By Bobby Caina Calvan
Associated Press
HELENA, Mont. — A legislative committee has endorsed the nomination of a Miami probation officer to lead Montana’s Department of Corrections.
The Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday sent the nomination of Reginald Michael to the full Senate. If confirmed, he would lead an agency that oversees the state’s prisons, youth correctional facilities and probation services. He would supervise about 1,300 employees.
He would also play a role in addressing the challenges faced by state’s criminal justice system, including overcrowded facilities and reducing the number of repeat offenders.
The post has been vacant since January when the former corrections chief retired.
In announcing his pick, Gov. Steve Bullock said he was impressed with Michael’s 30-year career in the criminal justice system. Michael oversaw the fourth largest U.S. probation agency in the country.