Boston - On November 15, 2024, Governor Maura Healey announced the appointment of Shawn Jenkins as the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC). Jenkins has been serving as the DOC’s Interim Commissioner since Commissioner Carol Mici’s retirement in March 2024. Commissioner Jenkins brings a wealth of experience in correctional management and a forward-looking vision that focuses on strengthening safety and security across all facilities, enhancing staff support and wellness, and implementing robust rehabilitative programming for all entrusted to the DOC’s care.

“Shawn Jenkins has demonstrated exceptional dedication to creating safe, secure environments while advancing innovative, rehabilitative solutions across DOC’s correctional facilities," said Governor Maura Healey. "With his extensive experience and strategic approach, Commissioner Jenkins is well-equipped to shape the DOC’s future, where evidence-based practices will continue to promote safety and support positive outcomes for incarcerated individuals and staff alike."

“Commissioner Jenkins’ forward-thinking approach, commitment to safety and security, and deep understanding of effective reentry programming will advance a modern corrections system that supports public safety while creating opportunities for transformative change,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.

“Commissioner Jenkins’ appointment comes at a critical time as we seek to build upon the strides made by the DOC in recent years. His leadership combined with his significant security expertise and compassionate approach will prioritize safe and secure environments across DOC facilities while providing innovative rehabilitative programming for those in DOC’s care, ensuring that Massachusetts remains at the forefront of correctional innovation," said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. 

During Commissioner Jenkins’ interim tenure, the DOC has advanced many initiatives to strengthen safety and security across facilities, enhance policies to support health and safety, expand rehabilitative and reentry programming, and improve operational efficiency, including:  

- Launched comprehensive safety and security review: the DOC launched a comprehensive security assessment at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in response to recent incidents, including the strategic deployment of specialized units and ongoing implementation of the Body-Worn Camera Program to enhance overall safety and security.

- Enhanced health and safety policies: the DOC implemented a new  Unknown Substance Response Policy to further safeguard correction officers, staff, and incarcerated individuals from the risks posed by potentially hazardous or illicit materials. 

- Expanded reentry programming for women at MCI-Framingham: the DOC launched The PEACE Unit, a program designed to advance rehabilitation and promote successful community reentry by supporting incarcerated women with essential skill development, transformative mentoring and building familial bonds. 

- Completed implementation of tablet initiative: the DOC announced the successful implementation of an innovative tablet program that equips incarcerated individuals with personalized electronic devices for convenient access to a wide range of online courses to accelerate education, job skill training, and self-improvement programs.?

- Strengthened partnership with the Parole Board: the DOC launched a pilot program in partnership with the Parole Board to educate and support incarcerated individuals through the parole process. 

- Enhanced operational efficiency through strategic consolidation: Amid the state’s lowest prison population in 35 years, the DOC continues to identify strategies to enhance operational efficiency and advance cost-saving solutions, including the successful closure of MCI-Concord and conclusion of housing operations at ?Old Colony Correctional Center minimum-security men’s facility (OCCC-Minimum).  

- Announced a new health care partner: the DOC selected a new independent health care partner to deliver comprehensive patient health care services for residents living at 10 state correctional facilities.

“I’m grateful to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Secretary Reidy for putting their faith in me. I am honored to lead a team so dedicated to public safety and service. Together, we will continue to strengthen our facilities’ security, support the health and well-being of our staff and housed population, and advance innovative programs that empower individuals in our care to successfully return into their communities," said Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. 

Statements of Support:

Senator Jamie Eldridge (D- Marlborough): 

“As Senate Chair of the Criminal Justice Reform Caucus, I commend Governor Healey for appointing Shawn Jenkins as the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC). Over the past year, Interim Commissioner Jenkins has demonstrated a strong commitment to transparency and collaboration, holding quarterly meetings with the caucus, joining us on facility visits, and actively participating in criminal justice reform forums. I particularly appreciate his focus on improving re-entry programs for returning citizens, enhancing communication between the DOC and legislators, and making strides to ensure the safety of correctional officers, prison staff, and incarcerated individuals alike while also creating a calmer, less adversarial atmosphere within our state prisons."

Senator Liz Miranda (D-Boston): 

“Throughout his time as Interim Commissioner, Shawn Jenkins has been a partner to our office and someone who understands that reform is necessary in creating a safer and more stable prison system for incarcerated constituents and staff. I look forward to our continued partnership with a renewed sense of commitment to expanding the goal of rehabilitation and successful re-entry initiatives.”

Representative Carlos Gonzalez (D-Springfield): 

"We look forward to working with the new Commissioner to continue to improve the quality of rehabilitation services provided to all inmates and bolster the safety of our inmates and correction officers by utilizing the highest standards of rehabilitation programming and education.”

Gregg Croteau, CEO of UTEC, Inc.:

“From his work at Middlesex Sheriff's Office to his current leadership at the Department of Corrections, we have very much appreciated Shawn's past and strong commitment to community-based partnerships. Under Shawn's leadership, Massachusetts has a unique opportunity?to further advance innovative approaches for best serving individuals?who are currently incarcerated. As a reentry organization focused on delivering programs and practices that employ the skills of staff with past lived experiences within the criminal justice?system, we appreciate his past support in this area and are very hopeful for the work that lies ahead.”

About Commissioner Shawn Jenkins

Shawn Jenkins has served as the Massachusetts Department of Correction Interim Commissioner since March 2024. He joined the DOC as Chief of Staff in March 2022. As Chief of Staff, Jenkins served as the agency’s second in-command and had direct oversight of legislative and public affairs. As Interim Commissioner and Chief of Staff, Jenkins was integral to advancing the Department’s vision and mission while collaborating with command staff and numerous stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the Department’s annual goals.

Before joining the DOC, he served as the Special Sheriff with the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office for approximately eight years. He also served as Special Sheriff with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office for nearly four years. In both roles as Special Sheriff, he oversaw all aspects of facility operations including security, classification, personnel, legal and as primary point of contact for outside law enforcement agencies. Shawn began his career in public service with different roles within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, including a five-year appointment to the Sex Offender Registry Board.  

Jenkins holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Colby College and two Master’s degrees: one in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and another in Public Affairs from the University of Massachusetts Boston.