State Corrections Pay Raises Could Hurt Local Jail Recruitment, Sheriff Says

Escambia County, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons is raising concerns about a proposed state corrections pay raise and its potential impact on local jails.

Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins announced this week that Governor DeSantis' recommended budget includes $373.9 million in pay raises for Florida Department of Corrections staff. The proposal would boost base pay for correctional officers, probation officers, and inspectors from $22 to $28 an hour — nearly a 30 percent increase.

Simmons says he supports the raises but worries local jails will struggle to compete.

"Every time I hear about them, I go, what are you doing for the local jail? What are you doing for the municipal jail?" Simmons said. "I just hope they're being addressed as well."

Simmons says he's seen this play out before with Florida Highway Patrol pay raises.

"The state does a really good job of, I think, the Florida Highway Patrol has gotten raise after raise, 20 percent and 20 percent," Simmons said. "And quite honestly, it makes it difficult for local law enforcement to recruit. And my fear is it's doing the same thing on the corrections side."

Simmons said local boards of county commissioners may not be able to match the state's pay increases, potentially causing county jail workers to leave for state facilities.

"I guess I just don't know how the local communities, the local boards of county commissions can hang with that," Simmons said.

Simmons noted that pay isn't everything — work environment, professionalism, and career opportunities also matter. He said the Escambia County Sheriff's Office has worked to become a "premier agency" that attracts candidates. But he said coordination between state and local agencies on pay would help avoid a competition that ultimately hurts taxpayers and public safety.

Simmons said he's not complaining, just raising a question he hopes the state will consider.