Florida prison system's problems blamed on budget cuts

By Bill Cotterell TALLAHASSEE (Reuters) - Florida's prisons system is struggling with serious staffing and budget shortfall, according to the head of the Department of Corrections, who told a state legislative committee on Monday she plans to seek an additional $51 million this year to address long-neglected needs. Former Corrections Department Secretary Michael Crews last week told the Miami Herald he had tried for years to persuade Republican Governor Rick Scott that the prison system was so badly run-down and understaffed that inmates and employees were not safe. Department Secretary Julie Jones said she has a “100-day plan” of major policy changes, emphasizing increased training on “use of force” by correctional officers, improved staffing levels and mental health services, as well as upgrading worn-out facilities.



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