Public safety chief cites prison problems

After the slaying of two prison guards this year, Public Safety Secretary Mary Ann Saar faces tough questioning by legislators at a hearing today in Annapolis.

In a telephone news conference with reporters Monday, Saar said some of the system?s problems were due to staff shortages, corrupt officers and lack of support from the legislature. She also said that the firing of some prison officials and some correctional officers was being “discussed” as the result of an ongoing investigation.