WILMINGTON, DE — Governor John Carney announced on Tuesday his intention to nominate Terra Taylor as Commissioner of the Delaware Department of Correction (DOC). Pending approval by the Delaware State Senate, Taylor’s appointment could mark a pivotal moment in the state’s correctional system.
“Terra’s years of experience within the Department of Correction— starting from her time as a Probation Officer to Chief of Community Corrections to Deputy Commissioner to Acting Commissioner—make her a strong leader for DOC,” said Governor Carney. “I’d like to thank Terra for stepping into this role, and I’m confident she will continue the important work underway at DOC. I look forward to the Delaware Senate considering her nomination.”
Taylor, who has been with the DOC since 1997, has served as Acting Commissioner since July 2023. In her previous role as Deputy Commissioner, she held the Department’s second-highest position, supervising the Department’s four Bureaus and setting direction through policy development, strategic planning, and decision-making.
Her tenure also includes serving as Chief of Community Corrections, where she led the bureau overseeing various supervision programs for more than 10,000 individuals statewide. The Bureau of Community Corrections has played an active role in implementing innovative crime reduction initiatives, including the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) Projects in the City of Wilmington and Kent County.
The importance of Taylor’s nomination cannot be understated. As the potential head of the DOC, she would oversee the entire correctional system of Delaware, a responsibility that directly impacts public safety, criminal justice reform, and community relations.
Taylor’s extensive experience within the DOC, along with her leadership in community corrections, positions her well to address the complex challenges facing the department. These include managing prison populations, improving conditions for inmates, advancing rehabilitation and reentry programs, and implementing effective crime reduction strategies.
Moreover, Taylor’s potential appointment comes at a time when the nation is grappling with broader discussions about criminal justice reform. Her leadership could have significant implications for how Delaware navigates these conversations, potentially setting precedents for other states to follow.
The pending approval of Taylor’s nomination by the State Senate will undoubtedly be closely watched by stakeholders within and beyond Delaware. If confirmed, her stewardship of the DOC could represent a new chapter in Delaware’s approach to corrections and public safety.
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