Ayotte directs corrections staff to refer to jailed persons as 'inmates,' not 'residents'

Representatives from state law enforcement and corrections are in support of the change. Pictured is front entrance of Strafford County Jail in Dover. (Courtesy photo)

CONCORD - Governor Kelly Ayotte pm Wednesday directed the Department of Corrections to stop calling incarcerated persons "residents" and refer to them as "inmates" consistent with state law.

"Rehabilitative efforts should be pursued without ignoring the reality of incarceration. The language we use should also be consistent with New Hampshire law," said Governor Ayotte in a letter to New Hampshire Department of Corrections Commissioner Helen Hanks. "The label of 'resident'--currently used by the Department of Corrections--for incarcerated persons obscures the joint goals of deterrence, rehabilitation, and punishment."

Representatives from New Hampshire law enforcement and corrections organizations have also released a letter in support of the change.

"We are grateful for Governor Ayotte and the steps she has taken to address the misperception caused by the shift away from referring to inmates, probationers, patients and parolees by their statutory names," the letter reads. "Clarity and consistency in language are essential for both the justice system and the public, ensuring transparency and maintaining the integrity of legal designations."