| Corrections News On-Line November 2003 |
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| Directors Message |
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Directors’ Message
We get lots of questions from the public about our budget, particularly adjustments made over the past couple of years to reduce spending. Many of those questions are about correctional programs.
DOC’s Correctional Programs Division covers a lot of areas, including Workforce Development, Education, Health Services, Counseling and Treatment Services, and Religious Services. With growing prison populations, it’s a challenge to keep up with the demand for programs for inmates.
Increasing evidence shows effective programs improve offenders’ chances of successfully returning to our communities after release from prison. That means we must continually address inmates’ criminal risk factors. This is the foundation of the Oregon Accountability Model.
Put into action, the OAM leads us to continue to focus on outcomes. Evaluating each program the department offers to inmates, we’re asking and answering questions including: What risk factors does this program address? Is it working? Is this the best way tax dollars can be spent to accomplish our mission?
As we answer these questions, we’ll continue to refine our strategies to support programs and initiatives that show evidence of reducing recidivism and increasing public safety. An example is the new alternative incarceration programs at Powder River and Coffee Creek that target offenders requiring intensive alcohol and drug treatment. They are expected to both increase public safety through reduced recidivism and directly save taxpayer dollars through transitional leave and time cuts to the sentences of inmates completing the rigorous programs.
So, while some correctional programs continue to evolve, the number of actual hours spent engaging inmates in productive programs has remained fairly constant. You’ll hear and read more about program accountability in the future. Be proud of what we do.
Highest regards,
Nick Armenakis, Interim Director
Mitch Morrow, Deputy Director
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| New Incarceration Programs |
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New Alternative Incarceration Programs Begin at PRCF & CCCF
“Alternative incarceration” is a special type of intensive prison program for selected inmates in the Oregon Department of Corrections. It began in Oregon in 1994 with the Summit boot camp program. Ten years later, the 2003 Legislature approved new alternative incarceration programs that focus on alcohol and drug treatment (HB 2647). The programs are “Turning Point” for women and “New Directions” for men.
Many Oregon prison inmates have severe substance abuse problems – a key risk factor contributing to criminal behavior. To reduce the risk that offenders will commit new crimes, the DOC designed the new alternative incarceration programs in ways shown to effective in treating addictions and changing behavior. The programs are designed to prepare inmates to return successfully to the community after release from prison.
Summit, Turning Point and New Directions have structured 14 to 16-hour days that include physical work, exercise and service to the community. Participants live in dedicated housing units for about six months and participate in programs that stress personal responsibility and accountability.
The curriculums include preparing for employment, developing good relationships and family skills, and recognizing and changing criminal-thinking errors. Participants will focus on developing healthy decision-making skills and habits for successful community living. Inmates accepted into Turning Point and New Directions must participate in intensive addiction treatment, counseling, and education, and attend 12-step meetings and other recovery activities.
Inmates who successfully complete the 180-day residential phase move into the community. Still considered inmates, they are supervised in a community setting where they practice the skills and discipline learned in prison. Those who complete this “transitional leave” period are eligible to have their prison sentences reduced. These time cuts are expected to average about 13 months. After transitional leave, offenders are supervised by parole officers while completing their post-prison supervision sentences.
For more information about DOC’s alternative incarceration programs, contact Alternative Incarceration Coordinator Kristi Brandt at (503) 570-6636 or by e-mail: kristi.j.brandt@state.or.us.
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| VINE System |
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VINE System Provides Offender Info to Thousands of Oregonians
If you were a victim of crime, knowing accurate information about the offender who victimized you might be more than a little reassuring. Since January 2002, Oregon has had a way to automatically notify registered users of any offender’s change of status within the overall system of corrections.
VINE stands for “Victim Information and Notification Everyday.” It's a free, anonymous computer system that uses state-of-the-art technology and a central call center to connect people with vital offender information through a toll-free hotline. Users also may sign up to be notified when there is a change in the status of an offender, including lawful release, escape, work release, and 16 other scenarios.
A joint effort of the Oregon Departments of Corrections and Justice, VINE is now operational for all DOC prisons, Oregon Youth Authority facilities, community corrections agencies, and all but one county jail (Clatsop County expects to begin sending their data to the central system in Kentucky by the end of the month).
