After scandals, new DOC chief demands reform
Less than two weeks in his new job, Jim McDonough, Gov. Jeb Bush's interim Secretary of the Department of Corrections, held a mandatory meeting in Lakeland on Thursday with 300 of his employees.
Attending the session in the Magnolia Building on Lake Mirror were prison wardens, assistant wardens, corrections officials, probation administrators and the department's inspector general's office. It was one of the largest DOC conferences in the memory of most employees present.
DOC has been wracked with scandal over the last several months.
In August, a regional DOC director resigned after a state and federal investigation into the department deepened. A prison captain committed suicide after being dismissed for an alleged sexual assault.
Several prison guards were indicted for importing steroids for use by corrections officers and some have pleaded guilty. Others were charged with embezzling from a recycling fund. Then there was a federal civil case alleging sexual harassment that was brought by female DOC employees, allegations of illegal use of inmate labor and even phony employees listed so that they could play on a softball team.
By Feb. 10, it was just too much for the governor and he ordered DOC Secretary James Crosby to resign.
Bush specifically said he wanted someone from outside the DOC to straighten out the department.
McDonough, a West Point graduate and former Army officer, had been with the governor throughout his seven years in office, serving as director of the Governor's Office of Drug Control.
And McDonough made it clear Thursday there will be a straightening out.
At the meeting, regional directors explained their operations. It was a way for the new secretary to learn about the department, but also a way for others in the massive agency to get a look at other sections.
"If we are going to solve the problem, I need data on what it is and to prioritize it," McDonough said. "I need to be able to tell the governor and the Legislature what is needed and what are the priorities."
McDonough said his message to the administrators was to remind them of the professionalism, pride of duty and honor that he said is characteristic of the department despite the recent problems.
He did not rule out major personnel changes if he determines that they are needed.
"I have an obligation to ensure the integrity of the department," he said. "I will do whatever I have to do. Does that mean I am going in with a preconceived agenda? Absolutely not.
"My goal today and I spoke of it often is character and integrity. That's not a change, but defines the character of the department."
Interim Director James McDonough
