Assemblyman Billy Jones (Enterprise photo — Antonio Olivero)

Assemblyman Billy Jones has introduced his first bill in the Assembly to provide protection for correction officers.

Jones, who was recently sworn in to his first term, has proposed the bill to require the commissioner of the state Department of Corrections to ensure adequate staffing at all correctional facilities, according to a press release.

Under the new legislation, the commissioner would need to create and submit a staffing plan to the Assembly and Senate for all uniformed and non-uniformed staff for each correctional facility that would require 1.75 officers for every seven-day security post and 1.25 officers for each five-day post.

“I worked as a correction officer for 20 years, so I’ve seen firsthand the stress and danger that the job puts you through,” Jones said. “Protections need to be put in place so that these officers can perform their jobs in a safe working environment.”

Under current legislation, the commissioner can establish staffing protocols according to his general powers and duties, but is not required to provide a specific statutory staffing plan.