Florida adds to hiring bonus for corrections officers

Florida is expanding its hiring bonus program for some new prison guards.

The Department of Corrections on Tuesday announced $1,000 bonuses at select correctional institutions, which in some cases may come on top of the $5,000 bonuses already being offered at select facilities.

“A career in corrections offers competitive pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for advancement, and the chance to make a meaningful impact every day,” DOC Assistant Deputy Secretary of Institutions Hope Gartman said in a statement.

The $1,000 bonuses are being offered to applicants once they are certified by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission to work at Apalachee Correctional Institution, Calhoun Correctional Institution, Columbia Correctional Institution, Dade Correctional Institution, Florida State Prison, Franklin Correctional Institution, Gulf Correctional Institution, Hamilton Correctional Institution, Jackson Correctional Institution, Liberty Correctional Institution, Mayo Correctional Institution, Northwest Florida Reception Center in Chipley, Okeechobee Correctional Institution, Santa Rosa Correctional Institution, Taylor Correctional Institution, Union Correctional Institution or Wakulla Correctional Institution.

The state already offers $5,000 bonuses at Apalachee Correctional Institution, Columbia Correctional Institution, Florida State Prison, Franklin Correctional Institution, Gulf Correctional Institution, Hamilton Correctional Institution, Jackson Correctional Institution, Liberty Correctional Institution, Northwest Florida Reception Center, Okeechobee Correctional Institution, Reception and Medical Center in Lake Butler, Suwannee Correctional Institution, Taylor Correctional Institution, Union Correctional Institution and Wakulla Correctional Institution.