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Press Releases

Vermont DOC Announces Out-of-State Housing Contract with CoreCivic
CoreCivic, the current contractor and lone bidder, will continue to house Vermont's out-of-state incarcerated population.

Vermont DOC Reports Death of Incarcerated Individual in St. Albans
State detainee dies Sunday morning at Northwest State Correctional Facility following medical event

Vermont DOC Reports Assault on Healthcare Worker in Springfield
A detained individual held an object to a nurse’s throat shortly after arriving at the facility

Vermont DOC Reports Death of Incarcerated Individual in St. Albans
Federal detainee dies Wednesday evening at Northwest State Correctional Facility following medical event.

Vermont DOC Retains Downs Rachlin Martin to Guide Critical Incident Review Process
Law firm to assist Department with public reporting of investigatory findings

Investigation Clears Springfield Superintendent
Independent review determines misconduct allegation against Springfield Superintendent Mike Lyon to be unfounded; Lyon to return as head of facility

Vermont DOC Announces End of Community Restitution Program
Department to stop taking referrals for work crew effective immediately in effort to expand employment opportunities and workforce development

Vermont DOC Reaches Expanded Agreement with Union
Agreement provides targeted pay enhancements, recruitment and retention bonuses, and seeks to expand efforts to resolve the Department’s staffing crisis

Vermont DOC Reports Failed Escape Attempt at Northeast Correctional Complex
Department Staff Responded and Detained an Individual Following an Attempted Escape in St. Johnsbury

Vermont DOC Reports Death of Incarcerated Individual in Springfield
Administrative and Medical Reviews Initiated at Southern State Correctional Facility

Vermont DOC Announces Investigation into Allegations of Misconduct in Springfield
Southern State Correctional Facility Superintendent placed on administrative leave pending outcome of investigation.

Vermont DOC Reports Death of Incarcerated Individual in Springfield
Administrative Review Initiated at Southern State Correctional Facility (SSCF)

Vermont DOC Unveils New Department Vision, Mission, Values Statements
Vision, Mission, Values events will be held at each correctional facility and probation and parole office in Vermont throughout the month of April.

Vermont DOC Announces Health Services Contract with Wellpath, LLC
Vermont DOC to transition comprehensive health services providers following the completion of the Department’s current contract period

Vermont DOC Reports Death of Incarcerated Individual in Springfield
Administrative Review Initiated at Southern State Correctional Facility (SSCF)

Vermont DOC Reports Death of Incarcerated Individual in Springfield
Administrative review initiated at Southern State Correctional Facility (SSCF).

DOC Reports Death of Incarcerated Individual at DHMC
Administrative review initiated in death at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

Vermont DOC Announces Leadership Changes at Two Facilities
Amy Jacobs to Lead Northern State Correctional Facility

DOC Reports Death of Incarcerated Individual at UVM Medical Center
Administrative review initiated in death at UVM Medical Center.

Second Round of Surveys from Prison Research Project Released
Survey results from staff, incarcerated people at Southern State Correctional Facility highlight challenges in correctional staffing, preparing incarcerated individuals for release, and mental health.

Vermont DOC Reports Death of Incarcerated Individual at Springfield Hospital
Administrative review initiated in death at Springfield Hospital

Incarcerated Individual in Critical Condition Following Assault
Investigations underway following assault by incarcerated individual at Northwest State Correctional Facility.

Vermont DOC Announces Plans for Grievance Process Modernization
Changes come following recommendations from new State Auditor report.

Incarcerated Individuals Open Coffee Shop at Springfield Facility
Incarcerated individuals pilot innovative small business venture that provides hands-on vocational training.

Vermont DOC Reports Death of Incarcerated Individual in Rutland
Administrative review initiated in death at Rutland Regional Medical Center.

Vermont DOC Reports Death of Incarcerated Individual in Springfield
Cause to be determined in Wednesday death at Southern State Correctional Facility.

Vermont DOC Reports Death of Incarcerated Individual in Springfield
Cause to be determined in Tuesday death at Southern State Correctional Facility.

