Correctional Officers Week 2026

WHEREAS, Correctional Officers are trained law enforcement professionals dedicated to maintaining safe and secure correctional facilities and ensuring public safety; and

WHEREAS, the duties of Correctional Officers include the supervision, care, and rehabilitation of offenders who have been convicted of a crime and sentenced to serve time in a local jail, state correctional facility, halfway house, or through electronic monitoring; and

WHEREAS, Alaska's correctional staff support the mission of the Department of Corrections by providing secure confinement, reformative programs, and a structured process of supervised community reintegration, thereby helping reduce recidivism; and

WHEREAS, Correctional Officers meet the challenges of their work with diligence and determination, upholding the high standards of their profession even while operating in environments that can pose significant risk to their personal safety; and

WHEREAS, on May 5, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5187 establishing National Correctional Officers Week and declared that, "the professionalism, dedication, and courage exhibited by these officers throughout the performance of these demanding and often conflicting roles deserve our utmost respect"; and

WHEREAS, correctional staff work tirelessly to bring hope to offenders through education, vocational training, counseling, and treatment contributing to the betterment of our society.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim May 3 - 9, 2026 as:

Correctional Officers Week

in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to honor these dedicated public servants who strive to maintain safe working and living environments in correctional facilities across the State.

Dated: May 3, 2026