A Correctional Captain's Perspective on the Vacancy Crisis

In this episode, SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins and Communications Director Jon Owens sit down with First Vice President Wendell Powell, a Captain at Harnett Correctional Institution. Powell delves deep into an urgent issue plaguing the North Carolina prison system - the ongoing correctional staff shortage. 

Wendell talks about the changes he's seen in his 20+ years in corrections, from his early days having a team of 40 officers to the present dire scenario where less than ten officers are tasked with managing hundreds of inmates every day. Through this episode, Wendell highlights the grave impact of staff shortages, and emphasizes how detrimental they are to the primary rehabilitation missions of the prison.

The episode also underscores the importance of respect in uplifting staff morale while pointing to the risks of privatization. Lastly, we touch upon the dire need to address the mental health of correctional officers, shedding light on the significance of individual roles in ensuring a smoothly functioning system. 

We end with a little Taylor Swift Grammy talk and Ardis professes her love for Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car."