"Imagine opening the door of a hot oven and feeling the heat hit you in the face... That's what it is like when you open the door to a prison unit pod."

This is the harsh reality for thousands of officers and staff working in Texas prisons. Wearing layers of thick uniforms, protective undergarments, and heavy equipment—often while using PPE—correctional officers are regularly working 15-plus hour shifts in unbearable conditions. Over the last decade, from 2011 to 2021, 409 state employees have suffered heat-related illnesses during the scorching months of June, July, and August.

"If I arrive to work at 6:45 AM, by 7:15, I am covered in sweat."

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) has long faced challenges with high officer turnover and chronic understaffing, but the situation is now dire. Some units are operating with 30% fewer staff, leading to dangerously low safety standards for both employees and incarcerated individuals. 70% of guard positions were unfilled at some prisons. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has a 26% staff turnover rate (Texas Tribune Jan15, 2025).The turnover rate for correctional officers has continued to rise—not just due to under-market pay, but because of the inhumane working conditions that worsen with every brutal Texas summer.

"You never really get acclimated to the heat."

In early 2022, TDCJ spent $20-24 million per month in overtime costs to manage these staffing shortages. Many officers have filed workers' compensation claims and even attempted lawsuits to seek justice. These unnecessary financial costs and health risks could be easily reduced by installing air conditioning in all prison units.

"I've had friends pass out on the job."

The extreme heat and staff shortages don't just harm the employees—they also increase the risk of violence within the prisons for both staff and incarcerated individuals. Large industrial fans, intended to provide relief, often impede officers' ability to hear, compromising their awareness and increasing danger. With overworked and heat-exhausted staff, safety protocols cannot be confidently followed, creating unsafe environments for everyone inside.

This is inexcusable and unacceptable. These are Texas citizens and state employees whose health and safety are being neglected.

"If they put AC in my unit, I would be on cloud nine."

It's time to end the inhumane working conditions in Texas prisons and stop the unnecessary deaths and health issues plaguing our correctional officers and staff.

What Are We Asking For?

We demand the same working conditions already required in county jails by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. Every county jail in Texas is mandated to maintain an internal temperature between 65 and 85 degrees (heat index) in all facilities. It's time to apply the same standards to state prisons—for the safety and dignity of everyone who works there.