Vermont Department of Corrections Announces Key Leadership Appointments
On Thursday, Vermont Department of Corrections Commissioner Nicholas J. Deml announced key leadership changes at Northeast Correctional Complex (NECC) in St. Johnsbury, Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility (MVRCF) in Rutland, and the Central Office in Waterbury.

Vermont DOC Reports Death of Incarcerated Individual in Springfield
Cause to be determined in Sunday death at Southern State Correctional Facility.

FACT Program to Serve Individuals in Criminal Justice System
A new collaboration between the Department of Corrections (DOC), the Department of Mental Health (DMH), and Pathways Vermont will help enhance treatment for individuals involved in the criminal justice system.

Vermont DOC Reaches Agreement with Union on "Stability and Sustainability" Plan
Facilities will move to 12-hour shift schedules, employees to see pay enhancements, bonuses, and other quality-of-life improvements.

Corrections Commissioner Issues Statement on Officer Arrest
Vermont Department of Corrections conducting investigation into officer’s conduct.

Vermont DOC to Implement "Stability and Sustainability" Plan
Department announces comprehensive plan to stabilize staffing and build motivated, engaged workforce.

Vermont DOC Reports Death of Incarcerated Individual at Local Hospital
Man dies at Springfield Hospital following medical event at Southern State Correctional Facility.

Vermont DOC Opens Bid Process for Health Services Contract
Department seeks bids for comprehensive health services at the state’s six correctional facilities.

Vermont DOC Reports Death in Springfield
Incarcerated individual died at Southern State Correctional Facility in a suspected suicide.

Vermont Correctional Facilities Advance Recovery and Revitalization Efforts
In-person visitation opens at all state facilities, intake quarantine to end Monday.

Vermont DOC Reports Death in St. Johnsbury
Incarcerated individual died at Northeast Correctional Complex in a suspected suicide.

Corrections Commissioner on Officer Arrest: "I Have Zero Tolerance"
Vermont Department of Corrections conducting investigation into officer’s conduct.

St. Johnsbury Superintendent Retiring, Key Leadership Changes Across Corrections
Vermont Department of Corrections Commissioner Nicholas Deml is announcing key leadership changes at Northeast Correctional Complex (NECC) in St. Johnsbury, Northern State Correctional Facility (NSCF) in Newport, and the Central Office.

Corrections Announces Key Leadership Changes in Newport
Northern State Correctional Facility superintendent removed from position.

Vermont DOC Reports Incarcerated Individual's Death in Springfield
Cause to be determined in Tuesday death at Southern State Correctional Facility.

Testing Reveals 45 COVID-Positive Incarcerated Individuals at Springfield Facility
Southern State Correctional Facility on full lockdown following cases in eight general population units.

COVID-19 Outbreak at Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility
Fifteen cases detected in Rutland incarcerated population.

COVID-19 Outbreak at Northern State Correctional Facility
More than 30 new cases detected in Newport staff, incarcerated population.

12 COVID-19 Cases in St. Albans Facility
Nine new COVID-positive cases found in general population unit

Testing Detects New Positive Cases in South Burlington, St. Johnsbury Facilities
Four new COVID-positive cases found in general population units.

Vermont DOC Press Conference: Innovative Prison Research Project Findings
Corrections and research partners Urban Institute and University of Vermont present findings from the Prison Research and Innovation Network.

New Survey Findings Released from Innovative Prison Research Project
Survey results from staff, incarcerated people at Southern State Correctional Facility highlight issues around correctional staffing, programming for incarcerated people, and high rates of mental health concerns.

Ten New COVID-19 Cases Detected in St. Johnsbury General Population
Intake quarantine testing returns positive cases at two additional facilities.

Corrections Moves to Web-Based Supervision Fee Payment Portal
New payment platform eliminates certain fees for all under supervision.

47 New COVID-19 Cases Detected in St. Johnsbury Staff, General Population
New incarcerated positive results contained to one building at Northeast Correctional Complex.