Anyone can use VINE, and registering for notifications is easy by telephone. The system is available in both English and Spanish at (800) OR-4-VINE / (800) 674-8463. VINE is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Since Oregon’s first VINE sites began in January 2002, nearly 135,000 calls have been received or generated by about Oregon cases. More than 5,500 individuals are registered to receive automatic notifications and 5,200 confirmed notifications have gone out.
“VINE has been enthusiastically received by victims of crime in Oregon,” says DOC Project Manager Keith Benefiel. “Many users report an increased sense of safety and security from knowing they will receive accurate, timely information about those who victimized them.”
For more information, contact Keith Benefiel (503) 945-9064 or by e-mail to: Keith.A.Benefiel@doc.state.or.us.
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| Corrections Forum |
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Corrections Forum Hosts Two National Experts
Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Fox Butterfield and nationally recognized criminologist Dr. Ed Latessa spoke to more than 50 people involved in Oregon’s criminal justice system on Tuesday, October 14. The Corrections Forum brings together state and local corrections professionals, judges, legislators and other public officials, university representatives and others to discuss public safety issues and policies.
Fox Butterfield is a New York Times correspondent who covers criminal justice, and has written a number of articles about Oregon. He spoke to the group about how many states are beginning to recognize that longer prison sentences and growing inmate populations may not be affordable. He pointed out that in the 1990s, annual corrections spending nationwide doubled to $50 billion. Methods to reduce costs in other states include diverting drug offenders to treatment programs instead of prison, increasing earned-time credits, and reducing mandatory minimum sentences.
Dr. Ed Latessa of the University of Cincinnati is a national authority on “what works” in corrections. His research and analysis of correctional programs resulted in some of the best data available on what programs have the greatest success in mitigating criminal risk factors and reducing recidivism by offenders after release from prison. Building on his presentations to the Oregon House and Senate Judiciary Committees last February, Dr. Latessa emphasized the need for evidence-based programs and for targeting those programs to the highest-risk offenders. He presented mounting evidence that well-structured, targeted behavioral/cognitive programs have the greatest chances of reducing recidivism.
Dr. Latessa also spoke about the importance of careful intake assessment to assign inmates to appropriate programs in their incarceration plans. He gave several examples from other states where low-risk inmates placed in inappropriate programs actually had higher recidivism than control groups who didn’t participate in the programs.
Also speaking at the forum were former DOC Interim Director Ben de Haan talking about his new role at the Criminal Justice Policy Research Institute and Oregon Rep. Max Williams speaking about evidence-based programs in public safety.
Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Fox Butterfield and nationally recognized criminologist Dr. Ed Latessa spoke to more than 50 people involved in Oregon’s criminal justice system on Tuesday, October 14. The Corrections Forum brings together state and local corrections professionals, judges, legislators and other public officials, university representatives and others to discuss public safety issues and policies.
Fox Butterfield is a New York Times correspondent who covers criminal justice, and has written a number of articles about Oregon. He spoke to the group about how many states are beginning to recognize that longer prison sentences and growing inmate populations may not be affordable. He pointed out that in the 1990s, annual corrections spending nationwide doubled to $50 billion. Methods to reduce costs in other states include diverting drug offenders to treatment programs instead of prison, increasing earned-time credits, and reducing mandatory minimum sentences.
Dr. Ed Latessa of the University of Cincinnati is a national authority on “what works” in corrections. His research and analysis of correctional programs resulted in some of the best data available on what programs have the greatest success in mitigating criminal risk factors and reducing recidivism by offenders after release from prison. Building on his presentations to the Oregon House and Senate Judiciary Committees last February, Dr. Latessa emphasized the need for evidence-based programs and for targeting those programs to the highest-risk offenders. He presented mounting evidence that well-structured, targeted behavioral/cognitive programs have the greatest chances of reducing recidivism.
Dr. Latessa also spoke about the importance of careful intake assessment to assign inmates to appropriate programs in their incarceration plans. He gave several examples from other states where low-risk inmates placed in inappropriate programs actually had higher recidivism than control groups who didn’t participate in the programs.
Also speaking at the forum were former DOC Interim Director Ben de Haan talking about his new role at the Criminal Justice Policy Research Institute and Oregon Rep. Max Williams speaking about evidence-based programs in public safety.
Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Fox Butterfield and nationally recognized criminologist Dr. Ed Latessa spoke to more than 50 people involved in Oregon’s criminal justice system on Tuesday, October 14. The Corrections Forum brings together state and local corrections professionals, judges, legislators and other public officials, university representatives and others to discuss public safety issues and policies.
