News
The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) celebrated the graduation of 32 correctional staff members
On August 20, 2026, The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) celebrated the graduation of 32 correctional staff members from the Correctional Entrance Level Training Program at the Public Safety Education and Training Center in Sykesville.
Thirty-one graduates will join DPSCS facilities across Maryland, while one will serve at the Howard County Detention Center. The graduates will begin reporting to their assigned facilities in the coming days, providing added staffing support in Baltimore, Jessup, Hagerstown, Cumberland, and other parts of the state.
“Every officer who joins our ranks further strengthens our ability to operate safe and secure facilities,”
said DPSCS Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs. “This graduating class represents another important step in our sustained work to build our Department’s workforce with qualified professionals who are ready to serve their communities and support our mission to keep everyone safe, including the public, our hardworking staff, and those within our care.”
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Jessup Correctional Institution (JCI) recently hosted a Music Benefit Banquet
Jessup Correctional Institution (JCI) recently hosted a Music Benefit Banquet, bringing incarcerated individuals together to celebrate the spirit of giving and support a meaningful cause.
Funds raised through the charitable event will benefit House Of Ruth Maryland, Inc., supporting the organization’s work to help individuals and families impacted by intimate partner violence.
DPSCS is proud to recognize the generosity and community-minded spirit behind this effort and the positive impact it will make beyond the walls of JCI.
Maryland Correctional Institution for Women (MCIW) recently hosted a Reentry Resource Fair
Maryland Correctional Institution for Women (MCIW) recently hosted a Reentry Resource Fair, connecting incarcerated women with valuable resources, services, and support to help prepare for their return home.
A special thank you to the DPSCS Reentry Team and our dedicated community partners for coming together to provide information and opportunities that can help remove barriers and support successful transitions back into the community.
Secretary of Budget and Management Jake Weissman recently joined DPSCS Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs for a tour of some correctional facilities
Secretary of Budget and Management Jake Weissman recently joined DPSCS Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs for a tour of Maryland Correctional Institution for Women (MCIW) and Jessup Correctional Institution (JCI) to learn more about Maryland Correctional Enterprises (MCE) and the work taking place in its shops.
The tour highlighted the valuable skills, training, and work experience available through MCE programs, which help prepare individuals for successful reentry and future employment opportunities.
Western Correctional Institution (WCI) donate school supplies at “Stuff the Bus”
Staff at Western Correctional Institution (WCI) came together to donate two overflowing boxes of school supplies to Allegany County’s "Stuff the Bus" initiative in LaVale!
Lt. Floyd “Chip” Benson and CMSII Armand Smithberger delivered the supplies to support students across Allegany County preparing for the new school year.
We’re proud to see WCI staff supporting local students and giving back to the community!
DPSCS is proud to be at the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Summer Conference in Ocean City!
Our team is connecting with county leaders, partners, and public safety professionals to highlight the importance of successful reentry and its role in reducing recidivism. By connecting returning citizens with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed, we can help build safer, stronger communities across Maryland.
Eastern Correctional Institution’s (ECI) Garden Harvest program
Eastern Correctional Institution’s (ECI) Garden Harvest program is putting fresh produce to work for the community. Incarcerated gardeners recently harvested 598 pounds of vegetables, bringing the program’s total for the year to an incredible 9,592 pounds of produce!
Access to fresh food is essential for families, especially as they prepare for the back-to-school season and the increased demands that come with a new school year. Through hands-on gardening and service, incarcerated gardeners are helping provide for families while building skills and giving back to the community.
Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc. Program Graduation
Fourteen women recently graduated from the Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc. program, completing training designed to build skills, confidence, and employment readiness for life after incarceration.
The impact of programs like this is reflected in the outcomes: of 1,700 individuals who have graduated from the Goodwill program, 27 have reoffended. These results highlight the importance of providing education, workforce development, and reentry support to help individuals build successful futures and reduce recidivism.
Congratulations to the 14 graduates on reaching this important milestone!
Maryland Issues Body Cameras To All State Prison Officers
Correctional officers at every Maryland state prison now have body-worn cameras, a move state officials say is aimed at improving safety, accountability and de-escalation inside correctional facilities.
As of last month, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) provided body-worn cameras to correctional officers statewide. Department leaders demonstrated the system at the Baltimore Central Booking & Intake Center on Monday, showing how officers use the cameras during routine duties, emergency responses and interactions with incarcerated individuals.
