Oklahoma Department of Corrections adds 33 new officers

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) – The Oklahoma Department of Corrections has added 33 new correctional officers to its prison staff but still has fewer officers than it needs.

The officers graduated from the Southeast Regional Academy at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary Friday and will join about 1,500 other correctional officers at 17 state-run prison facilities. In spite of the additional officers, the agency will remain about 40 percent understaffed.

Officials say starting pay for new state correctional officers is $2,214 per month.

Corrections Director Robert Patton welcomed the new correctional officers to the department and says their job is a tough one. Patton says the job requires dedication and service to help keep Oklahoma safe.

The agency is still seeking qualified applicants for open correctional officer positions at many of its prison facilities.