| Oct./Nov. 2005 Corrections News Online |
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| Directors' Message: |
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Things have finally begun to settle down following the adjournment of the 73rd Legislative Assembly in August. As we reported in the last issue of Corrections News, our legislative agenda moved forward, and overall the session was a success for our agency.
Now that the legislative session is over, our first priority is to visit all of the institutions and our administrative sites (CDC, Health Services, Brentwood) and our county community corrections offices. This fall we have journeyed across the state, and our greatest pleasure is getting to know staff and witnessing the good work that you do. These visits serve to remind us that it is YOU who are moving our department forward.
We want to tell you about one day in October, the 20th to be precise, in which we traveled to central Oregon to attend the 2nd annual Home for Good in Oregon (HGO) Conference which is sponsored by DOC. HGO is a partnership among DOC, county community corrections and the faith-based community to ease the transition of offenders returning to their communities following incarceration. Hundreds of people who work their hearts out to reduce the risk of future criminal behavior filled the room.
That afternoon, we traveled to Madras to commemorate the official groundbreaking of a new prison approved by the 2005 Legislature. We also announced the name – Deer Ridge Correctional Institution – which was selected with input from the community.
The irony did not escape us that in one day we tangibly witnessed the DOC’s efforts to pursue its mission – on the one hand “reducing the risk of future criminal behavior,” and on the other, a new prison to “hold offenders accountable.” Of course transition and operations have many crossovers, but the day was a great reminder that the Oregon Accountability Model moves us all toward our common goals.
Thank you for all that you do to pursue our mission and make Oregonsafer.
Sincerely,
 
Max Williams Mitch Morrow
Director Deputy Director
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| OAM Update |
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In the last issue of Corrections News we featured a progress report on the OAM from the perspective of DOC managers in each division. This second installment of our progress report gauges the OAM’s progress from the point of view of our staff on the front line. As you can see from the responses below, the OAM is work in progress and by its dynamic nature will continue to evolve.
The OAM’s effect on our organization
- “It creates an effective approach to have positive results with people,” observed OSP Carpenter Bob Boudreau. “OAM presents a clear, defined direction for the department.”
- “OAM has given all staff a common goal,” said OSCI CO Randy Harrison.
- “My observation is on the housing units, the correctional officers deal with the inmates in a calm, professional manner,” said Nathan Cantlin, I/M Work Coordinator at CCCF. “The officers have more contact with the inmates than any other staff and their role modeling can be very effective in making a difference in the lives of inmates.”
- “OAM has made the DOC a leading and progressive organization within the state of Oregon,” said SCCI CO Dan Dair. “Principles such as truthfulness, integrity and choice are accepted as absolutes not contingent upon circumstance.”
- “The OAM is very personal,” observed Sharie Van Wells, prison term analyst at OISC.
Measuring Success
- “Recidivism rates in relation to the rest of the country!” added Bob Boudreau. “We have one of the lowest.”
- “The reduction of frequency and severity of inmate misconducts and new offenses,” said Fabian Dorgan, a counselor at OSP. ”I’ve observed more positive interaction between myself, staff and inmates.”
- “I look at our successes on a daily basis. How much can I change this inmate day to day?” agreed Sam Hamilton, who works in the TRCI Physical Plant. “Attitude is most important in the job. How much interest does the inmate have in changing his life? If I can see those signs occurring, I know we are being successful.”
OAM principles at work
- “I think it’s a good reminder for all of us to focus on behaviors we don’t like instead of people that we don’t like,” observed Jon Hansen, Intake counselor. “I have told inmates that no one likes to be held accountable. It doesn’t feel good. But when accountability is done correctly, it makes us better people and improves our integrity.”
- “I was trained to hold inmates accountable,” explained Debra Dawes, OSCI counselor, “and I treat them like I would want to be treated, positive professional interactions.”
- “That’s how I’ve been doing my job for 15 years,” added Randy Harrison, an OSCI officer. “Firm, fair and consistent work well with the OAM. I’ve been using them together.”
- “I have learned to be a better Summit CO,” said Gretchen Preis of SCCI, “…and a better officer overall.”
