Arkansas Blog: Norris to retire as Correction chief

Larry Norris, director of the state Correction Department, notified the governor's office earlier this week that he intends to retire Jan. 4.

He's been with the department 38 years, 16 as director as of next month, an uncommonly long stint for such a job nationwide. He's the longest-tenured Arkansas director.

A spokesman for the governor said Norris "absolutely" was not under pressure to retire. "It caught us off guard," Beebe spokesman Matt Decample said. Norris has had a few bruising rounds with legislators over escapes and other mishaps at prison units, not to mention an ongoing struggle to house prisoners under tight budget constraints. But Norris himself has generally been held above the fray over management failures at the prisons.

The announcement was to be made next week, but word of Norris' departure has been rapidly circulating in prison circles and Decample confirmed it when I asked. A more ceremonial announcement had been planned.

Norris announced his plans internally on Monday.

"I hate it! I really do. I wish he wouldn't," said Dina Tyler, a spokesman for the department.

"When you spend that much time in such a demanding and high pressure job," Tyler said, "there comes a point when it's time to retire."

Tyler said that Norris, 61, plans on spending more time with his family, in particular his two grandchildren. "The lure of grandchildren is very strong."

Said the governor in a prepared statement: "Larry Norris has spent a lifetime as a public servant, and has more than earned a restful retirement. He has shown consistent dedication over 39 years in service to the Department of Correction, and in a time when the average tenure for correctional directors is four years, Larry has led our DOC for 16. I will miss his contributions to the Department and his candid and straightforward style."

Norris' office released a statement that said it was "just time".He said he'd enjoyed the support of three governors and the Board of Corrections. “I believe the ADC is better than it was 16 years ago and that was our goal and now it’s just time for me to retire,” Norris said.

Comments

So this means Mr Norris will be positioned for another high level state job while drawing full retirement?

Posted by: eLwood | November 25, 2009 03:21 PM

Hello Mr. Brantley,
We plan to travel and spend time in Little Rock and Washington, D.C. with our children and grandchildren. I don't think Larry has considered another state job even though he loved his job at ADC.
He will actually spend a lot of time duck hunting and playing golf.
Sincerely,
Phyllis

Posted by: Phyllis Norris | November 25, 2009 05:18 PM

Norris has served us well. Tough job in an environment that breeds corruption and is squeezed squarely between the heartless and the bleeding hearts. He survived three Governors, had few fumbles along the way. Well done, Mr. Norris. Enjoy those grandkids.

Posted by: PVNasby | November 25, 2009 05:41 PM

I'm riding shotgun with PVNasby. Best wishes to you, Mr. Norris.

Posted by: Durango | November 25, 2009 06:04 PM

He's a good guy and I wish him the best. 16 years as director of the prison system. Let's see....that's a lot of Tylenol and Pepto Bismol. May he have a peaceful and fun retirement life!! (Would anyone here want the job? I don't think so.)

Posted by: OdaMae | November 25, 2009 07:07 PM

If I remember correctly, this is the second time this year Norris has retired. The first was earlier this year to avail himself of the fruits of double dipping...he went off for 30 days, then came right back on. However, he never gave up his cell phone or moved out of his state-provided housing while being retired for those 30 days.

Posted by: bluerthanblue | November 25, 2009 09:44 PM

Norris' record of service will stand the test of time. His scandal free 16 year tenure serving D and R governors is truly noteworthy. Running a prison system is tough, unpleasant work. I'm confident not many of this blog's readers would want to take on that challenge. Norris deserves kudos for his service.

Posted by: mouthinfreely | November 26, 2009 08:48 AM

Best wishes to you Larry. You have served the State of Arkansas well. Best wishes to you and Phyllis in your retirement.

Posted by: sleeping beauty | November 28, 2009 02:14 PM

I wonder if the families that were infected with HIV because of the blood that Larry and his "kind' knew was tainted but sold from the prison blood bank would have anything positive to say about his leaving?
http://www.factor8movie.com/factor8.htm

Posted by: james | December 22, 2009 05:32 PM

Arkansas Blog

Norris to retire as Correction chief

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