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Senate Confirms Thomas Patterson as Corrections Director; Robert S. Yates Named to CCJJ
Summary
The Utah Senate unanimously confirmed Thomas Patterson as executive director of the Department of Corrections and Robert S. Yates as executive director of the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice after waiving a 15-day waiting period and brief floor debate.
The Utah Senate on Jan. 16 confirmed two gubernatorial appointments: Thomas Patterson to serve as executive director of the Department of Corrections and Robert S. Yates to lead the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (CCJJ). The Senate waived the statutory 15-day waiting period and approved the nominations by roll-call vote, 28–0 with one absence.
Senator Chris Butters, chair of the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice confirmation committee, told colleagues the committee had met and unanimously recommended both candidates for confirmation. Butters said Patterson "has no association or relationship with the current staff" of Corrections and therefore "has the ability willingness to do what's right." He also said he would request a follow-up audit in a year to assess progress on issues identified in a recent report.
Several senators raised Patterson's lack of corrections experience. Senator Griner asked whether Patterson could meet certification and retirement-system requirements; Butters replied Patterson plans to pursue POST certification and other qualifications "as fast as possible" while serving. Senator Stevenson and Senator Bell both endorsed Patterson, with Stevenson acknowledging Patterson "doesn't have training in corrections or penology" but saying Patterson committed to address problems highlighted in the audit and to follow the governor's and legislature's direction.
After the vote, the Senate resolved into a committee of the whole for the nominees to speak. In brief remarks, Patterson thanked senators for their vote and pledged transparency, fairness and use of audits as a tool; he introduced family members in the gallery and said his administration would focus on culture change and working with the legislature on legislation and appropriations. Robert S. Yates, who has decades of corrections experience, said he was honored and pledged to "work hard" in the new role.
Outcome and next steps: The nominations were confirmed and the Senate thanked the appointees for speaking. Senator Butters said he would seek another audit of Corrections in a year to check progress on reforms.
