Columbia, SC (WLTX) - The warden at Lee Correctional Facility in Bishopville says staff morale is higher and the prison is a much safer environment than in the past.
The Department of Corrections held an exchange of power ceremony for warden Mike McCall. He's been on the job for months already.
The prison has seen two hostage situations in the past year and a lockdown that's stretched for several years has meant inmates could not see family members or leave their cells.
Warden McCall says he's worked to restore some of the privileges such as GED classes. He says the programs can change inmates lives.
The state budget being debated would give the corrections department more money to make improvements that would make it safer for guards.