Jim Anderson selected as Public Safety Chief for Montana Department of Corrections

• Carolynn Bright
• September 21 2021

Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) Deputy Director Cynthia Wolken announced today that Jim Anderson will be joining the department as its public safety chief.

Anderson comes to the department from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, where he was the jail commander and managed detention center operations.  There, he oversaw a best practice, behavior-based inmate management system and programs aimed at reducing recidivism and improving re-entry services.  Anderson also served as executive director of CIT Montana – a statewide organization which trains first responders to better manage individuals with mental health and/or substance abuse disorders.

“Jim has the experience and skill set we are seeking for this position as we forge ahead with modernization of our corrections system,” Wolken said.  “That modernization includes evidence-based programming and practices that target an individual’s specific risks and needs, increased behavioral health services, and supporting our boots-on-the-ground staff who are the key to improving outcomes.  Jim’s career reflects his willingness to step up and lead these critical initiatives as we work toward our mission of ‘Creating a safer Montana through accountability, rehabilitation, and empowerment.’”

The public safety chief position is responsible for oversight of the department’s secure facilities (Montana State Prison, Montana Women’s Prison, Pine Hills Correctional Facility); contracted secure facilities (Crossroads Correctional Center and Dawson County Correctional Facility); Probation and Parole operations; and services that support those areas.

The role is new to the DOC and is part of the reorganization undertaken recently by DOC Director Brian Gootkin and endorsed by Governor Greg Gianforte. The new organizational structure groups most DOC functions into Central Services, Public Safety, and Rehabilitation and Programs.

“I am really excited to join the DOC’s top-notch leadership team and look forward to taking on the role of public safety chief to help ensure the safety of Montanans throughout the state,” said Anderson.

The department publicly solicited applications for this position through a competitive process which ran from July 21 – Aug. 11, 2021.

Anderson’s first day with the department will be Nov. 1.