Fox Butterfield is a New York Times correspondent who covers criminal justice, and has written a number of articles about Oregon. He spoke to the group about how many states are beginning to recognize that longer prison sentences and growing inmate populations may not be affordable. He pointed out that in the 1990s, annual corrections spending nationwide doubled to $50 billion. Methods to reduce costs in other states include diverting drug offenders to treatment programs instead of prison, increasing earned-time credits, and reducing mandatory minimum sentences.
Dr. Ed Latessa of the University of Cincinnati is a national authority on “what works” in corrections. His research and analysis of correctional programs resulted in some of the best data available on what programs have the greatest success in mitigating criminal risk factors and reducing recidivism by offenders after release from prison. Building on his presentations to the Oregon House and Senate Judiciary Committees last February, Dr. Latessa emphasized the need for evidence-based programs and for targeting those programs to the highest-risk offenders. He presented mounting evidence that well-structured, targeted behavioral/cognitive programs have the greatest chances of reducing recidivism.
Dr. Latessa also spoke about the importance of careful intake assessment to assign inmates to appropriate programs in their incarceration plans. He gave several examples from other states where low-risk inmates placed in inappropriate programs actually had higher recidivism than control groups who didn’t participate in the programs.
Also speaking at the forum were former DOC Interim Director Ben de Haan talking about his new role at the Criminal Justice Policy Research Institute and Oregon Rep. Max Williams speaking about evidence-based programs in public safety.
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| DOC Awards Excellence |
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DOC Awards Excellence at Baker City Ceremony
On October 6, staff gathered in Baker City for the 2003 Award Ceremony, publicly recognizing the highest levels of excellence among employees, volunteers, contractors and community partners.
“We can’t say often enough how the teamwork of more than 3,000 employees statewide is what makes this department exceptional,” says DOC Interim Director Nick Armenakis. “Your contribution when you come to work each day is a vital component of something larger – the public safety of our state. That’s something important to Oregon. Something of which we all should be proud.”
Human Resources’ Denise Turner coordinated the event. She thanked the team of volunteers from across the department who planned well and worked hard to make this a special occasion: “The awards ceremony couldn’t happen without their talent, imagination, hard work and enthusiasm.”
Award Recipients
Employee of the Year:
- Andy Brock, ISSD, Senior Database Analyst
Division Employees of the Year:
- Business and Finance Division, Michelle Kessinger, Accounting
- Inspections Division, Steve White, Inmate Telephone Specialist
- Oregon Corrections Enterprises, Chuck Hudgins, Laundry Production TRCI
- Correctional Programs Division, Fay Gentle, OSCI Transition & Training Coordinator
- Human Resources Division, Sunny Noble, Payroll Technician EOCI
- Institutions Division, Roberta Angelozzi, Office Specialist 1 SCCI
Correctional Officer of the Year:
- Sgt. Kenneth Pohlschneider, CCCF
Manager of the Year:
- Scott Young, Facilities Services Administrator
Contractor of the Year:
- Julie Kopet, Director of Workforce Development through Portland Community College, CCCF
Outstanding Service Award:
- Ed Busciglio, Physical Plant Manager PRCF
Outstanding Citizen of the Year Awards:
- Wilsonville Rotary Club Foundation, CCCF
- Janis Sears, Prison Fellowship, SRCI
- Musa Harry Olsen, Religious Services Volunteer
- Candia Inloes, Transition Program Volunteer, PRCF
County Community Corrections Outstanding Service Award:
- Ray Gervais, Program Specialist, Jackson County Community Justice
Director’s Award:
- Margie (Taylor) Viall (Community Services CCCF)
- TRCI Mailroom Staff (Potential bomb incident): Yvette Hollis, Robin Hoffman, Debbie Myers, Aleca Nelson, Sue Lilienthal, CO Rick Kautz, CO Tony Morgan, & Lt. Raul LeGarda
Lifesaving Awards:
Scaffold-climbing suicidal inmate – OSP
- Gerald Long
- CO Mark Buchholz
- CO Paul Hames
- Kay McDonald, CTS
D-block suicidal inmate on fourth-tier bars – OSP
