NH-DOC PROPOSES NEW DIRECTION FOR LAKES REGION FACILITY

(Laconia, NH) Mrs. Les Dolecal, Acting Commissioner for the New Hampshire Department of Corrections, announced a new proposal to change the way offenders transition back into society. The department seeks to change the Lakes Region Facility (LRF) into a minimum-security unit to supervise inmates nearing their parole or release dates. This would include the development of focused programs geared at inmates in the final months of their incarceration.

"We need to dedicate more time and resources to provide offenders with opportunities to develop the skills they need to be successful during their community supervision," Acting Commissioner Dolecal stated.

"This is a challenging new concept and one we expect will have far reaching positive affects on offenders while potentially saving the department considerable resources," Acting Commissioner Dolecal added.

Jane Coplan, Warden of the New Hampshire State Prison for Men in Concord, was asked to become warden at LRF. "She will shape the department's policies and processes as the new release center concept evolves," Mrs. Dolecal said.

Northern NH Correctional Facility Warden Bruce Cattell was asked to be the warden at the Concord facility. LRF Warden John Sanfilippo would be reassigned to the commissioner's office to take on many of the responsibilities of the assistant commissioner. LRF Major Dennis Cox would become on-sight supervisor at the Berlin facility.

"This is all part of a thoughtful and purposeful strategy for the future of the department. We are an agency in transition and we are going to make the best use of our resources," Acting Commissioner Dolecal concluded.