Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office lowers minimum age for corrections officers
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office has changed its hiring policy to lower the minimum age for a corrections officer from 21 to 18.
The department’s goal is to expand the pool of qualified applicants and address issues it has faced with hiring and retention.
The change was proposed by AFSCME Local 473 during meetings between labor and management. The sheriff’s office agreed to move forward with the change.
“This is a common sense step that opens the door for young adults who are ready to start a meaningful and rewarding career in public service,” Sheriff Gary Caruana said in a news release Wednesday. “We value the partnership with the union and appreciate their engagement in helping us find practical solutions to staffing challenges in the jail.”
Related: Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office to test new AI tool to aid in report-writing
The Sheriff’s Office will immediately begin accepting applications from 18- to 20-year-old candidates.
“Lowering the hiring age to 18 creates a path for young, motivated individuals to begin their careers earlier, receive proper training, and grow with the department,” AFSCME Local 473 President Jenny Zammuto-Williams said in a news release. “It’s a win-win for the agency and the community we serve.”
Corrections officers start at a wage of $26.46 an hour and work 12-hour shifts.
The Winnebago County Jail, the second largest in the state, has a capacity of 1,313 and an average daily population of roughly 750 inmates.
For information on applying, visit HERE.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
