West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation Highlights Progress Toward National Standards Under New Leadership

Charleston, W.Va. — Under the direction and leadership of Governor Patrick Morrisey, the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) is advancing a focused, standards-driven effort to strengthen public safety, workforce stability, and institutional excellence across the state’s correctional system.

Over the past eight months, DCR has undergone a significant leadership transition, including the appointment of a new Commissioner and the retirement of many long-serving staff members. Building on the foundation established by those who served before them, the current leadership team is pursuing alignment with national accreditation standards established by the American Correctional Association (ACA).

“As we advance Governor Morrisey’s priorities, we remain focused on ensuring West Virginia’s correctional system reflects the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and accountability,” said Douglas P. Buffington II, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security. “That includes investing in our workforce, strengthening training, and committing to continuous improvement across our facilities and operations. This work is deliberate. It is disciplined. It is focused on long-term progress.”

A central priority has been evaluating and strengthening training and professional development across the Division. Through a process of continual improvement, DCR is working to bring its training academy and operational practices into alignment with ACA expected practices. This approach supports a culture of accountability, self-evaluation, and professional growth throughout the organization.

“These policies and initiatives reflect a deliberate and disciplined approach to leadership,” said Commissioner David Kelly, Commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. “We are building on a strong foundation while continuing to improve how we train, support, and retain our workforce. People stay where professionalism is valued. That matters for safety, consistency, and public trust.”

Due to these efforts, DCR reports that uniformed employee retention rates are now in line with national averages and continuing to improve. Leadership attributes this progress to coordinated improvements in recruiting, training, pay and benefits, and workplace culture.

As part of its broader alignment with national standards, DCR also updated and reorganized internal policies to provide clearer guidance and greater consistency across facilities. Examples include the restructuring of specialized housing policies, administrative segregation, protective custody, and juvenile specialized housing. These policies have been developed and implemented on a rolling basis beginning in March 2025, reflecting operational differences across facilities and ongoing alignment with ACA expected practices and National Commission on Correctional Health Care standards.

“We are a community of professionals working together for the greater good,” Commissioner Kelly said. “Public service in corrections is about public safety, public trust, and a clear sense of purpose. Our responsibility is to continue strengthening this organization so our employees are supported, our facilities are secure, and the people of West Virginia are well served.”

DCR leadership emphasized that achieving national standards is an ongoing process. The Division remains committed to continuous improvement as it serves the public with integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

For more information about the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, including career opportunities, visit dcr.wv.gov/careers.

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