Corrections Director Ashbel T. Wall II has announced the promotion of Robert J. Catlow of Cranston, R.I., a 26-year veteran of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, to Chief Inspector, heading up the Office of Inspections. The Director notes, "Bob Catlow combines experience and credibility in our agency with keen investigative and communication skills as well as a strong commitment to integrity and ethical behavior. He is highly regarded both within and outside of our Department and will do very well in this critical position."
Joining the Department in 1986 as a Correctional Officer, Catlow has worked his way up through the ranks to Records & ID Lieutenant, then Captain, and then making the shift to Correctional Investigator in 1997. He was promoted to Chief of the Special Investigations Unit in 2000 and served in that role until December of 2008 when he became Inspector. Since April of this year, he has served as Chief Inspector in an acting capacity. His promotion was effective August 31, 2012.
Catlow has received numerous commendations during his tenure with the Department, proving over and over again his value to the organization. He has also been recognized repeatedly by outside law enforcement partners with over 50 letters of recognition for his collaborative efforts in various investigations. A member of the Rhode Island Fusion Center, Catlow is also the Executive Director and Co-Creator of the Rhode Island Gang Investigator's Association (RIGIA). He belongs to and serves in a leadership capacity with several other professional organizations.
In addition to receiving his Associate's degree in Criminal Justice from the Community College of Rhode Island, Catlow has completed 100 hours of coursework toward his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University and has attended dozens of work-related trainings.
Asked about the biggest challenges in his position, Catlow remarks, "The Office of Inspections is extremely important in any agency, especially one entrusted by the public. One challenge is to remind the 99.9 percent of our hardworking, dedicated staff that it's my job to ensure that their chosen profession remains one of honor, integrity, and high morals."