The Board of Prison Commissioners convened on December 20, 2024, to address critical staffing issues within the Nevada Department of Corrections. The meeting highlighted significant progress in reducing vacancy rates for correction officers, a pressing concern since early 2023.

The Director of the Nevada Department of Corrections reported that the agency had contracted with Allstar, a recruitment firm, to enhance the hiring process for correction officers. This initiative has led to a dramatic decrease in vacancy rates, particularly in Southern Nevada, where for the first time in history, there are zero vacancies for correction officers. This achievement is crucial for maintaining safety and reducing the burden of mandatory overtime on existing staff.

Despite this success, challenges remain in Northern Nevada. The vacancy rate at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center is below 8%, but facilities in Lovelock and Ely still face significant staffing shortages, with vacancy rates exceeding 30%. The Director noted that a recent graduating class of 15 officers would help alleviate the situation at Lovelock, while Ely's staffing needs are being reassessed due to a reduction in minimum staffing levels.

The meeting also addressed the implementation of educational programming through tablets for inmates, which is expected to begin in April 2025. The vendor, ViaPath, is set to provide an implementation plan, with hopes of an earlier rollout depending on IT infrastructure readiness.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to improve staffing levels and inmate programming within Nevada's correctional facilities, with a focus on maintaining safety and enhancing rehabilitation opportunities. The next steps include monitoring the impact of new hires and the introduction of educational technology in the coming months.