September 15, 2004
ROMNEY CREATES ADVISORY COUNCIL ON CORRECTIONS REFORM
ROSLINDALE -Following the recommendation of the Governor’s Commission on Corrections Reform, Governor Mitt Romney today issued an Executive Order to create an external 17-member advisory council that will work with the leadership of the state’s prison network to implement reforms in correctional facilities across the Commonwealth.
“Today marks a significant move towards reforming our correctional system,” said Romney. “For too long, our system of corrections has operated in the shadows of government, with very little oversight and accountability. It’s time to shine a light on how we can better improve the management of our prisons.”
He added, “Make no mistake: criminals will be punished. They will do their time. But we will make sure their sentences are carried out with the decency and respect they never showed their victims. This is what you would expect from a professionally-run Department of Correction.”
In October 2003, Romney formed the Governor’s Commission on Corrections Reform, chaired by former Attorney General Scott Harshbarger, to conduct a top-to-bottom review of the state corrections system in the wake of the murder of incarcerated former priest John Geoghan.
To ensure the Department of Correction implements the reforms outlined in the commission’s findings, the report called for the establishment of an external advisory group tasked with providing necessary ongoing monitoring and oversight of the prison system.
The outside council, which will be led by Harshbarger, will include the Public Health and Mental Health Commissioners as well as a district attorney, a sheriff, a chief of police and experts in the fields of prisoner reentry, criminal justice, health care and corrections policy all appointed by the Governor. In addition, four legislators selected by the Senate President and the House Speaker will be named to the commission.
“I am pleased that Governor Romney has embraced the recommendation of the Commission on Correction Reform to create this advisory committee,” said Harshbarger. “My hope is that this committee will support Commissioner Dennehy in her efforts to improve the Department of Correction, including her ongoing work to implement many of the Commission’s other recommendations.”
“I am looking forward to working with the members of the council as we continue to effect meaningful reform in the Department of Correction,” said Correction Commissioner Kathleen Dennehy.
The advisory council, which is required to meet at least six times during the year, will submit a final report to the Secretary of Public Safety by September 2005.
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