- “I think it’s so important when I do run into offenders on the street – and that happens frequently – to still encourage them when they tell me how well they are doing outside of DOC,” said OISC Information Specialist Jody Forbes, “and if they aren’t doing well to encourage them to make the changes they need to stay out of prison.”
Our changing culture
- “Because of the principles of OAM reflected in the workplace, our jobs are much easier.” Said CCCF Sergeant David Dirkx. “Seventeen years ago the Department warehoused inmates.”
- “As everyone learns the OAM principles through training,” added Fabian Dorgan, “the culture of the department will continue to change in a positive way.”
- “I feel if someone is going to change, the desire has to come from within that person, explained Nathan Cantlin. “As staff, we cannot force this change. Our function is to role model respect and pro-social behavior and create an atmosphere that encourages the inmates to make the proper choices.”
- “Staff, now, want inmates to succeed when they release,” said Powder River CO Jim Hunter. “Before OAM, we didn’t really care.”
- “Positive psychology, by its nature, works on all people, including staff,” observed Dan Dair. “Those who see it as a shame or weakness will be a minority.”
- “I want those who are really good at the OAM to teach me how to do it better,” said Sharie Van Wells. “I am not sure that it is something that can be taught, but it is a concept that we need to make practical.”
- “I know that some staff are still attached to the “old school” methods of corrections and subscribe to the “Lock ‘em up and throw away the key” ideology,” said Jon Hansen. “Unfortunately Oregon can’t build prisons fast enough to keep up with this mentality. Over time, out of necessity, Oregon DOC will have to embrace OAM ideology because it is everyone’s responsibility to create an atmosphere where offenders can become pro-social members of the community.”
Are we on track?
- “Continue to follow the principles that are in place now as they work.” Bob Boudreau advised.
- “The concepts are good,” added Randy Harrison.
- “These expectations should be a part of the interview and selection process for new candidates,” suggested Fabian Dorgan. “Working within the ethical values of the department is made much easier by the clear directions within the OAM principles.”
- “Share OAM nationwide so corrections in other states could follow our lead,” suggested Sgt. David Dirkx. “It’s working here.”
What would you change?
- “Maybe change its presentation at training,” suggested CO Randy Harrison from OSCI.
- “Screening applicants to be sure they understand these principles are not optional,” added Fabian Dorgan, “but are required part working at any level.”
- “I would like management to become more involved in OAM,” said Jim Hunter. “Converse more with the captains and managers about what they perceive OAM to be about and really find out how it is working in their departments.”
- “I would certainly implement the OAM concepts faster. The communication skills should be taught during in-service training every year,” said Sgt. Kevin Hodges from TRCI. “We still have a lot people who are not skilled in that area and it is probably the most vital.”
“I would ramp up its implementation,” added Jon Hansen. “Most staff embrace the OAM because it is common sense for them.”
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| Strategic Initiatives and Project Managers |
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In the DOC 2005-2007 Strategic Plan, the Policy Group identified 13 strategic initiatives the agency will pursue this biennium. Project managers, most of whom will absorb these new duties into their regular jobs, have been appointed to shepherd each initiative. The Department of Corrections is committed to using the following standardized project management methodology.
- Accomplish goals within appropriate time frames
- Organize initiatives in a logical and systematic way
- Include the right participants and stakeholders
- Track and regularly report progress
- Predict and overcome barriers and risks
- Document outcomes
- Communicate outcomes
- Create a repeatable process
In the next few issues, Corrections News will feature two of the department’s strategic initiatives and a brief biography of the project manager(s). In this issue we profiled the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) initiative, managed by Kimberly Hendricks, and the Enhancing Staff Training initiative, managed by Sonia Hoyt.
Initiative: Prison Rape Elimination Act
The Department of Corrections has developed a comprehensive sexual assault action plan to reduce the incidence of sexual assault, sexual coercion, and sexual solicitation in prison. Oregon has been proactive in developing this plan prior to requirements of the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA, Public Law 108-79); the Oregon plan is consistent with the elements and intent of the federal act. The Department has zero tolerance of sexual assault and violence.
