Corrections chief plans outside review in response to suicide at Long Creek
In his first interview since the death of 16-year-old Charles Maisie Knowles, Commissioner Joseph Fitzpatrick says he will invite a diverse group of independent groups to review policies and practices.
Long Creek juvenile center’s mental health protocols questioned after suicide
'Every red flag should have gone up' in the case of a suicidal transgender teen, national experts say. So far, the state-run facility has shed no light.
Our View: Proposed inmate contact rules speak poorly of Maine corrections system
The communications limits violate free-speech rights and contradict practices shown to reduce the risk of recidivism.
Lawmakers postpone inquiry into hazing of Maine State Prison guards
Sen. Stan Gerzofsky, co-chairman of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, says the committee will question Department of Corrections officials in December.
Joseph Ponte, Maine’s corrections chief, leaving for similar job in New York City
AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine Corrections Commissioner Joseph Ponte, who has been credited with initiating improvements in Maine’s prison system, has been hired to run the jails of New York City.
Maine corrections chief Joseph Ponte to head NYC jails
The departure of Joseph Ponte creates uncertainty about the future direction of the Maine Department of Corrections.
Outcomes of 2 Maine prisoner death cases raise questions as a third inmate murder case gets ready for trial
ROCKLAND, Maine — Three Maine State Prisoners have been beaten to death in less than five years but the outcomes of the first two cases have had mixed results.
Legislators grill Corrections chief on use-of-force incidents
AUGUSTA — A legislative committee questioned Corrections Commissioner Joseph Ponte on Wednesday about his department’s internal-affairs and use-of-force procedures, in response to an incident at the Maine Correctional Center last year.
Our View: Troubled prison has right person in charge
Corrections is the part of state government that most people would like to forget. Stories showing that prisons are dangerous places seem fair to some who think that’s how justice is delivered.