Corrections Community

Sex Offender Employment

Matt Lucas — Thu, 17 May 2007 17:31:54 GMT

Hope everyone is doing well. My name is Matt Lucas and I am the Employment Programs Coordinator with Suffolk County Probation here on LI, NY and recent OWDS graduate from New Mexico. I wanted to start a discussion regarding the employment of Sex Offenders (SO), particulary focussing on getting ideas for Home Based employment. We are all aware of the special challenges that present themselves when working with this population, so I was looking for some innovative ideas that would keep them gainfully employed, while also meeting the Probation and Public Safety concerns that are present.

Here is Suffolk County, many of the SO's are on our GPS system as well as having strict limitations as to the type of workplaces they can be employed at as well as the location of those workplaces. Throw in the added restrictions of limited computer access, and the options for employment are even more limited.

My thought on this would be to have an option for them to work from their home location on projects which in most cases would satisfy their conditions, although no computer access cuts down the field considerably. We also would probably have to eliminate customer service / telemarketing / telephone sales position (most use computers anyway). Employment that violates local zoning and ordinances would also have to eliminated from contention. That being said, I KNOW that there are positions out there that could be a viable source for this population. Certain types of assembly, sorting, mailing etc. come to mind. I am sure that this is just the tip of the iceberg - so I wanted to throw this out to the whole community for suggestions.

The potential rewards for such a project are great, and its been my experience that the SO population have a high level of compliance with Probation programs.

So, have any good ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Matthew Lucas, OWDS

S.C. Probation

C.O. Turnover

Ryan Mason — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 17:50:29 GMT

Any information / feedback on the high turnover rates for correctional officers would be much appreciated. We're also interested any opinions from veteran correctional staff, statistics and or other data about rookie correctional officers being harassed by their own staff. We are planning a revision to my book Vermont C.O. The Truth of Attrition which highlights by experiences as a C.O. with the Vermont D.O.C.. This forum has been helpful in the past with D.O.C. professionals from all over the country responding with many of their own stories of grief in dealing with their own staff. This is a big help to our research. Thank you. R.Mason

Transportation Info to give to Off-Site Locations

Jeremy881 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:21:11 GMT

Can anyone discuss how they communication information to doctors offices and other transport location about not giving the information out to the public. -Thanks

Inmate Orientation Video

Jeremy881 — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 20:06:43 GMT

We are looking at creating an inmate orientation video. The video will be made by the local college and I am trying to get a few examples to give them some ideas. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

ACA Telephone Requirements

Amanda Hall — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:48:05 GMT

I am looking for a sign to place next to offender telephones that is in English and Spanish that states that the telephones are monitored and that the calls may be recorded. Does anyone have that in an electronic format that they can send? If so, thanks!

Computers and Inmate Records

Lt. Dave — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:39:19 GMT

Good Morning All, We use a computer system for inmate management within the jail proper, but for their info in our inmate records section we still use a big envelope with paper stuffed inside. Paper comes from courts, case reports, etc. The envelope has prisoner info on the front, and these have been used for a LONG LONG time. Has any agency had success making this part of inmate records management totally paperless? Our courts of course do not use our computer system, but they use a system that in some instances pushes information into our management system. Any ideas or information anyone has would be helpfull. Thank you in advance. Dave

Merit Pay Research

Carsten — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:29:11 GMT

Hello, Does anyone know if there is research about merit pay in parole or probation? I'm wondering if anyone has examined whether tying someone's raise to his/her performance has good, bad, or no effects on future performance. Thanks for your help. Carsten

Policy on items (list) inmates are allowed to have in cells

ofc. D. Perry — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:17:38 GMT

I am again reaching out to any facility that might have a policy in place that would list items and quantity of items that inmates are allowed to keep in their cells. What would be considered an over abundance? Thank you again, Ofc. D. Perry Cook County Dept. of Corrections

Recruiting & Retaining New Workers

Fodder — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 20:18:25 GMT

I met a police officer the other day and during our discussion he mentioned that he used to be a correctional officer. He then told me it was the worst job he ever had and that he didn't like working as an inmate.

At first I thought he meant working with inmates, but he went on to explain that he always felt like an inmate at work. He was searched, monitored, wore a uniform, ate the same food, and generally lived in prison during the day. I would have to admit that that did not sound very appealing.

So, I started thinking...How would you get someone of the GenX or Millennium generation interested in starting a career in corrections? Here are some ideas, but what do you think would help attract and keep the "new blood"?

