CONCORD, N.H. – Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte issued a press release Wednesday directing the Department of Corrections to refer to incarcerated individuals as “inmates” instead of as “residents.”
The release included links to the letter Ayotte sent to Department of Corrections Commissioner Helen Hanks and another link with a letter of support from law enforcement and corrections organizations.
The letter said Ayotte was “following up on the recent conversation between our offices about how we refer to incarcerated individuals.”
An email requesting comment from Commissioner Hanks and the DOC responded:
“The NH DOC’s comment is below: The term ‘resident’ was introduced to change the way individuals and their families were addressed and by a broader national movement. The Governor’s directive is consistent with New Hampshire law and helps establish uniformity within the system. There are currently 1,973 individuals in State corrections facilities, including both inmates and those who are civilly committed in the Secure Psychiatric Unit (SPU).”
The statement doesn’t say if people civilly committed to the Secure Psychiatric Unit at the men’s prison in Concord will also be called inmates.
Ayotte’s news release said: “Rehabilitative efforts should be pursued without ignoring the reality of incarceration. The language we use should also be consistent with New Hampshire law,” said Governor Ayotte in a letter to New Hampshire Department of Corrections Commissioner Helen Hanks. “The label of ‘resident’—currently used by the Department of Corrections—for incarcerated persons obscures the joint goals of deterrence, rehabilitation, and punishment.”
“Representatives from New Hampshire law enforcement and corrections organizations have also released a letter in support of the change.
“We are grateful for Governor Ayotte and the steps she has taken to address the misperception caused by the shift away from referring to inmates, probationers, patients and parolees by their statutory names,” the letter reads. “Clarity and consistency in language are essential for both the justice system and the public, ensuring transparency and maintaining the integrity of legal designations.”
The letter from law enforcement and corrections organizations was signed by Seifu Ragassa, President NH Probation Parole Officers Command Staff Union & NH Group II Retirement Coalition; Michael Geha, President NH Police Association; Frank Campo, President NH Troopers Association; William Wright, Sheriff Belknap County NH; Frank Swirko, President NH Probation/Parole Officers Association; Gary Burke, President NH Corrections Supervisors Union Chapter 255; Kelly Olsen, Vice President NH, Probation/Parole Command Staff Union.
Read Governor Ayotte’s Letter to NHDOC Commissioner Hanks.
Read the letter of support from New Hampshire law enforcement and corrections organizations.