| There will soon be more corrections officers at jails and prisons around West Virginia. After the legislature approved big pay raises - when the state was short by 500 officers - now comes the hiring process.
A number of job fairs are being held around the state to take applications.
"It truly can be a career now that a person can support their family, can support themselves on a livable wage; be in a safer environment," said Del. Rodney Miller, (D) Boone.
For years West Virginia had the lowest Corrections pay on the six-state region and many officers quit for higher pay in border states. This year the legislature fixed that. The starting jailer pay of 24-thousand dollars in the Mountain State will be going up and all state employees will get a five-percent raise.
On top of that corrections pay will rise by another 6-thousand dollars over three years.
"Well before we weren't able to have a livable wage for the correctional officers. And now they can have a livable wage and not have to work 60 or 70 hours because hopefully we'll have more people hired and more people working in these facilities," said Del. Andrew Robinson, (D) Kanawha.
Prospective officers, will have to pass a drug screening.
Applicants Note: You must bring a drivers license, social security card, and proof of a high school diploma or GED. Also be prepared for a physical fitness test and a drug screening. | 
