HI SCR122

Request the State Auditor to conduct an audit determining whether potential patterns of abuse exist in the use of state and federal leave benefits by adult corrections officers of the Department of Public Safety.

Auditor must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2016.

Identifies concerns including 87 corrections officers (46% of scheduled staff) calling in sick on New Year's Day 2013 at the Oahu Community Correctional Center and nearly half of officers across four state facilities calling in sick on Super Bowl Sunday 2015.

Notes that high absenteeism contributes to the Oahu Community Correctional Center spending $2,500,000 annually on overtime and results in dangerously low staffing levels that impact inmate visitation scheduling.

Corrections officers accrue 21 sick days and 21 vacation days annually and are not required to provide doctor's notes unless absent for five consecutive working days.