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New Security Systems For ECISD
Guard Shortage Means Moving Some Texas Inmates 12/11/12
Associated Press
December 11, 2012
HOUSTON - State prison officials have begun transferring some inmates
from two Texas Panhandle units to other penitentiaries due to a lack of
corrections officers.
The Houston Chronicle reported Tuesday that the
units in more remote parts of the state are facing guard shortages approaching
50 percent.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice says about 200 inmates have been
moved from the Smith Unit in Lamesa (luh-MEE'-suh). The prison has a
2,234-inmate capacity, but has been operating with about half the needed
correctional officers.
Prison officials are moving about 400 inmates to lockups throughout the
state from the Ware Unit in Colorado City. The prison has a 916-inmate capacity.
Lance Lowry with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal
Employees has called for higher wages for Texas prison staffers.