DJJ has been plagued by problems ranging from low staffing to questions surrounding use-of-force and isolation techniques. With a federal investigation in the system announced just last month, Commissioner Randy White was not obliged to speak on those issues.
But the incoming commissioner told lawmakers he’s made a point of touring facilities, meeting with employees one-on-one, and making sure new reforms are implemented. He acknowledged the job has changed over his 30 years of experience.
"I can honestly say that juveniles entering the criminal justice system are a different population than they were 27 years ago," White said. "They're committing harsher crimes, which require stronger rehabilitative efforts."
To that end, White emphasized that the state needs to focus on alternatives to detention, education, employment, and mental health.
State Sen. Chris McDaniel said it’s also important that juvenile detention staff are well-equipped.
"I find it unfortunate that those who would rather forget that there is a problem that must be dealt with societally know that the people on the font lines of providing the solution to that problem have to feel safe in the environment in which we charge them to operate," the GOP legislator said.
White steps into the job after his predecessor drew the ire of lawmakers amid struggles by the state-run system to handle violent episodes at its detention centers.
