I am a Correctional Officer in Wisconsin, responsible for maintaining order and ensuring safety within our correctional facilities. These trying times have presented us with increasing threats and contentious situations even when off duty. It is critical that we have every tool at our disposal to protect ourselves and those around us. Currently, state Correctional Officers are not included under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), a federal law that allows qualified law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms in any jurisdiction in the United States. This exclusion leaves us vulnerable during our hours outside of work.

This is not just a personal issue, but a broader concern for all Correctional Officers across the state. Nationwide, there are nearly half a million correctional officers working in both state and federal facilities – professionals dedicated to maintaining the peace and security of these institutions. Yet, these officers are not extended the same rights and protections under the LEOSA as other law enforcement personnel. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020)

Amending the law to include state Correctional Officers under LESOA will enhance their personal safety and grant them an essential right that their fellow law enforcement officers already enjoy. An update in the classification under the law will not only benefit Correctional Officers but will also potentially enhance the safety of our communities. The looming threats are real, and our ability to mitigate them should not be tied solely to our on-duty hours.

Let us stand up for the men and women who watch over our incarcerated population and extend to them the rights and protections they rightly deserve under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act. Sign this petition today, and let's make a difference in the lives of those who work daily to maintain our safety.