The goal of the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office is to provide for a diverse, non-discriminatory environment of equal employment opportunity.

The Office is charged with overseeing, reporting and investigating allegations of discriminatory harassment.  Trained investigators and counselors are located in each prison and field work location through which complaints can be filed and investigations made.  Discriminatory harassment training is required for all Department employees.  Through training and enforcement of the Department's stringent rules against discrimination and harassment, staff in the Department's EEO office work toward ensuring an environment free of discrimination and hostility.

The Department of Corrections values a diverse work force and with diversity comes the need for training to help employees identify barriers that may keep them from working effectively with other employees.  The EEO Office coordinates diversity training for current staff as well as new employees.  The goal of the training is to build the skills and knowledge base necessary to create a more positive and productive working environment for all employees.

The EEO Office serves as the Department's coordinator for the Traumatic Incident Stress Management (TISM) Program and the Work/Life Services Program.  The TISM program provides services to employees who may have been exposed to a traumatic event.  The purpose is to lessen the impact, accelerate the recovery process, and provide coping strategies.  The Work/Life Services program works in conjunction with the Employee Services Program to provide outreach, training and skill building for employees dealing with employment or personal concerns.

The EEO Office also serves as the Department's coordinator for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the coordinator for Civil Rights complaints.  The ADA coordinator oversees all reasonable accommodation requests for the Department, while the Civil Rights coordinator responds to complaints filed with the Department of Civil Rights or the EEOC Office of the Federal Government.