KY Senator reacts to Commissioner of DJJ retiring

Gov. Andy Beshear announcing Vicki Reed will retire effective January 1, 2024

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) — It’s been a few days since governor andy beshear announced Vicki Reed, the Commissioner of the Department of Juvenile Justice is retiring.
However, after a string of controversies within the department, several Kentucky lawmakers have been calling for her resignation, including Senator and President Pro Tempore David Givens.

“We started hearing those tragic stories, we put together a workgroup, we had broad recommendations, the lead recommendation was a change in leadership. Because we know that in the absence of leadership, a problem becomes a crisis. This had risen to a crisis level as a result of the leadership of Vicki Reed,” says Givens.

Reed was appointed as commissioner on August 16, 2021.
Now, just over two years later, Reed will retire effective January 1st, 2024.

“This is an opportunity for us to get it right in the lives of these young people. And importantly, and equally importantly, the staff that work there every day, so that they can return home safely to their families, maintaining safety and community, and hopefully rehabilitating some of these young folks,” he also says.

Senator Givens says he’s looking forward to the opportunity to be able to change the future of DJJ.
Adding that whomever the governor chooses, needs to be ready for the challenges that await.

I would encourage this next leader to first establish trust with the people that are on the front line day in and day out, walk these facilities get to know these people,” added Givens.

Regarding concern about Secretary of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Kerry Harvey and his role working alongside Commissioner Vicki Reed, Givens says it is not about taking sides but rather working together.

“If the governor believes that Secretary Harvey is that leader, I’m going to back the governor on it. The results of this decision of who the governor puts in this position is the governor is to own. He finally acknowledges that Vicki Reed is part of the problem by now post election having stepped down and I again applaud that, ” says Givens.

Secretary Kerry Harvey also sending the following statement on Reed, that reads in part “Commissioner Vicki Reed’s vast experience in juvenile justice matters and her complete commitment to the youth in the Department of Juvenile Justice’s care have been vital in implementing long overdue positive changes in the department. Our youth and staff were fortunate to have her leadership and we appreciate her service to the commonwealth. We wish her the best of luck in her retirement.”

To apply for the commissioner’s position, click here.