Hickenlooper, Bennet, Pettersen Lead Delegation to Call on Federal Bureau of Prisons to Address Alarming Staff Turnover at Florence Correctional Complex

Policies like 25% retention bonuses support safety of inmates, staff at FCC Florence, the largest employer in the county

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and Representative Brittany Pettersen led Representatives Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, and Jason Crow to call on the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to address alarming changes to critical programs that impact ongoing staffing shortages - including a rise in staff turnover and a reduction in retention pay - at FCC Florence.

"Retention incentives are a critical tool necessary to address the ongoing staffing shortages while maintaining a functional and safe environment," wrote the Colorado lawmakers. "Reducing these incentives threatens to exacerbate staffing challenges and undermine recent progress."

Programs, including retention pay and direct hire authorities, are critical to maintaining a functional and safe environment for both inmates and employees at the largest employer in Fremont County Colorado. Retention incentives have reportedly been decreased from 24 percent to 12.5 percent earlier this year.

Hickenlooper, Bennet, and Pettersen have consistently advocated for the staff at FCC Florence, working closely with AFGE Local 1169, the union representing the facility's workforce, to push for long-overdue staffing reforms.

Full text of the letter available HERE and below.

Dear Director Marshall,

I am writing to request information regarding the increased use of staff augmentation hours, decreases in retention pay, and the expiration of Direct Hire Authority at FCC Florence. These policies have directly led to a dramatic increase in staff turnover and threaten the safety of inmates and staff alike.

According to AFGE Local 1169, between May 2023 and May 2025, Florence ADX used 28,000 augmentation hours. However, between May 2025 and July 22nd, 2025, nearly 14,000 augmentation hours have been used, with approximately 3,000 augmentation hours weekly being added.

Additionally, it is my understanding the 25% retention incentive decreased to 12.5% earlier this year. Retention incentives are a critical tool necessary to address the ongoing staffing shortages while maintaining a functional and safe environment. Reducing these incentives threatens to exacerbate staffing challenges and undermine recent progress. While the staffing issues persist, implementing these incentives has helped alleviate some of the most dire conditions, providing a much-needed boost to recruitment and retention.

As I have communicated to Bureau officials in the past, FCC Florence has proven, with direct-hire authority, the ability to bring on staff. The renewal of this authority, combined with the 25% retention would allow the complex to continue to hire at expedited rates, while maintaining staff in crucial non-correctional positions. These efforts would support a safe custodial environment, along with the provision of quality programs and services. Despite this, Direct Hire Authority has once again expired, making the process of addressing these staffing shortages considerably more difficult and lengthy.

For the health and safety of inmates and staff at the FCC Florence, I urge you to reinstate both Direct Hire Authority and the 25% retention bonus. In addition, I request answers to the following questions regarding the use of augmentation hours at FCC Florence:

How many staff are currently employed at FCC Florence? How many of those staffers have worked a shift at the facility within the previous year?

How many augmentation hours have been used within the North Central BOP region in the past year?

How many augmentation hours have been used within FCC Florence this year?

How does that compare to similar institutions within the North Central Region?

Thank you for giving your full and fair consideration of this request in accordance with all applicable rules, regulations, laws, and guidelines.

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