Lessons Can Be Learned From Corrections' Reduction in Force Resulting From Budget Cutbacks

Highlights

GAO reported on its review of the impact on the District of Columbia Department of Corrections of reduction in force (RIF) and budget cutbacks.

Agency Affected	Recommendation	Status
District of Columbia	The Mayor should require the Department of Corrections and the D.C. Office of Personnel to jointly develop a plan to deal with circumstances when the likelihood of a RIF arises. The plan should provide for: (1) improving communications with employees likely to be affected by making better use of existing information channels, such as the Department's monthly newsletter, to inform staff of administrative decisions that affect them, particularly when job security, career advancement, or similar vital issues are involved; (2) frequent written communications to explain changing circumstances as quickly and completely as possible; and (3) developing special programs to provide training, counseling, and assistance to help employees who are affected by budgetary cutbacks.	Closed – Implemented The Mayor agreed with the recommendation but indicated that the District was planning no further RIF's.
District of Columbia	The Mayor should require the D.C. Office of Personnel to consider whether plans for other departments within the D.C. Government should be developed.	Closed – Implemented The Mayor's office stated that the District was planning no further RIF's.

Chuck Young

Managing Director

Budget cutsCorrectional personnelFacility securityHiring policiesPersonnel managementReductions in forceBudgetsParoleFunding shortfallReorganization