Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Corrections And Penology topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate committee forwards Jake Gadsden Jr. nomination to lead Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services
Summary
A Senate committee voted unanimously to advance Jake Gadsden Jr.'s nomination to head the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services after a screening in which senators pressed him on reentry, staff morale and interagency coordination.
A Senate committee voted unanimously to send Gov. Henry’s nominee, Jake Gadsden Jr., to the full Senate for consideration to be director of the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services following a public screening on an unspecified date.
Gadsden, who described more than 30 years in corrections work and currently serves as deputy director of programs, reentry and rehabilitative services at the Department of Corrections, told the committee he intends to continue and expand reentry efforts and to assess staff morale and duties if confirmed.
The screening began with an endorsement: committee leadership reported a unanimous favorable subcommittee recommendation and noted the presence of Department of Corrections Director Brian Sterling among supporters. After Gadsden swore an oath and briefly summarized his background — including leadership positions in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and five-plus years with South Carolina corrections — senators questioned him on priorities if confirmed.
Senator Allen of Greenville pressed Gadsden on keeping the probation agency distinct from the Department of Corrections, saying employees worried about a merger and its effect on morale. Gadsden replied, “I intend to keep the commitment of getting the department more involved in assisting the offenders once they're released,” and said he wanted to expand reentry programs and help people on parole obtain employment.
Several senators recommended closer cooperation with other agencies. A senator who identified himself as Andrew urged Gadsden to work with the Department of Employment and Workforce to connect returning citizens to jobs and to report back to the Legislature if he faces obstacles in coordination. Gadsden said linking probation clients to employment resources would be a priority and noted an example in which the probation agency had purchased laptops for job searches rather than directing clients to employment services.
Gadsden told the committee he plans an early assessment of agency operations and staff views, saying he has asked a University of South Carolina professor to help survey employees about morale and role definition. He described plans for community meetings with families of people scheduled for release to improve preparation for reentry.
The committee moved a motion in favor of advancing the nomination; members signaled assent and the presiding senator said the committee would forward Gadsden’s nomination unanimously. The hearing concluded with the committee adjournment.
Votes at a glance
- Nomination of Jake Gadsden Jr., to be director of the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services — committee action: advanced to full committee (favorable report). Outcome: approved by voice/hand vote; committee chair stated the report was unanimous; exact tally not specified.