New Incarcerated COVID-19 Cases Detected at Two Facilities
Six incarcerated individuals test positive from general populations, intake isolation in St. Johnsbury, Chittenden.

More COVID-19 Cases Detected in St. Johnsbury General Population
Two additional incarcerated individuals test positive at Northeast Correctional Complex.

COVID-19 Detected in St. Johnsbury General Population Units
Northeast Correctional Complex in full lockdown following positive incarcerated test results.

Intake Quarantine Testing Detects Positive Cases at Three Facilities
The Vermont Department of Corrections detected three new incarcerated cases of COVID-19 during intake quarantine at three different facilities.

Intake Quarantine Testing Again Detects Positive Case in St. Albans
The Vermont Department of Corrections detected one new incarcerated case of COVID-19 during intake quarantine at Northwest State Correctional Facility (NWSCF) in St. Albans.

Intake Quarantine Testing Detects Positive Cases at Four Facilities
The Vermont Department of Corrections detected four new incarcerated cases of COVID-19 during intake quarantine at four different facilities.

Intake Quarantine Testing Detects New Positive Case in St. Albans
COVID-19 mitigation protocol prevents virus from spreading to incarcerated population at Northwest.

Vermont DOC Reports Incarcerated Individual's Death in Newport
Cause to be determined in Saturday death at Northern State Correctional Facility.

Intake Quarantine Testing Again Detects Positive Case in South Burlington
COVID-19 mitigation protocol prevents virus from spreading to incarcerated population in Chittenden.

Intake Quarantine Testing Detects New Positive Case in South Burlington
COVID-19 mitigation protocol prevents virus from spreading to incarcerated population in Chittenden

COVID-19 Outbreak: Zero Positive Cases in Testing at Newport Facility
Two rounds of testing return zero new staff, incarcerated positives at Northern State Correctional Facility.

COVID-19 Outbreak: New Cases Detected at Newport Facility
Three rounds of testing return new staff, incarcerated positives at Northern State Correctional Facility.

COVID-19 Outbreak: 16 New Cases Detected at Newport Facility
Three staff, 13 incarcerated individuals test positive in Northern State Correctional Facility outbreak testing.

COVID-19 Outbreak: Six New Cases Detected at Newport Facility
Two staff, three incarcerated individuals test positive in Northern State Correctional Facility outbreak testing; additional staff case detected independently.

COVID-19 Outbreak: Nine New Cases Detected at Newport Facility
Three staff, six incarcerated individuals test positive in Northern State Correctional Facility outbreak testing.

COVID-19 Outbreak: 14 New Cases Detected at Newport Facility
One staff, 13 incarcerated individuals test positive in Northern State Correctional Facility outbreak testing.

COVID-19 Cases Detected in Newport Facility Staff, Population
Staff, incarcerated individuals test positive in outbreak testing at Northern State Correctional Facility.

Seven New COVID-19 Cases in St. Johnsbury Staff, Population
Staff and incarcerated individuals test positive in outbreak testing at Northeast Correctional Complex.

Nine Additional Incarcerated Individuals in St. Johnsbury Test Positive for COVID-19
Outbreak declared at Northeast Correctional Complex following 16 positives in general population.

Seven Incarcerated Individuals in St. Johnsbury Test Positive for COVID-19
Northeast Correctional Complex on lockdown after COVID-19 detected in general population.

Governor Phil Scott Appoints Nick Deml Commissioner of the Department of Corrections
Interim Commissioner James Baker announces departure after more than 20 months of service.

Vermont DOC Renews Out-of-State Housing Contract
CoreCivic will continue to house Vermont incarcerated individuals in Mississippi for one year.

Matt D'Agostino Appointed Corrections Interim Deputy Commissioner
10-year Vermont DOC employee to oversee budget, human resource and contract management.

Northern State Testing Returns One COVID-Positive Staff Member
Outbreak testing returns one positive staff case at Newport facility.

Northern State Outbreak Update: Zero COVID-Positive Cases
Three consecutive testing rounds show no new staff, incarcerated cases in Newport.

