Office Of The Director

George Lombardi

George Lombardi, Director Gail Vasterling, General Counsel Jacqueline Lapine, Chief Public Information Officer Chris Pickering, Inspector General

The attorneys in the general counsel’s office provide a broad range of legal services to employees in all four divisions. Among other duties, they provide general legal counsel and legal services to the department’s executive staff; provide legal advice concerning the administration of prisons and the supervision of probationers and parolees; provide legal advice in all areas of employee relations, including discipline of employees; review contracts and interagency agreements; review and draft legislative proposals; respond to subpoenas (for employees and/or records) and other requests for records; advise records officers and parole analysts regarding criminal sentences; respond to court orders relating to the transportation or release of prisoners; represent department officials at various administrative hearings; provide litigation assistance to attorneys with the Attorney General’s Office; and review department policies and procedures.

The Public Information Office addresses inquiries from the news media, the general public, and other interested parties. This office also generates department publications, videos and promotes Department activities.

The Office of the Inspector General is charged with objectively examining department operations to ensure they are in compliance with established policy and procedure. This is accomplished through the Criminal Investigations Unit and the Compliance and Accreditation unit. Criminal Investigations is the investigative arm of the department and conducts investigations in response to reports of suspected violation of statute and department policy and procedure. The Compliance and Accreditation Unit in the Office of the Inspector General develops and reviews current department practices to ensure department policy and procedure is being followed. This unit also recommends and coordinates department policy and procedure revision.