Governor Ehrlich Visits Roxbury Prison Addressing Security Concerns

Officers said its just one example of the dangers of their job. The governor met with the Secretary of Public Safety and wardens from medium security prisons to discuss how to make prisons safer. Many have speculated that under staffing of the prisons has contributed to recent violence. Ehrlich said he wants to work with corrections officers; its the legislature that is making their jobs tougher. Ehrlich arrived at the prison this afternoon to meet with prison officials. He said their number one concern is safety. "Safety first, safety for everyone involved, correctional professionals, the offenders and obviously the safety of society once they return," said Gov. Ehrlich, R-MD. For almost two years correctional officers have complained that a lack of staffing makes their work place unsafe. Many have said it may have contributed to the death of Correctional Officer Jeffery Wroten who was killed in the line of duty almost one month ago, while transporting 20- year- old Brandon Morris. Ehrlich was adamant that while staffing is important it did not play a role in Officer Wrotens death. "That death had nothing to do with ratios or staffing levels. Now that investigation is not complete, but to my knowledge and the secretarys knowledge it had nothing to do with inappropriate processes, thats simply not the case," said Ehrlich. Department of Public Safety Secretary Mary Ann Saar said they have been trying to get the necessary officers, but the legislature keeps cutting positions or pins. "The legislature took 50 of our correctional officers and thats right in the budget. Then the following year they did an across the board recommendation to take pins," said Saar. Correctional officers said its not just that they dont have enough positions but they also have too many job openings. Nearly 640 spots remain unfilled. State officials said not enough people are applying to work in prisons. Ehrlich is hoping higher starting salaries will help change that. Reported by Gretchen Gailey [email]ggailey@nbc25.com[/email]" Tombstone Back in Its Place,1140997606,1140997606,"[img align=left]http://www.nbc25.com/main/uploads/ChadMerrill_1141002710_TOMBSTONE.gif[/img] FREDERICK COUNTY, MD- A more than 200-year-old tombstone is finally back where it belongs in southern Pennsylvania.