Vermont DOC Reports New Positive Cases at Three Facilities
Testing finds five new incarcerated individuals and staff positives in Newport, Springfield, St. Albans.

Seven Incarcerated Individuals Test Positive in Newport
Testing finds seven new incarcerated positives at Northern State Correctional Facility, zero new staff.

Twenty-one Incarcerated Individuals Test Positive in Newport
Testing finds 21 new incarcerated positives, one staff positive at Northern State Correctional Facility.

Three Incarcerated Individuals Test Positive in Newport
Additional COVID cases found in symptomatic individuals at Northern State Correctional Facility.

Vermont DOC Reports New Positive Cases at Three Facilities
Masks required at all facilities, outside visitation suspended at facilities with positive cases.

Three Incarcerated Individuals Test Positive for COVID-19
Intake testing returns three cases at St. Albans and St. Johnsbury facilities.

Two Vermont Corrections Staff Test Positive for COVID-19
Independent testing returns two cases at Northern State Correctional Facility.

Three Vermont Corrections Staff Test Positive for COVID-19
Staff testing returns positive cases in South Burlington, St. Johnsbury.

Vermont DOC Announces Transitional Housing Grants
Fifteen agencies partner with Corrections on reentry housing and services.

Vermont DOC Commissioner Issues Statement on Joshua Russ Plea Deal
Former Corrections employee pleads ‘no contest’ to sexual exploitation, will serve up to four years.

Vermont Correctional Officers: A Career of Unseen Service

State honors ‘National Correctional Officers and Employee Appreciation Week’

Northern State Cleared of all Outbreak Protocols

Five consecutive testing rounds show no new incarcerated cases in Newport.

Northern State Correctional Facility: Covid Testing Update 3.31.21

Testing returns no new positive staff or incarcerated cases in Newport.

Northern State Correctional Facility: Covid Testing Update 3.24.21

Testing returns two positive staff cases in Newport; no incarcerated cases detected.

Northern State Correctional Facility: Covid Testing Update 3.22.21

Testing returns 3 new cases in Newport; spread contained to incarcerated individuals in a single unit.

Northern State Correctional Facility: Covid Testing Update 3.17.21

Testing returns 12 new positive cases in Newport; 135 cases medically cleared from isolation.

Northern State Correctional Facility: Covid Testing Update

Testing returns 21 new positive cases in Newport; 100 cases medically cleared from isolation.

Northern State Correctional Facility Returns More Covid Cases

March 8 testing returns ten new positive cases in Newport, 106 cases expected to be medically cleared by Friday.

Northern State Correctional Facility Outbreak Slowing

March 4 testing returns eight new positive cases in Newport.

Vermont DOC Press Conference: Northern State Outbreak Update

Commissioner Jim Baker provides updates on the outbreak at Northern State Correctional Facility in Newport, Vt.

Northern State Correctional Facility Outbreak Growing

March 1 testing returns 108 new positive staff and incarcerated cases in Newport.

Covid-19 Outbreak at Northern State Correctional Facility

Newport facility in full lockdown following 22 positive cases.

Testing Shows New Covid-19 Cases at St. Albans Correctional Facility

Northwest State Correctional Facility remains in full lockdown to mitigate spread.

Vermont DOC Reports Incarcerated Death in Mississippi

The Vermont Department of Corrections is conducting an internal review following the death of a Vermont individual incarcerated at Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility in Tutwiler, Mississippi, on Saturday.

COVID-19 Cases Detected in Staff, Incarcerated Population

Vermont Department of Corrections (Vermont DOC) is reporting 18 new Covid-19 cases among incarcerated individuals and staff.

COVID-19 Cases Detected in Staff, Incarcerated Population

Vermont Department of Corrections (Vermont DOC) is reporting nine new Covid-19 cases among incarcerated individuals and staff.

Three New Covid-19 Cases Detected in Incarcerated Population

Vermont Department of Corrections (Vermont DOC) is reporting three new COVID-19 cases among incarcerated individuals at Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility (CRCF).

