DJJ Secretary Confirmed by Senate
Anthony Schembri Third Secretary for Agency

TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Senate today confirmed Anthony J. Schembri as Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary.

Prior to his appointment to the Department on May 15, 2004, Schembri served on the Florida Corrections Commission.

“Secretary Schembri is a remarkable leader,” Governor Jeb Bush said. “He shares my belief that working in Government is a service and I am proud of his commitment to making a difference and willingness to stand for what is right.”

“I am very grateful to Governor Bush for this opportunity,” Schembri added. “We have made great strides in the past year, due to the dedication of an excellent staff and support from the Governor and the legislature. We look forward to continuing to change the lives of Florida's troubled youths.”

A veteran educator, Schembri most recently was a professor at the University of Central Florida, and was previously a professor of law and Dean of the Criminal Justice Program at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, New York.

Having begun his career as a peace officer in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1964, his distinguished career includes service as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Corrections, Deputy Corrections Commissioner for the State of Vermont, and Police Commissioner of the City of Rye, New York.

He earned his bachelors and masters degrees at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and his juris doctorate from Pace University School of Law, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Program for State and Local Executives at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.

Since taking office, Secretary Schembri’s focus has been on prevention of juvenile crime; the safe and effective treatment of youth; enhancement of training, staff morale and delivery of services; and capitalizing on the “social glue” in communities to reduce juvenile crime.

The mission of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice is to protect the public by reducing juvenile crime and delinquency. The department oversees both private and DJJ-run facilities that supervise juveniles throughout the state. The department is located at 2737 Centerview Drive, Tallahassee. The phone number is 850-488-1850.

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