The Department’s plans include systematically identifying predatory and vulnerable inmates to make housing assignments. The Department will provide in-service training to all staff, specialized training for Sexual Assault Response Team members and other key staff, instructional videos and assorted other instructional materials for staff and inmates, and set up staff and inmate telephone hotlines. In 2006, the Department will be submitting a request through the Bureau of Justice Assistance for a $1 million grant to purchase cameras, monitors, and other security equipment, along with an interactive database that records and maintains information on sexual assault, sexual coercion and sexual solicitation as part of its zero-tolerance policy.
Kimberly Hendricks, PREA project manager, started her career with the Department in July of 2001. She is the safety manager at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility and was part of the start-up team for the institution. Kimberly has specialized training in FEMA incident command, security audit training and is a licensed emergency medical technician. She is currently re-assigned as the project manager for the PREA initiative and is working full-time from central office. “It is so rewarding to be in on the ground floor,” said Hendricks. “The federal government and other states are watching our pro-active approach to the implementation of PREA.”
Initiative: Enhance Staff Training
The Department will take a comprehensive look at the current in-service training delivery model and identify ways to better meet the specific training needs of agency staff. The Department will review its existing training system and will develop an implementation plan for improving staff training, including the consideration of new training methodologies and formats. Existing training programs will be examined in the context of the following six domains:
- Curriculum/Content
- Instructional Methodology
- Instructor(s)
- Participants
- Local Training/Job Transfer Support
- Organizational Vision
The Department will create a plan to take advantage of computer-based training as an instructional methodology for relevant and appropriate content in order to augment the Department’s classroom training activities, including both off-the-shelf and internally developed applications.
Sonia Hoyt, staff training project manager, began her career with the Oregon Department of Correction in 1976, retiring in 2003. She was originally hired as a correctional officer. Throughout her 27- year career, she served in a variety of capacities including: supervising sergeant, correctional lieutenant, institution security manager, assistant superintendent, executive assistant to the deputy director, superintendent, team leader for new prisons design team, and chief of security for the Department of Corrections. “ I am so excited to be back working with this incredible team,” said Sonia. “I have invested so much into the department over the years and this allows me to serve with a great group of people at a great time in the department!”
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| Sustainability depends on you |
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What is sustainability? What does it have to do with my job and my work in state government? Sustainability means, “Using, developing, and protecting resources at a rate and in a manner that enables people to meet their own needs and provides that future generations can meet their own needs. Sustainability requires simultaneously meeting environmental, economic, and community needs.”
In May 2000, Governor Kitzhaber signed Executive Order (EO) 00-07, Development of a State Strategy Promoting Sustainability in Internal State Government Operations. This EO directed the State of Oregon to, “develop and promote policies and programs that will assist Oregon to meet a goal of sustainability within one generation – by 2025.” Governor Kulongoski followed this in 2003 with a new EO on sustainability. Both these EOs were embraced by state agencies and they immediately began programs to accomplish them.
One of the requirements established by the executive orders and the required follow-up legislation was that we, as an agency, develop a sustainability plan. We are required to update this plan annually and report our accomplishments during each legislative session. Some of our sustainability achievements are:
- Reduced utility usage (ten percent through conservation);
- Solar panels at one institution re-heat boiler water;
- Work crews and resources assist the Oregon Food Bank; and
- Aggressive recycling program department-wide.
Within DOC, our physical plants have learned that we can only do so much with efficient building operation and construction, resource conservation, non-toxic cleaning products, etc. We realized that we need our employees help to keep what comes into the buildings sustainable. That’s why we ask your help in reusing products before buying new, in buying products that the packaging – or product itself – can be sent back at the end of its life, in saving energy and recycling in our buildings, and in watching for areas to improve.
We understand that in order to meet our sustainability goals we will need the assistance of all of our employees. We request your suggestions for action items to be included in the next update of the DOC Sustainability Plan.
If you have suggestions or recommendations you would like to have considered, please submit them by e-mail to Scott.D.Young@doc.state.or.us, or by fax to 503-378-6536 marked, “ATTN: Sustainability.”
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| Have a software idea? Here's what to do... |
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DOC’s employees have many great ideas to share with the organization, and some of them have to do with our computers and the applications they run. To manage the agency’s priorities regarding information technology (IT), DOC has an Information Technology Governance Committee (ITGC).
