The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) is one of the largest departments in Maryland, with a primary focus on ensuring safety for all Marylanders allowing residents to enjoy living and working in the state.
To fulfill the department’s mission of promoting safety, DPSCS has increased security at its institutions while leading the way in innovative restorative justice projects that will help offenders reintegrate into society upon release. Public Safety operates 19 institutions, including several pretrial facilities and 42 Parole and Probation offices throughout the state.
The department remains focused on supplying offenders and former offenders with the tools necessary to stay out of the criminal justice system, reduce recidivism, and develop the skillset to be productive and valuable to Maryland and its society.
Carolyn J. Scruggs
Secretary
https://dpscs.maryland.gov
Carolyn J. Scruggs, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, is the first African American woman ever to lead DPSCS. Ms. Scruggs is a 27-year veteran of DPSCS who has played critical roles in the Division of Corrections (DOC), including oversight of Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) and re-entry programs, treatment, and services. Ms. Scruggs played a vital role in developing the statewide fingerprint and case management systems and the award-winning Crisis De-Escalation Training.
Starting as a Correctional Officer at the Baltimore Central Booking and Intake Center in 1995, Ms. Scruggs eventually became the facility's Warden while working on developing critical public safety components, including OCMS and MAFIS.
In 2019, she assumed oversight of the department's COVID-19 Response Operations, guiding the Department's efforts during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic.
Most recently, Ms. Scruggs had been Assistant Secretary for Programs, Treatment, and Reentry before being named Acting Secretary by outgoing Governor Larry Hogan.
A graduate of Baltimore's Western High School, she also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Towson State University and a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Coppin State University.