Inspector general puts together an annual report of Nebraska’s correctional system

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – For years, the state prisons have been overcrowded and employees underpaid creating severe issues of safety.

“There are issues taking place now that weren’t taking place a 12 months in the past as a result of they didn’t have the employees,” stated Doug Koebernick.

Since 2016, Doug Koebernick as inspector normal has been placing collectively an annual report analyzing the state of Nebraska corrections.

An in-depth evaluation of what’s taking place, good and unhealthy, behind the razorwire for lawmakers to look at as they create coverage and budgetary choices.

Are we nonetheless overcrowded?

“Sure, we’re about the place we had been a 12 months in the past at 150% of our design capability. 140% was what brought on the overcrowding emergency. Later this 12 months, there will probably be 384 new high-security beds added to the system in Lincoln and that can get that design capability to 137%. That’s a optimistic and it’ll create some respiratory room,” stated Koebernick.

The employees has additionally been leaving in droves creating safety issues contained in the concrete partitions. Have worker incentives and pay will increase made a distinction?

“The staffing disaster has actually diminished from the place it was a 12 months in the past which is a optimistic. That’s totally on the safety aspect of the amenities. However then again, we seen vacancies in behavioral well being and medical. So we all know there’s work to be achieved,” stated Koebernick.

Koebernick says the priority now could be retaining the corrections officers and determining learn how to rent and preserve behavioral well being and medical staff.

For instance, there are 12 of 18 scientific psychologist vacancies. If inmates don’t get psychological well being assist whereas inside, in addition to lessons for home violence, anger administration amongst different issues, how will they adapt as soon as they get out?

A legislative examine is underway to look at the place programming stands.

Learn the complete 2022 OIG Annual Report

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