“Information technology is a critical support tool of the department’s core business functions,” explained Assistant Director for General Services John Koreski. “It is essential that IT solutions be driven by defined business needs. Our ITGC establishes and prioritizes our agency’s business technology needs and sets IT strategic direction that is consistent with our overall agency business plan.
“The ITGC members are expected to share perspectives and valuable information from their respective divisions to create a clear picture of DOC's automation needs,” Mr. Koreski added. “When voting or prioritizing automation needs, committee members consider what is best for the agency as a whole.”
Ideas for new IT projects are funneled through a process before they reach the ITGC. The first step is to contact one of DOC’s two IT consultants, Clint Branum or Terry Bunnis. The IT consultant assists in developing realistic IT solutions and helps determine if the automation need is truly a project or a service request.
“Even then a project may not be at the top of the queue,” Mr. Koreski said. “But by then it will have been assigned a project lead who guides it through the approval process and manages the project until it is completed.
“Once deployed, we make sure to close out every project by discussing the lessons learned,” he concluded. “While being structured, this process serves the agency well by ensuring IT decisions are business driven.”
For additional information contact Clint Branum at 503-378-3798 ext. 22407, Clint.Branum@doc.state.or.us or Terry Bunnis 503-378-3798 ext. 22442, Terry.E.Bunnis@doc.state.or.us.
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| From the Help Desk: Two FAQs |
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How do I access the U:\ drive?
Double-click ”My Computer” on the desktop
Under (U:) double click ‘docglobal’
The U:\ drive is the same for all DOC staff and contains files that are accessed by staff at multiple sites.
How do I access the P:\ drive?
Double-click “My Computer“on the desktop
Under ‘xxxxdc’ (P:) double-click “Public”
(your site will have a different server name here – example: public on ‘docfile’ (P:))
The P:\ drive is different for every site and contains files that need to be accessed by only staff at your site.
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| Do you or someone you know receive Medicare? |
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Important information regarding Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
The Medicare Modernization Act created the voluntary Medicare drug program called Medicare Part D to cover outpatient prescription drug coverage for individuals receiving Medicare. All individuals receiving Medicare are eligible for the program, regardless of income. Coverage under the program pays for both brand name and generic drugs within each of a drug plan’s formulary.
The program begins January 1, 2006. The initial enrollment period is November 15, 2005 to May 15, 2006. Individuals with Medicare who do not enroll during this initial period will incur a 1 percent penalty applied to their premium for each month they do not enroll after May 15, 2006. And, they will have to wait until the following November to enroll.
- Coverage will be provided through Medicare managed care plans.
- Individuals will have at least two plans offering prescription drugs from which to choose.
- Coverage under the program pays for both brand name and generic drugs, determined by the plans formula.
- The coverage includes monthly premiums, deductibles, and co-payments.
- Financial assistance may be available for individuals with limited income and resources.
- Certain Individuals with low income-people with both Medicaid and Medicare or those who belong to a Medicare Savings Program or those who receive SSI-will automatically qualify for financial assistance.
To learn more please refer to the DHS publication: The New Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage: An Overview for Oregonians which is available at: http://egov.oregon.gov/DHS/mma/overview/manual/manual.pdf
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| More News... |
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- DOC’s Honor Guard marched in the Pendleton Round-Up Dress-Up Parade
on September 10, 2005. Sgt. Arguello ( TRCI), Sgt. Heehn (EOCI), Sgt. Brickey( EOCI), and Officer Ransier ( TRCI) carried the colors right behind the VFW Honor Guard to help start the Pendleton Round Up’s activities.
- The federal Bureau of Justice Statistics recently released three new publications:
Available online at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/p04.htm
Available online at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/hivp03.htm
- The Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics, 2003
The 31st edition presents a broad spectrum of criminal justice data from more than 100
sources in 6 sections. Available online at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/sourcebook.htm
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| About Corrections News Online |
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DOC Corrections News
Oregon Department of Corrections
Max Williams, Director
Mitch Morrow, Deputy Director
Receive Corrections News Online
at your home e-mail address…
Send a request to:
from your home computer.
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.
October/November issue guest editor: Levi Bunnell
For more information or to submit story ideas, please call Nancy Sellers, editor, in the
DOC Public Affairs Office at (503) 945-9225 or e-mail: nancy.sellers@state.or.us.
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