The Department of Corrections has outlined a set of proposed compensation increases for prison guards that officials say will help with recruitment within the department beset by staffing shortages.
Spokeswoman Alex Tomlin says the raises will go into effect in July.
State lawmakers this year allocated $4.5 million to the department to address correctional officer pay, after officials raised concerns about low-staffing levels and overworked guards.
The escape of two inmates March 9 from a prison van further highlighted concerns amid revelations the two transport officers in charge of taking the men across the state had worked about 18 hours that day.
Under the new pay structure, the minimum compensation for a correctional officer will be $16.43 — up from $12.61.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.