Governor Jeff Landry has named the new head of Louisiana prisons.
Gary Westcott is taking over as the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Westcott most recently served as the Deputy Secretary of DOC.
He has worked for the Louisiana Department of Corrections-Division of Probation and Parole for 29 years, before retiring in 2020 as a Regional Administrator.
“At a time where public safety is a top priority for citizens across our state, I can think of no better person to lead the Department of Public Safety and Corrections than Gary Westcott," said Gov. Jeff Landry. "He has the leadership, experience, and knowledge that is necessary to ensure this department is running in an efficient and effective manner.”
“Governor Landry has made it abundantly clear that fixing our prison system and enhancing public safety is of utmost importance," said Westcott. "I am honored by his confidence in me to get the job done, and I am looking forward to getting to work.”