Eight New COVID-19 Cases Detected in Corrections Staff

Vermont Department of Corrections (Vermont DOC) is reporting eight new COVID-19 cases among VTDOC staff.

Incarcerated Individual, Staff Members Test Positive for COVID-19

Positive cases detected at Northeast Correctional Complex, Southern State and Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facilities.

Vermont Agency of Human Services Leadership, DRM Release Report on Chittenden Facility

Vermont Agency of Human Services leadership and attorneys from Downs Rachlin Martin are publicly releasing a report on Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility.

Corrections Staff Members at Four Facilities Test Positive for COVID-19

Positive results received in Newport. S. Burlington, St. Albans, Springfield.

Vermont Corrections Staff Members Test Positive for COVID-19

Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans is on full lockdown following notification of two staff members testing positive for COVID-19.

Vermont DOC Reports Inmate Death in St. Johnsbury

Incarcerated individual dies at Northeast Correctional Complex.

Vermont DOC Reports Inmate Death in Mississippi

The Vermont Department of Corrections is conducting an internal review following the death of a Vermont inmate at Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility in Tutwiler, Miss., on Sunday.

Chittenden Staff, Inmates Test Negative for COVID-19

Mass testing ordered following reported staff positive on December 7.

Earned Good Time Permanent Rule Proposal: Public Comment Sessions Friday

The Vermont Department of Corrections invites victims of crime, families of victims, and members of the public to offer comments about a permanent rule on the creation of an “earned good time” program.

Press Conference: Independent Report on Kenneth Johnson

Vermont Agency of Human Services Secretary Mike Smith, Department of Corrections Commissioner Jim Baker, and Tristam Coffin and Timothy Doherty of Downs Rachlin Martin issue DRM's independent report on the death of Kenneth Johnson in a live press conference.

Second Corrections Staff Member Tests Positive for COVID-19

Second Northeast Correctional Complex staff member tests positive for coronavirus.

Inmate Assaults Officer at Northwest State Correctional Facility

Other inmates helped stop assault, officer released from hospital.

Vermont Corrections Staff Member Tests Positive for COVID-19

Officer Tests Positive at Northeast Correctional Complex

No New Cases Found in Third Round of Vermont DOC Mass COVID-19 Testing

All in- and out-of-state facilities clear of COVID-19.

Vermont DOC Press Conference: Out-of-State Contract and Chittenden Update

Commissioner Jim Baker provides updates on Vermont's contract with CoreCivic and on the investigation into Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility.

COVID-19 Test Results Returned in Springfield, Mississippi

Southern State Correctional Facility clear of coronavirus, new case found at Tallahatchie.

Vermont DOC Press Conference: Rutland and Mississippi Update

Commissioner Jim Baker provides an update on Vermont inmates and staff testing positive for COVID-19 in Mississippi and Vermont in a live press conference.

Vermont DOC Press Conference: Mississippi and Vermont Update

Commissioner Jim Baker addresses the response to Vermont inmates testing positive for COVID-19 in Mississippi and Vermont.

147 Cases of COVID-19 Detected in Mississippi Facility

Coronavirus cases detected among inmates in Mississippi and Vermont this week.

Vermont DOC Press Conference: Mississippi Update

Commissioner Jim Baker addresses the response to Vermont inmates testing positive for COVID-19 in Mississippi.

Testing Shows COVID-19 in Mississippi Facility

Early results identify more than 80 positive cases among Vermont inmate population.

Mississippi Inmates Test Positive for COVID-19

Six inmates test positive upon return to Vermont from out-of-state correctional facility

St. Johnsbury Inmate Tests Positive for COVID-19

An inmate at Northeast Correctional Complex in St. Johnsbury has tested positive for COVID-19. This is the only positive result of the total 215 NECC staff and inmates tested Monday, July 13.

Test Results: Southern State Correctional Facility Clear of COVID-19

All staff and inmate results returned negative in mass testing of final Vermont facility.