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Prison system’s staffing crisis and outdated technology endanger guards and inmates

Texas’ sprawling prison and criminal justice system is facing a dangerous staffing crisis that puts inmates and staff at risk — and it could soon run out of room to house the projected number of incarcerated people, according to the state commission that reviews the performance of Texas agencies.The 189-page report documents severe staffing shortages among both correctional and parole officers that have become extremely costly and diminished public safety. Some prisons are operating with up to 70% of prison guard positions unfilled and the turnover rate among all Texas Department of Criminal Justice staff is 26%. The staffing challenges ...

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