Market to parents. Sound crazy? The Army is doing it. Remember their Super Bowl commercial? "You made them strong. We'll make them Army strong." Who do you think the target of the ad was?
Forget the newspaper. By their own admission, newspapers concede that most young adults don't read newspapers. Unless you are targeting parents, why bother with newspaper ads? Try alternative sources that are being used--a lot of them are free! Try craigslist.org a free online classifieds web site. Look at the video the Army put on YouTube-almost 1,400 comments and nearly 250,000 views.
Fit into their life. It might be hard for the workaholic Baby Boomers to imagine, but this generation works to supplement their life, not to define their life. Today it's all about flexible schedules and improving life. Think, "If I work a few hours more next week can I leave early this Friday to pick up a friend at the airport?" Imagine 4 hour shifts where employees bid for the opens shifts that match their life schedules. I'm not suggesting it's realistic, but if you can imagine how it might be attractive maybe it will give you some ideas (if so, please share).

Anyhow, that's just a few things that were kicking around in my head. If you've got some ideas or think mine are wrong, let me know!

Inmate Visitation list

Glenn Kurtz — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:12:09 GMT

Does anyone list the inmate's visitation list on a web page? The inmate can list up to four adults on thier list. We get a lot of telephone calls from the public asking if they are on a list. I have the ability to make the information part of my web page by inmate name. Does anyone else do this and if so what problems have you experienced?

Pretrial Risk/Needs Assessments--Your Thoughts?

Krista Gehring — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:22:23 GMT

In my readings of pretrial risk assessments, I have come across a debate as to whether to include criminogenic needs in pretrial assessment instruments. Some argue inclusion of criminogenic needs is a good idea since criminogenic needs may be linked to the likelihood of FTA and rearrests pending trial and they would help with treatment referrals. Others argue the assessment of criminogenic needs should be limited to institutional/community corrections as the outcomes are different for post-conviction offenders than pretrial offenders. I am unaware of any research that has looked at empirical links between criminogenic needs and pretrial outcomes, but there is plenty of research that has linked criminogenic needs to long-term recidivism. I am curious to know your thoughts on the matter--should pretrial assessments be limited to determining risk only, or should there be other needs included in the assessment instrument? Thanks!

In-house problems facing corrections

rfry52601 — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:25:59 GMT

I consider these to be the three most pressing in-house problems facing corrections: 1. Correctional professionals do not share a unifying operational philosophy that is consistent with research - especially with issues concerning punishment. 2. Correctional professionals may be knowledgeable about stages of change and motivational enhancement, but they do not grasp the significance they play in dealing with offender resistance. 3. Correctional professionals are reluctant to defer their professional judgment to research driven procedures. Any comments?

New Radio Shows: Employing Offenders, Women Offenders, Victim Rights

Leonard Sipes — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:26:14 GMT

Jun 30, 2009 – "DC Public Safety" offers television, radio, a blog and transcripts at http://media.csosa.gov.

The site obtains 135,000 requests per month.

"DC Public Safety" is the social media service of the federal Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency in Washington, D.C.

The host is Leonard Sipes. The producer is Timothy Barnes.

Employing Offenders--The show interviews Stefan LoBuglio, Chief of the Prerelease and Reentry Services Division for the Montgomery County Department of Corrections in Maryland and Anne Morrison Piehl, a Professor at Rutgers University who, in conjunction with the Manhattan Institute, published “Preparing Prisoners for Employment-the Power of Small Rewards.” The research indicates that 90 percent of offenders leaving the Montgomery County system were employed upon release.

The research is available at http://www.manhattan-institute.org/. The website for the Montgomery County Department of Corrections is www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cor.

Women Offenders--The show interviews Supervisory Community Supervision Officer Dr. Willa Butler and three female offenders currently under the supervision of the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency in Washington, D.C. The offenders present anonymously. They discuss their crimes, drug addictions, children, histories of child abuse, relationships with men and their lives up to this point.

Crime Victims--The show addresses crime victim rights within the criminal justice system. Those interviewed include Will Marling, the Executive Director of the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) and Jennette Adkins, Administrator, Green County Prosecutors Office in Xeina, OH.

The web site for the National Organization for Victim Assistance is www.trynova.org. The phone number is 703-535-6682.

This is the first in a series of six radio shows with NOVA.

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correctional costs

Art Amann — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:45:18 GMT

Does anyone know of an accepted formula to calculate the per diem cost for a jail inmate? Also, if you know of a similar method to calculate per diems for probation/parole clients it would be much appreciated! Thank you, Art Amann aamann@mercyhurst.edu 814-392-2183

Earplugs for inmates

Les S. Dolecal — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:30:24 GMT

We are establishing a comprehensive protocol for inmates who claim an inability to sleep while in jail. Part of the protocol may include making earplugs available in the inmate commissary. Some of the questions have included the feasibility of this with regard to safety and orderly operation of the facility. The protocol would have stipulations in place with regard as to the type and when the earplugs could be utilized. Do other prisons/jails have earplugs in their commissary/canteen for inmates to purchase? Do the medical providers issue earplugs? Any feedback would be welcomed. Thanks Mrs. Les S. Dolecal Merrimack County Jail Boscawen, New Hampshire

Signed up to view July 15th Program

dmcenulty — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:51:25 GMT

This is my first time on this website. I signed up to view "The Menatlly Ill in Jail" due to my current profession and interest in the subject. I signed up to watch it via my computer but today a telecommunication device was installed at our facility and the installer said I could view your program via that technology but would need additional link info. Could you advise me on how to change my registration info and also how to view your program using this newer technology?

