Bates, Sanford (1884–1972)

Jeanne Flavin

Sanford Bates was one of the preeminent penologists in the United States. He was particularly known for his support of rehabilitation and many related reforms and innovations. He had more than 50 years administering local, state, and federal prison and parole systems, including a stint as director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons from 1930 to 1937. Sanford Bates, born July 17, 1884, practiced law from 1906 to 1918 in Boston and served two 2-year terms in the Massachusetts legislature. He entered penology reluctantly. First, the Republican administration in Boston persuaded Bates to act as street commissioner. A few months later, the city needed a commissioner of penal institutions and appointed Bates, over his objections. By the time he retired as commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Institutions and Agencies in 1954 at the age of 70, Bates had served successively as penitentiary commissioner of his native Massachusetts (appointed ...

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