The Alabama Department of Corrections ADOC recently celebrated the graduation of 55 new correctional officers, marking one of the largest classes in recent years. Commissioner John Hamm, who has been with the department for over two years, attributed the increase in recruits to a boost in the officer minimum salary in 2023.
Hamm highlighted the importance of this milestone, emphasizing that while the department often faces negative press, successes like this are essential steps toward improvement. The new graduates will be distributed across 15 facilities throughout the state, addressing staffing shortages and helping to enhance safety and management in Alabama’s correctional institutions.
Hamm also stressed the significance of professionalism, integrity, and accountability to the new officers, reminding them of the challenges they will face within the prison system.