Corrections Personnel Hired Despite Freeze

HARTFORD (AP) — Connecticut’s Department of Correction is hiring new prison guards, despite the state’s hiring freeze.

Governor M. Jodi Rell directed the agency to begin a new class of 125 correction officers and ten others, such as counselors and food service workers, beginning August 14. The class will be drawn from applicants who have already passed a screening process.

While the hiring freeze remains in effect, Ms Rell says she must make an exception for critical public safety jobs.

More than 3,800 state employees took advantage of a retirement incentive program, including 425 corrections workers. That is more than any state agency.