Texas Department Of Criminal Justice

To align the Texas Department of Criminal Justice with our 2030 strategic goals and the recommendations of the Sunset Advisory Commission, the agency has introduced a new organizational structure. Learn more about these changes and how this realignment will optimize our operations and enhance overall efficiency.

With Christmas just around the corner, Classification and Inmate Transportation Division staff came together to celebrate the season.⭐️🎄 During the holiday lunch, staff enjoyed the many wonderfully decorated office spaces, which included themes such as the Polar Express, Grinch, Christmas Around the World, and more! New Division Director Rich Babcock shared words of appreciation for staff and inspiration leading into the new year.

The Texas Board of Criminal Justice is pleased to announce the selection of Lance Coleman as Inspector General. Lance is an accomplished law enforcement professional with over 45 years of experience. He began his law enforcement career with West Lake Hills PD before becoming Texas State Trooper in 1982. During his tenure with the Texas Department of Public Safety he served in several key roles, including the Governor’s Executive Protective Detail and a Firearms Training Specialist at the DPS Training Academy. In July of 2003, his exemplary service led to his selection as a Sergeant in the esteemed Texas Rangers, a role he held until he transitioned to the Office of the Inspector General in 2010. Inspector General Coleman began his career with the OIG as an Investigator assigned to the United States Marshals Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (LSFTF) San Antonio Division. In April of 2013, Lance was instrumental in developing and implementing the Executive Protection Detail for TDCJ. Rising through the ranks of OIG, Lance served as a Lieutenant, Captain, and most recently Deputy Director. He has led significant initiatives to improve the safety and security of the TDCJ, managed numerous high-profile operations, and fostered effective multi-agency collaboration. Lance Coleman brings extensive experience in police management and major criminal investigations. His operational expertise and commitment to public safety will serve the agency well. Please join the Texas Board of Criminal Justice in congratulating Lance in this new role and offering your support as he assumes this key leadership role.

#TDCJ is pleased to announce the selection of Eric Guerrero as Division Director of the Correctional Institutions Division (CID). Mr. Guerrero has over 30 years of experience with the agency beginning his career as a correctional officer at the McConnell Unit in 1994. He promoted through the security ranks holding each level within CID to include serving as an assistant and senior warden at four different units. In 2013, Eric promoted to regional director and later in 2016 he promoted to Director of Correctional Training and Staff Development. Mr. Guerrero promoted to CID Deputy Division Director in 2020, a position he has held until now. Eric holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He brings strong and proven leadership and a wealth of experience to his new role and will serve this agency well. Please join us in congratulating him on this new position and offering your support as he assumes this key leadership role within the TDCJ.

#TDCJ is pleased to announce the selection of Michael Rutledge as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the agency. Mr. Rutledge’s career with TDCJ began in 2008 as a Parole Chaplain. Over the past 16 years, Mr. Rutledge has taken on roles of growing scope and expanding responsibilities. He held many titles in the Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD) such as Chaplain III, Manager IV, Director of Religious Support Services, and Deputy Division Director. Most recently, Mr. Rutledge served as the Deputy Division Director of the Private Facility Contract Monitoring/Oversight Division. Before starting his career with the agency, Mr. Rutledge was employed with GE Capital for 10 years in various management roles. He also has 38 years of experience in the field of ministry. He has been the Pastor of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church in Houston since 2006, and he became an Adjunct Professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2015. Mr. Rutledge is a member of the Texas Corrections Association and the American Correctional Association. Mr. Rutledge earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Tougaloo College and a Master of Arts in Theology from Ashland Theological Seminary. He also holds a Doctor of Ministry from North Carolina College of Theology. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Rutledge and in offering your support as he assumes his new leadership role.

For Officer Daniel Choate, patrolling the Polunsky Unit in Livingston comes second nature. His true passion is for making sure his fellow officers and staff are safe and the facility is secure. Watch as Officer Choate explains what continues to drive him to excel in his position with the agency.⭐️ #TDCJ #employeespotlight #recongition

Your voice matters. Executive Director Bryan Collier wants to hear from you, the employees of this agency. You are invited to participate in a virtual Town Hall Q&A session scheduled for Tuesday, January 7, 2025, beginning at 9:00 am. This invitation applies to all agency employees; however, space is limited so make sure to register now! The Town Hall meeting will be held virtually via Zoom and allows for a maximum of 50 participants. To register, you must have a valid agency email address. Once registered, you will receive a notification email of your registration. The 50 participants will receive an email with a meeting link uniquely created for the participant only. If you do not receive an additional email with a link to join this meeting, you are encouraged to register again for the next Town Hall meeting. Should you not have an agency email address or access to a computer with a camera or internet to attend this meeting, please notify your Human Resources Representative, who will assist you in setting up a location and computer access in a quiet office area with no interruptions. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3VD3FX0 #TDCJ #TownHallMeeting #townhall #QandA

Your voice matters. Executive Director Bryan Collier wants to hear from you, the employees of this agency. You are invited to participate in a virtual Town Hall Q&A session scheduled for Tuesday, January 7, 2025, beginning at 9:00 am.🗣️💻 This invitation applies to all agency employees; however, space is limited so make sure to register now! The Town Hall meeting will be held virtually via Zoom and allows for a maximum of 50 participants. To register, you must have a valid agency email address. Once registered, you will receive a notification email of your registration. The 50 participants will receive an email with a meeting link uniquely created for the participant only. If you do not receive an additional email with a link to join this meeting, you are encouraged to register again for the next Town Hall meeting. Should you not have an agency email address or access to a computer with a camera or internet to attend this meeting, please notify your Human Resources Representative, who will assist you in setting up a location and computer access in a quiet office area with no interruptions. ➡️To register, visit https://bit.ly/3VD3FX0 #TDCJ #TownHallMeeting #townhall #QandA

No matter where you're traveling in Texas, you'll see the work of dedicated employees James Stewart and Issac Cohen who oversee the License Plate Factory at the Wynne Unit. James and Isaac lead a team that produces over 10 million plates a year for the State of Texas. Through their work, they're helping guide the agency toward its 2030 Vision while helping change lives along the way. Watch how they're making an impact, one license plate at a time:

Join #TDCJ’s Parole Division as a District Parole Officer I and help make a positive difference in your community!🌟As a District Parole Officer, you will supervise individuals who have been released on parole or mandatory supervision to complete their sentences while living in Texas communities. ➡️Learn more about the position at https://bit.ly/4caL1ME ➡️Learn more about being a TDCJ Parole Officer at https://lnkd.in/g9HF6kKi