Prisons Department Achieves Staffing Record and Retention Rates

The Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP) hired 230 correctional officers since April 2024, the largest cadet class in over a decade. Retention rates significantly improved, with attrition dropping to a record low of 2 percent, according to Commissioner Michael Resnick. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker appointed Resnick to lead the PDP in a transformation effort aimed at addressing systemic issues. The department's recruitment strategy includes hiring a specialized firm and relocating the Training Academy to a state-of-the-art facility.

Plans for a mentorship program are underway to support new staff during their transition. Additionally, the PDP opened a fitness center for employee wellness, promoting a healthier workplace. The decrease in inmate population has also allowed for better service delivery, including increased out-of-cell time and reduced medical backlogs. These changes indicate a positive trend in staffing and service quality within Philadelphia’s prison system.