OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma prisons director who presided over botched executions announces resignation.
Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC) Director Robert Patton’s resignation takes effect Jan. 31, 2016. Patton is said to be leaving after accepting a position in Arizona to be closer to family.
“I appreciate the members of the board of corrections for their continued support during my time as director,” Patton said. “It has been an honor to serve this agency, the state of Oklahoma and to work with the talented people who make up the department. It has also been a privilege to work with Governor Fallin and her staff on initiatives to improve corrections within the state.”
The DOC says it will hire an interim director prior to Patton’s last day.
Gov. Mary Fallin sent a statement saying "I appreciate Robert Patton’s efforts to keep our state prisons safe for both correctional officers and inmates. During his tenure, he worked to reform DOC’s internal operations to be more efficient and effective, as well as implementing the Justice Reinvestment Initiative’s corrections reform package to emphasize rehabilitation and treatment for non-violent offenders. I regret his departure, but I understand the importance of family and the need to be close to loved ones. I wish him well in his future endeavors.”
