Corrections officers play a vital yet often unseen role in public safety. Their work happens behind locked doors, away from public view, and their challenges—both on and off the job—are rarely acknowledged. But earlier this month, TAC Officer Janelle Sanchez of Clark County Jail Services brought their reality to the national stage as a guest at the joint address to Congress, invited by U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.
Sanchez, who has been in the field since 2016, has dedicated her career to training and mentoring new deputies. She knew early on that this was her calling. “I’ve been training deputies, and as soon as this position opened here, I knew what I wanted to do and this is where I wanted to be,” she shared. Now, she has the opportunity to take that passion for the profession and advocate for the needs of corrections officers across Washington state.
Gluesenkamp Perez has recognized Sanchez’s dedication and the critical issues facing the profession. Sanchez previously organized a roundtable discussion at Clark County Jail to raise awareness of corrections officers' daily challenges. “She set up a table talk at the Clark County Jail to talk about the needs for corrections and how she can bring us more to light in the public eye,” Sanchez stated.
Sanchez’s attendance at the joint address to Congress is not just a personal honor—it’s an opportunity to highlight the real struggles of those working in the correctional system. “I want people to know we are here. Prisons and jails are often hidden from public view, but they exist. The public doesn’t always see us, and if they do, it’s in a negative light. And that’s not a good representation of corrections,” Sanchez emphasized.
Beyond the event itself, Sanchez spent her time in Washington, D.C., touring government buildings and attending receptions, where she advocated for greater awareness of mental health support, retirement benefits, and better resources for corrections officers. “Our suicide rates and mental health rates are through the roof. But there is very little documented research on why that is,” she explained.
The toll of working in corrections is severe. Sanchez has witnessed the devastating reality of early mortality among her peers. “I’ve had several co-workers retire and die within two years. Our death rate in the mid-50s is extremely high,” she stated. Sanchez says some of her colleagues have served for over 35 years and are still not eligible to retire. These statistics paint a sobering picture of the need for systemic changes to support the well-being of those in the profession.
Despite these challenges, Sanchez remains hopeful. She sees a positive shift in the increasing number of women entering the field and is encouraged by their growing presence. “It’s really encouraging to see a lot more women coming forward and joining this force,” she noted.
As a training officer, Sanchez understands that the future of corrections depends on preparing the next generation of officers for the challenges ahead. Effective training is not just about safety protocols and operational procedures—it’s about fostering resilience, leadership, and a sense of duty to those in their care. By advocating for improved training programs, mental health support, and career longevity, she is helping to ensure that corrections officers are equipped with the skills and resources needed to thrive in their profession.
See TAC Officer Sanchez's interview here.
