Governor Rell Announces National Search for

New Correction Commissioner

Deputy Commissioner Brian Murphy Named Acting

Commissioner While Search Is Conducted

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced she is launching a national search for a new Department of Correction Commissioner to replace Commissioner Theresa Lantz, who is retiring, and is appointing Deputy Commissioner Brian Murphy to lead the agency during the interim.

            “The Department of Correction has made great strides under Commissioner Lantz and it is important that we identify someone of the highest caliber as her successor,” Governor Rell said. “Deputy Commissioner Brian Murphy is a career DOC employee who has risen through the ranks to his current position and we are fortunate indeed to have an individual with his capabilities and experience as Acting Commissioner at this vitally important agency.”

            Commissioner Lantz is retiring after a distinguished 33-year career in corrections. Under her leadership, the Department has implemented several major and highly progressive initiatives, widely viewed as national models. Among the initiatives, Commissioner Lantz has redirected the agency’s mission to one of a re-entry model to better prepare offenders for transitioning into society.

            During his 28-year career, Deputy Commissioner Murphy has served as the Department's Director of Security, as interim Commissioner, and as Complex Warden of five correctional facilities in the northern part of the state. The Governor said Deputy Commissioner Murphy is retiring after a new commissioner is named.

His accomplishments include the development of the Department's policy on managing gangs, telephone monitoring and policy for the Department's Internal Affairs Unit. He also authored the Department's Security Administrative Directives and Emergency Plans.

            The Deputy Commissioner is also a founding member of the National Major Gang Task Force, which monitors and disseminates information on gangs to law enforcement agencies across the country. He has provided technical assistance to other states concerning the management of gangs and is considered an expert witness on such matters.