ATTORNEY GENERAL NAMES HOWARD L. BEYER
AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF JUVENILE JUSTICE COMMISSION

TRENTON - Attorney General David Samson announced the appointment of Howard L. Beyer as the Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission. Beyer, confirmed by the New Jersey Senate, becomes the third Executive Director since the Commission was founded in 1995.

"New Jersey's youth are our most important and valuable asset," said Governor James E. McGreevey. "Howard Beyer brings a wealth of experience to the position and has extensive knowledge of all aspects of the corrections system including juvenile delinquency. I am certain that he will continue to provide efficient and effective services to youthful offenders throughout the State."

"I am delighted that the New Jersey Senate supported Howard Beyer, Governor McGreevey's choice to lead the Juvenile Justice Commission," said Attorney General David Samson. "Mr. Beyer brings with him 27 years of hands-on correctional experience and a great deal of knowledge that will help us serve the citizens and troubled youth of this state."

Beyer, 49, a Highland Park, Middlesex County resident, began his career with the State of New Jersey almost 27 years ago. After serving in various positions in the Department of Corrections for 24 years, he decided to focus on juvenile corrections three years ago. He was appointed as Deputy Executive Director to the Commission in November, 1999, and has served as Acting Executive Director since January 15.

Beyer began his career with the Department of Corrections at East Jersey State Prison (formerly known as Rahway State Prison). Mr. Beyer became the Administrator of New Jersey State Prison, Trenton, in May 1984. As chief executive officer of New Jersey's only maximum security facility, Mr. Beyer and his administration were cited numerous times for excellence, and were instrumental in developing new strategies for correctional management in response to an ever-increasing inmate population and challenging operational needs.

Mr. Beyer was promoted to Deputy Director of the Division of Operations, Department of Corrections, in June 1993. In August 1994, he was appointed to the position of Assistant Commissioner for Operations. In that capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the operations of the adult, youthful and women's prison complexes throughout the State of New Jersey.

Mr. Beyer also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Chapter of the American Correctional Association. Mr. Beyer received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from the College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State College), and his Masters Degree in Public Administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. Mr. Beyer and his wife have three children.

"I am committed to serving the State of New Jersey, its citizens, and the troubled youth of this state," said Beyer. "I have seen that there is a tremendous opportunity, and indeed responsibility, to address the issue of juvenile delinquency before it becomes adult crime. The JJC has a unique opportunity to help shape the role once-troubled youth will play in New Jersey's communities in the year's to come."

The mission of the Juvenile Justice Commission is to foster public safety and reduce delinquency by holding youth accountable for their law-breaking, providing opportunities to achieve positive change and rehabilitation of youth under its supervision, and promoting opportunities for positive growth and development of youth in their communities.

The Juvenile Justice Commission reaches into every community in the state. No community is immune from the impact of juvenile crime. The Commission works with every county to develop and fund programs that uniquely suit each community.

For more information on the JJC, please visit www.njjjc.com