Malloy nominates veteran prison official to head DOC

scottScott Semple, 52, of Watertown has been nominated to head the state Department of Correction. The veteran department employee has been acting commissioner of the DOC since August of 2014, following the retirement of James E. Dzurenda from the $167,500 position.

 

“Scott has extensive experience and knowledge of the inner workings of the Connecticut Department of Correction, including a number of years serving as a frontline correction officer, gaining a broad familiarity on best practices in handling offenders and finding ways to reduce recidivism,” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said in a statement announcing the nomination.  “In particular, it should be noted that he has been heavily involved with enhancing the model of supervision and treatment for the mental health population.  He is very well respected among his colleagues, and I am proud to nominate him as the agency’s permanent commissioner.”

Semple first joined the DOC in 1988 as a correction officer at the high-security Cheshire Correctional Institution and held a variety of positions before becoming warden of the Garner Correctional Institution in 2009. He was promoted to deputy commissioner of Operations and Rehabilitative Services.

 

“I am humbled by this tremendous opportunity, and am truly grateful to Governor Malloy and Lieutenant Governor Wyman for placing their trust in me to lead the Department of Correction into the future,” Semple said in a statement.  “The State of Connecticut has made great strides in helping offenders successfully reintegrate into society and become productive citizens.  I am eager to work with the Governor, legislators and all stakeholders to continue to build on our progress.”