A group that represents Oklahoma correctional officers says state prisons could end up dangerously understaffed if proposed cost-saving measures take effect.
In a letter to Department of Corrections Director Robert Patton, the Oklahoma Corrections Professionals says it has "grave concerns" about plans to eliminate 12-hour shifts by reducing the number of officers required on security posts.
Oklahoma has struggled to keep its prisons staffed while its inmate population rises.
In recent years, DOC turned to 12-hour instead of eight-hour shifts to keep posts filled at several of the state's prisons.
Sean Wallace, the director of OCP, says state correctional officers are worried about safety.