LINCOLN- Because of a prison staffing shortage, Nebraska officials are consolidating most activities at the Tecumseh State Prison into four 12-hour days.

Corrections Director Scott Frakes said the change will help the state maximize staffing, but an official with the union representing prison workers said it will make work more difficult and lead to more staff departures.

Tecumseh is one of four Nebraska prisons under a staffing emergency.

Frakes said in a statement Monday that the four-day schedule is not ideal but will allow the prison system to continue to provide services while maximizing staffing. By making the change, the department will be less likely to see staff fluctuations that prompt a need to cancel visitation, recreation, or other activities, he said.

“This will ensure appropriate staffing to keep the facility secure, as well as provide a consistent schedule for the inmate population,” Frakes said.

The four-day operational schedule will go into effect on Oct. 18, according to the statement. Activities will be scheduled between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Jerry Brittain, vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 88, said the change will stretch staff too thin during evenings and weekends, adding to the security risk and strain those employees face.

“You can’t run a prison like a shopping mall,” he said. “They’re reaching for any straw that will buy them time.”

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