Corrections officers $10G sign-on bonuses extended till November

CONCORD - The Department of Corrections has extended its $10,000 recruitment incentive for new full-time law enforcement corrections officers, utilizing American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funds.

Friday's announcement came following approval by the Fiscal Committee and Wednesday's vote by the Executive Council.

Originally initiated in June of 2022 as part of the State of New Hampshire Recruitment Incentive Program, this incentive has proved highly effective in attracting new officers to join the department, according to a statement sent out by Corrections officials.

These recent votes ensure the continuation of the sign-on bonus incentive through Nov. 29.

Currently, the Department of Corrections faces a 48% vacancy rate within its entry-level Corrections Officer positions. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department witnessed a wave of retirements among the corrections officer ranks. As the Department works to rebuild its workforce, resources like the $10,000 incentive are instrumental to recruitment efforts. Recruitment and retention are the Department's priority.

"I am grateful to Governor Sununu, the Executive Council, and Fiscal Committee for their support in extending the $10,000 recruitment incentive bonus," said Commissioner Helen Hanks. "Their commitment to ensuring the strength and effectiveness of our corrections team is invaluable. This incentive serves as a vital tool, allowing the department to attract more recruits and maintain competitiveness among law enforcement agencies that are vying for candidates from the same pool."

Since the program's inception, the Department has awarded the $10,000 sign-on bonus to 65 newly certified corrections officers. This includes 29 officers in FY 2023 and 36 officers in FY 2024 up to the present date.