secure a safer and fully staffed jail environment. As part of a broader movement, public safety professionals across corrections, law enforcement, and emergency services are leveraging union power to enhance their work conditions and safeguard community well-being.

For additional information and to get involved, visit the AFSCME Public Safety website.