June 2024

Letter from the Executive Director

Bryan Collier, Executive Director

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) has a long and proud history, serving our state for 175 years. Throughout that time, we’ve faced challenges, but those challenges have often been the sparks that ignited our greatest progress.

Our core values – perseverance, integrity, courage, and commitment – have always fueled our success. Today, we’re doubling down on those values, while also embracing innovation as a key to overcoming new challenges.

In this issue of Connections, you’ll read about how we’re innovating across the agency, and we’ll spotlight some of the groundbreaking ways we are moving the needle forward in everything we do, from the digital victim impact statement, to prioritizing emerging technologies, and offering life-changing programming opportunities for our inmates.

To achieve this mission, we need to capitalize on and harness the innovative spirit that already exists within our workforce. You inspire me with your unwavering work ethic, and anything is possible attitude. The cutting-edge work I’ve witnessed across the state is a testament to your ingenuity and character.

By embracing change and innovation together, we can tackle pressing issues and build a stronger TDCJ. This means fostering a culture that encourages innovation, agility, and the courage to reinvent ourselves.

Innovation isn’t just a checkbox for the TDCJ. It’s the spirit that runs through our veins. We’ve come a long way, but our mission remains the same: public safety, rehabilitation, reintegration, and supporting victims.

This agency has always dared to dream of a better future and put in the hard work to make that dream a reality. That’s the exciting challenge before us – to build a better TDCJ and a better Texas.

Together, we can leverage the opportunities that come with change and drive breakthroughs that will shape a brighter tomorrow.

Thank you for your dedication.