- Cpl. Robert Blackburn
- CO Cecil Reaves
- CO Dan Russ
- CO Bobby Shepard
- CO Greg Martin
- CO Daniel Cook
- Lonny Webb, Psychological Services
- Wanda Myers, LPN
Inmate running for perimeter fence with self-inflicted slashed throat – SRCI
- Sgt. Ryan Jordan
- CO Jerry Mordhorst
Vehicle down 40-foot embankment into ditch – TRCI
Facilities construction inspector choking, Heimlich maneuver – TRCI
Suicidal inmate hanging – TRCI
- Cpl William Snyder
- CO Nathan Braun
Encountered vehicle accident en route to work – TRCI
Inmate choking, Heimlich maneuver – CCCF
Inmate choking, Heimlich maneuver – OSCI
Staff member choking – OSCI
- CO Linda Phillips
- CO Sandy Finical
Aided civilian vehicle accident victim – OSCI
Suicidal inmate – TRCI
- Pam Short, RN
- Lt James Burchette
- Sgt Rochelle Frost
Child choking at elementary school activity – OSCI
Service Awards July 2002 – June 2003
30 Years
Bill Beers, EOCI Admin
James Muranaka, OSCI Admin
Garry Wilson, OSP Security
David Versteeg, OSP Physical Plant
25 Years
Greg Morton, Staff Training & Development
Rich Thorbeck, Staff Training & Development
Carolyn Schnoor, Inspections
Bart Carpenter, Oregon Corrections Enterprises
Wanda Haynes, Oregon Corrections Enterprises
Samuel Welling, OSCI Security
George Ayo-Williams, OSP Counseling
Julian Rodriguez, OSP Security
Teri Blankenbaker, SRCI Program Services
Robert Dundas, SCI Security
Robert Oliver, MCCF Security
20 Years
Bill Hoefel, Institutions Administration
Randy Geer, Institutions Administration
James Maras, Classification & Transfer
Brian Belleque, OSP Superintendent
Connie Beeler, OSP Administration
Royce Halford, OSP Security
Donald Flammang, OSP Security
Michael Kingsbury, OSP Security
Jeffrey Schell, OSP Security
Alfred Schissler, OSP Security
Dan Thalman, OSP Security
John Jackson, OSP Physical Plant
Greg Kanne, OSCI Security
Joseph Rioux, OSCI
Randy Briones, OSCI Social Services
Henry Myers, OSCI Security
Clinton Smith, OSCI Security
Lewis Todd, OSCI Security
John Sipple, OSCI Recreation
Ruben Tena, OSCI Physical Plant
Donald Ramsey, Transport
Robbin Boehmer, Transport
Verla Gordon, Offender Information & Sentence Computation
Lisa Large, EOCI Counselor
Gregory Clark, EOCI Counselor
Georgianna Emery, EOCI Counselor
Connie Arevalo, Central Trust
Peggy Weigel-Pruett, Inspections
Robert Templin, MCCF Security
Albert Letney, TRCI Transport
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| More News |
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- Deployment update: SCCI Correctional Officer David Duble was deployed in October with the Army National Guard, 2nd Battalion, 162 Infantry for an expected 18 months, including at least 12 months of service in Iraq. (Editor’s note: If you know of other DOC staff who have been or will be deployed, who want their e-mail addresses shared, or who have recently returned, please let Corrections News OnLine know.)
- The Deschutes Conservation Camp is extended another two weeks until mid-November.
- Intarsia Program completed its final project. The large wooden mural titled: “Wilsonville circa 1910,” now hangs in the Wilsonville Public Library.
- Construction of the Warner Creek Correctional Facility is moving ahead. Bids for construction will go out soon to begin work in the spring. Completion of the 400-bed minimum custody prison is scheduled for September 2005.
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| Coming Events |
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Pendleton – Saturday, November 15: Retirement event for EOCI Superintendent Tony Santos. Open house reception from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Elvis’ Grill at the Pendleton Airport. Cost: $5 donation. Please RSVP by November 7 to Marian Geils at (541) 278-3602 or by e-mail to marian.geils@doc.state.or.us.
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| Additional Information |
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DOC Corrections News
Oregon Department of Corrections
Nick Armenakis, Interim Director
Mitch Morrow, Deputy Director
The mission of the Oregon Department of Corrections is to
promote public safety by holding offenders accountable for their
actions and reducing the risk of future criminal behavior.
For more information or to submit story ideas, please call Nancy Sellers in DOC Public Affairs
at (503) 945-9225 or e-mail nancy.sellers@doc.state.or.us
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