Maryland Correctional Institution for Women (MCIW) recently hosted a special concert
Maryland Correctional Institution for Women (MCIW) recently hosted a special concert showcasing original music written and performed by participants in the Nu Wxrld Music Group. After months of songwriting, collaboration, and rehearsal, the performers took the stage to present 22 original songs from memory, earning enthusiastic support from the MCIW community.
Programs like this provide meaningful opportunities for creative expression, teamwork, and personal growth while helping participants develop confidence and transferable skills that support successful reentry. By fostering positive outlets and encouraging self-expression, initiatives like the Nu Wxrld Music Group play an important role in rehabilitation and helping reduce recidivism.
Congratulations to everyone involved, and thank you to the instructors, volunteers, and community organizations whose support helped make this inspiring performance possible!
DPSCS Newsflash: July Edition Is Here!
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The July edition of DPSCS Newsflash is here! This month, we’re highlighting the people, partnerships, and programs making Maryland’s correctional system stronger and safer, from celebrating service and our nation’s 250th anniversary to expanding education, reentry, and rehabilitation opportunities across the department. We’re also showcasing the dedicated work happening every day to keep our facilities secure while creating meaningful opportunities for positive change. Take a few minutes to watch and see how your colleagues are making a difference across DPSCS.
Safer Stronger Together (SST) initiative welcomes the Agoge Project
As part of the Safer Stronger Together (SST) initiative, the DPSCS recently welcomed The Agoge Project to connect with youth at the Youth Detention Center (YDC) through an engaging experience centered on personal growth, accountability, and positive decision-making.
By introducing participants to mentors, community resources, and opportunities available after release, programs like this help prepare youth for successful reentry. According to The Agoge Project, 97% of participating youth reported improved academic confidence—an important outcome that can encourage continued education, expand future opportunities, and support long-term success en route to reducing recidivism.
It is inspiring to see our staff put our mission into action so generously. You truly showed what it means to care for and invest in the people we serve.
Thank you to The Agoge Project for partnering with the Safer Stronger Together initiative to help empower Maryland's youth and invest in brighter futures.
What an incredible National Night Out and DPSCS Back-to-School Drive!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for an unforgettable evening of community, connection, and giving back. Families enjoyed a cookout, basketball, games, music, giveaways, and fun activities while hundreds of students received backpacks, school supplies, uniforms, laptops, bicycles, and other essentials to help them start the school year with confidence.
Events like these are possible because of the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and community supporters. Your commitment helps strengthen our neighborhoods and invest in Maryland's future.
A special thank you to: Aramark, Correct Rx, Centurion Health, Wawa, Taharka Brothers, Giant Food, Anthony Cool Ant Williams, Kona Ice
Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs Shares Department Vision in Baltimore Sun Op-Ed
Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs has authored an op-ed, "The Department of Corrections is up to the Challenge," published July 23, 2026 in The Baltimore Sun, highlighting the Department's commitment to public safety, accountability, rehabilitation, and the dedicated work of our employees across Maryland.
The piece reflects on the important role our Department plays in serving Marylanders and reinforces our ongoing commitment to strengthening our correctional system while supporting the staff who carry out this mission every day.
DPSCS Community Investment Team National Night Out Preparation
Our DPSCS Community Investment Team was hard at work sorting and packing hundreds of donated school supplies in preparation for National Night Out and Back-to-School Bash.
Thanks to the generosity of our partners and community, we distributed more than 300 backpacks, along with school supplies, uniforms, laptops, and bicycles to help Baltimore students start the school year strong.
Maryland Correctional Institution for Women (MCIW) welcomes Freedom Reads
DPSCS was proud to welcome Freedom Reads to the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women (MCIW), where the organization is expanding access to literature through its Freedom Library initiative. By placing thoughtfully curated libraries directly inside housing units, Freedom Reads helps create opportunities for learning, reflection, and meaningful conversation.
Partnerships like this support personal growth, lifelong learning, and successful reentry by ensuring individuals have access to the transformative power of reading.
Thank you to Freedom Reads for investing in education, hope, and opportunity at MCIW.
Discover Correctional Officer Interview Opportunities
BALTIMORE, MD - The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services is looking for individuals to join our mission – to protect the public, its employees, and the justice-involved individuals it is responsible for. We are hosting a series of recruitment events that provide interview opportunities – from weekly in-person interviews to quarterly hiring events. These events are designed to discover how your skills align with our goals. View Recruitment Event Interview Opportunities
