Correctional officers calling on Governor McKee to delay appointment of new leader

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — The union representing corrections officers in Rhode Island is calling on Governor Dan McKee to delay the swearing-in of Wayne Salisbury to lead the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.

A spokesperson for the Rhode Island Brotherhood for Correctional Officers said officers are against Salisbury’s nomination because he’s made “rash decisions” that have negatively impacted life for corrections officers and prisoners alike.

RIBCO added there are “unanswered questions about Salisbury’s integrity.”

The Governor’s Office released the following statement in response:

“As Acting Director with over three decades of experience in corrections, Wayne Salisbury has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to manage challenges in the field of corrections, from assembling a task force dedicated to recidivism reduction, to renewing the department’s focus on staff development and succession planning.

The director and his leadership team have and will continue to work with the correctional officers and the advocacy community to identify and implement best practices in areas such as officer safety and recruitment, as well as inmate discipline and education.”

The full letter from the correction officers’ union to state officials can be seen below.

A letter from corrections officers to state officials. (RIBCO)

Salisbury is set to be sworn in on Tuesday, June 11.