Gov. Bev Perdue Thursday, Dec. 15 announced the appointment of Rep. David Guice as director of Community Corrections under a new North Carolina Department of Public Safety.
Guice’s new position will be effective Jan. 1 as he leaves his post as representative for District 113, which includes Polk County.
“I am humbled by this offer and excited about the opportunity to once again serve in a capacity and within a profession that is my passion,” Guice said.
Guice, a Republican from Transylvania County, joined the N.C. House of Representatives two years ago.
“It is with a deep sense of gratitude that I want to thank the people of District 113 for entrusting me with this responsibility,” Guice said in a release. “I know that by working together and constantly placing the people first we can once again make North Carolina ‘the land where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great.’”
Prior to his time in the House, Guice had served more than 30 years in the corrections system.
“Government’s most important responsibility is public safety,” Gov. Perdue said. “Rep. Guice’s appointment reflects my continued commitment to protecting our communities and putting the best technology and information in the hands of those on the front lines of that effort.”
Guice’s former corrections career included service as a probation officer, a chief probation parole officer and a parole services manager, overseeing operations in 27 western counties.
While a member of the House, Guice continued his focus on public safety by co-chairing the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Justice and Public Safety and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety. He was the principal sponsor of the Justice Reinvestment Act, which put into place changes to sentencing laws and targeted programming and treatment for offenders to lessen the state’s prison population.
In a letter to constituents in November, Guice wrote, “To have the greatest impact on reducing recidivism, the legislation requires supervision and treatment resources be focused on higher-risk offenders. I believe that if we do not provide treatment to those who need it most, then they will continue to cycle through the criminal justice system. That is why I’m pleased to tell you that as a result of H.B. 642, the state has reinvested more than $4 million annually on community-based treatment programs to improve outcomes for people on supervision.”
Guice also spoke in September to the recently formed Foothills Conservative Action Committee about this topic, as well as the state budget and what he called a “changed Raleigh.”
A replacement for Guice will likely be nominated by a Republican committee from District 113. Guice’s replacement would serve out the remainder of Guice’s term until the next election, according to the N.C. Speaker of the House’s office.
“I have complete faith in the people of District 113 to select my successor and I look forward to working with that individual and every member of the North Carolina General Assembly to ensure that the people of North Carolina remain safe,” Guice said.