Buffer Zones Around Correctional Facilities

JK_CityofLancaster — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:39:02 GMT

Greetings,

My city has a state correctional facility within it's jurisdiction and is trying to deal with some zoning issues regulating property that adjoins the buffer zone around the facility. The existing municipal zoning was likely enacted prior to the existence of that facility, but there was never an issue because there was no development in that area. As development expands, buffer zone encroachment may be an issue in the future. If we change the zoning, we would like to follow current industry standards or recommendations.

Does anyone have any guidelines, research, or publications on recommendations for correctional facility buffer zone sizes and/or adjacent property zoning?

Any help or direction would be appreciated.

JK
CJ Analyst
City of Lancaster, CA
661-723-6059

Inmate video visitation

ofc. D. Perry — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:07:49 GMT

I am reaching out to anyone who can assist me in research inmate video visitation. Will accept any policies and procedures you may have on video visitation. thanks Ofc. D. Perry

Reentry Research Continues To Report Out

Eileen Conway — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:45:21 GMT

The Urban Institute's Returning Home longitudinal study of prisoner reentry is continuing to produce reports of findings from its study. Three recently posted reports examine several aspects of reentry findings in Houston. Community Perspectives "explores prisoner reentry from the perspective of Houston stakeholders and community members." Women on the Outside addresses the experiences of women returning from Texas state prisons and state jails. When Relatives Return "examines the challenges of incarceration and reentry from the perspective of family members on the outside."

Developingt Services

Lynnette L. — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:58:59 GMT

As some of you know, the Rockefeller Drug Laws in New York State have been repealed meaning that women who in the past would have been incarcerated will remain in the community. I am interning for a small agency that wishes to meet the anticipated needs of these women with an intensive and comprehensive day program addressing all aspects of their lives. Workshops will be offered and practical skills will be developed, hopefully giving these women the self esteem and the tools to succeed as contributing members of society and strong parental figures. Does anyone know of some successful programs that we might research as models? Thanks, Lynnette

Policy & Procedure on Photographing Scars - Marks - Tattoos

Brian Arnold — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:22:22 GMT

Looking for P&P on photographing scars, marks & tattoos for incoming prisoners, also any relative case law that addresses if the prisoner refuses, privacy issues, etc.

Inmate fire crews

Jaime Joyce — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:28:12 GMT

Hello. My name is Jaime Joyce and I'm writing an article about inmate wildland fire crews. Does anyone in this forum know of research related to these crews? For example, do inmates who serve on fire crews have a lower rate of recidivism once they are released? How many states have wildland fire crews? Anecdotal information is also helpful. I'm focusing specifically on the Dude FIre in Arizona, in which six inmate firefighters were killed. Any information is very much appreciated. Thank you.

Increase Business Performance with Employee Training

managementtraining — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:34:20 GMT

Take Control of your Business: challenge your employees to meet new goals, or kick-start your business self-improvement project, Management Training Florida will help you take control of your business today. Give them training in following areas 1) Leadership and management Training 2) One on One Executive Coaching 3) Strategic Planning 4) Employee Training 5) Leadership Development Want to see new results in your business have a look at: http://www.managementtrainingfl.com

Jail Healthcare Costs

jlregina — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:05:20 GMT

I am a correctional health care professional looking for information about real healthcare costs in jails with ADP 1500-2000 inmates. Why? I consult with a number of facilities regarding healthcare and the question, and in this day of ever increasing costs, I am frequently asked, "What is the average cost of health care in jails?" I know that there are many variables that affect each facility'ss costs--please let me know what you have found that impacts your facility's costs. Please include all healthcare costs for medical, dental, and mental health services, all on- and offisite costs, staffing, pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies and number of inmate days (if that statistic is kept). If you know your per diem healthcare costs, I would very much appreciate that figure. While there are figures available for state corrections, there is very little available for jails--the last study was in the late 1990's. Thank you!

Pretrial Risk Assessment and Case Classification Article

Ken Rose — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:16:51 GMT

Federal Probation: A Journal of Correctional Philosophy and Practice has published an article, Pretrial Risk Assessment and Case Classification: A Case Study Control, in the June 2009 edition. The author, Keith Cooprider, shares the experience of implementing the Virginia Model pretrial risk assessment and case classification guidelines in Lake County, Illinois. Highlights of the article include a discussion of the importance of using an objective pretrial risk assessment instrument, Lake County's training and implementation experience, and the provision of differential pretrial supervision based on an objective risk instrument.

Click here to read the article. (http://www.uscourts.gov/fedprob/June_2009/ACaseStudy.html)