DOVER, Del. (AP) - Delaware's Senate voted unanimously Wednesday to confirm Democratic Gov. John Carney's nominee to lead the state's troubled corrections system.
In recent years there was a fatal prison riot as well as lawsuits alleging mistreatment of inmates and chronic staffing and morale problems.
Claire DeMatteis will replace Department of Correction Commissioner Perry Phelps, who plans to retire July 15 after 2½ years leading the department.
She reiterated Wednesday that safety and security in DOC facilities for staff, inmates and members of the public is her top priority.
She added that recruitment is the system’s biggest challenge.
The department has struggled for years to maintain adequate staffing within the ranks of prison guards.
Many have routinely been forced to work overtime shifts to ensure minimum staffing levels.
