PROVIDENCE, RI - Rhode Island Director of Corrections A.T. Wall will retire in early 2018 after more than three decades of public service. Director Wall has led the Rhode Island Department of Corrections for nearly two decades and is the longest-tenured Corrections Director in the nation.
"A.T. is a treasure and has dedicated his life to public service. I am personally grateful for the three decades of service he has given to Rhode Island," said Governor Gina M. Raimondo. "A.T. is directly responsible for efforts that have saved lives in Rhode Island. Under his direction, we're offering medication assisted treatment for inmates at the ACI struggling with substance use disorder. For nearly two decades as the director of corrections, A.T. has been a model of professionalism and has earned the respect of his peers across the country."
The Governor plans to launch a nation-wide search for a permanent director of corrections to identify a candidate with a similar level of experience, expertise and professionalism as Director Wall. Assistant Director Patricia Coyne-Fague will serve as acting Director until the position is filled.
"I am proud of what we have accomplished over the last 30 years. We have expanded, upgraded and improved our services, have invested in evidence-based programs which have helped reduce recidivism and have taken steps to fight the opioid overdose crisis," said Director Wall. "It has been my privilege to work with such a talented, knowledgeable, dedicated and conscientious group of professionals in the Department who provide supervision, support and coverage to ensure public safety. I appreciate the opportunity Governor Raimondo and her predecessors have given me to serve this state."
Throughout his career, Director Wall has been focused on reform, reentry and rehabilitation. Director Wall played a key role in the passage and implementation of the justice reinvestment reforms that took effect earlier this year. Under his leadership, the ACI has developed reentry programs that connect inmates and parolees with job training and apprenticeship opportunities.
Last year, Rhode Island established a medication-assisted treatment program in the Adult Correctional Institutions to help inmates who struggle with substance use disorder. The program, administered under Director Wall's leadership and with support from the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Development Disabilities and Hospitals, is a central component of Rhode Island's nation-leading action plan to prevent overdose.
Director Wall, a native Rhode Islander, began his career in corrections in 1976 as a line probation officer. After graduating from law school, he served as a prosecutor in New York City before joining the Vera Institute of Justice. He returned to Rhode Island in 1985 to lead criminal justice policy in the Governor's Policy Office. In 1987, he was appointed Assistant Director of Corrections and was named Director in 2000. He is a past president of the Association of State Correctional Administrators.
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