As someone who has personally experienced incarceration in the Florida Department of Corrections, and with a sister currently detained within its walls, I've witnessed an uncomfortable amount of verbal, physical, and mental abuse from officers, sergeants, and even supervisors. My story isn't unique. This issue runs deep and it's been breaking individuals like my sister and me apart.

The present situation in the Florida Department of Corrections is unsettling, to say the least. The lack of care and the resulting violence is more from correctional officers than it is inmate-on-inmate. There are officers who have been certified for over 20 years who are committing more offenses than officers just starting their careers.

It is high time to take a stand for a significant change in this troubled system. We demand that every correctional officer employed by the Florida Department of Corrections be recertified and retrained. Recertification will ensure officers are updated on humane and effective correctional practices, while retraining will ensure the continual application of these critical skills.

Doing this will do more than just protect prisoners’ rights; it will ensure their safe release and proper rehabilitation. Our petition aims to make this policy law. Your signature is an important step towards achieving justice, reinstating dignity, and promoting a healthier correctional institution in Florida. It's time to bring safety and rehabilitation to the forefront of corrections. Please sign this petition.