JACKSON, Mississippi — Gov. Tate Reeves says he is nominating a former warden of Louisiana’s Angola prison to become the new corrections commissioner in Mississippi.
If confirmed, Burl Cain would take charge of a prison system that is under federal investigation and has struggled for years with tight budgets, short staffing and shoddy living conditions.
Cain must be confirmed as corrections commissioner by the Mississippi Senate. He would replace former state Rep. Tommy Taylor, who has been acting commissioner since shortly after Reeves became governor in January.
Reeves said Cain was chosen after a nationwide search, and he was a success story at Angola.
On Facebook Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Reeves said, "Today’s daily briefing includes some major non-coronavirus news for the first time in a while:
Burl Cain, the legendary warden who transformed Angola from “America’s bloodiest prison” to a model of faith-based reform, has agreed to come here and lead Mississippi’s troubled corrections system. Every inmate—no matter how guilty—is a child of the King and resident of our great state. They all deserve safety and dignity. He will help us get there.
We’re appointing an exemplary judge from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Sean Tindell, to lead the Department of Public Safety. We’ll also discuss our COVID-19 response and more. Busy day!
