president`s letter

Transcription

president`s letter
o
ER
BE
T
GE
TH
R!
icers
TO
MICHIGAN
AN
ASSOCIATI
ATION
TE
L
ur t P r o ba t i
O ff
CE
Co
S
t
n
of D i st
ri c
T IN G 3 5
YE
RA
AR
EB
W E ’R E
MADCPO
NEWS
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF DISTRICT COURT PROBATION OFFICERS
Winter 2014
Co-editors: Heather Duhoski and Danielle Brown
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
I know I can speak for everyone on the Executive
Board when I wish all a belated Happy Holidays and the
best for 2014. I noticed, looking back at 2012 Winter
issue of the newsletter, I mentioned I was writing my
letter it was sunny and 40 degrees and in 2013 it was
39 degrees. Well I hope today (10 degrees) isn’t an
indication of how the next four months will be. Global
warming right!
During the 2013 calendar year we once again saw
several changes as well as many new challenges for
all in District Court. There are numerous bills that are
being presented to legislation that will have an impact on
how we deal with probationers and you will be notified
when they come to fruition. We are also developing
methods of using Social Media to track the activities of
those under our supervision. The restructuring of courts
through the recommendations of the Judicial Resource
report is occurring on a daily basis and directly affect
how we do our jobs. Specialty Courts continue to
develop around the state as well as nationally in order
to better assist the unique needs of the participants. As
always, your board and regional representatives are fast
at work to keep you up to date.
This year our annual conference will be held at the
Eagles Crest Resort in Ypsilanti, MI (May 21-23). Our
co-conference chairpersons, Nicole Crandall and Gail
Wait, have been hard at work to put together another
educational conference for all of us. In addition,
they are planning to have a trip to a Tiger game in
the works. You know what they say “all work and no
AL
play….” I would also like to thank our agencies and
their representatives for their continued support of our
association; Michigan Judicial Institute (Pete Stathakis),
Office of Highway Safety Planning (Diane Perukel),
State Court Administrator’s Office (Bobbi Morrow),
Secretary of State (David Handsor and Lee Ann Gasper)
and Michigan State Police (Tim Gill). The knowledge
they provide us is priceless. So mark your 2014 calendars
for the end of May, it will certainly be worthwhile.
At the 12-13-13 executive board meeting, the board
voted to change the current distribution of the Newsletter.
Currently regional representatives are sending the
Newsletter to all Probation Officers in their region. After
the disbursement of this issue, non-members will no
longer receive a copy of the Newsletter. This change was
prompted by a discussion about the benefits of being a
MADCPO member. Although receiving the Newsletter
is one perk of being a member of the association, there a
many more. Please encourage the non-members in your
court to join the association.
Understand that the Executive Board and regional
representatives are a voice for you. Therefore, if you
have any thoughts, ideas, questions or concerns please
take the time to contact one of use. In addition, we are
always looking for new members to join our executive
board as well as represent their regions, so please
consider making such a commitment at the next
annual meeting.
Scott J. Strickler
K INSIDE
President’s Letter...........................................................1
Treasurer’s Report..........................................................2
Letter From The Editor...................................................3
Angela Myers Resignation.............................................3
Historian Update............................................................5
Conference Update........................................................7
2014 MADCPO Conference Scholarship App...............8
Ingham County Sobriety Breakfast................................9
Legislative Report........................................................10
Vice Presidents Letter..................................................11
MADCPO Membership Application.............................12
Around the State..........................................................13
Macomb Veterans Courts Celebrate First Graduates...14
Looking for Board Members........................................15
Birthdays......................................................................17
MADCPO Advertising Information...............................18
MADCPO
Treasurer’s Report
November 1, 2013 thru November 30, 2013
Balance forward as of 11-1-2013: $11,620.60
REVENUES:
Membership (2) 2014..................................... $ 75.00
TOTAL REVENUES....................................... $75.00
2
EXPENSES:
TOTAL EXPENSES............................................... $0
Balance forward as of 11-30-2013: $11,695.60
Prepared by Gail M. Hoorn
MADCPO Treasurer
www.madcpo.org
Letter from the Editor
Happy New year MADCPO members! I hope this letter finds you filled with good tidings and hope for
the up-coming year. I know for most the holiday season is filled with chaos and craziness, but hopefully
everyone was able to find a little time for some R and R. Now it’s back to work!!!
The executive board voted to change the disbursement of the newsletter to dues paying members only. If
you are not a paid member, this is the last issue of the newsletter you will receive via your region representative. The newsletter, along with certain trainings and updates will be reserved for paying members only,
hence the membership push in this newsletter. If you are a member, thank you for your continued support,
and spread the word about the benefits of membership to non-members in your area.
You may notice a different feel to the newsletter. As editor, I am attempting to use the publication as way
for us to stay connected and informed about what others across the state are doing. Unfortunately, most of
us only get a chance to connect once a year at conference, so I hope this will help! Please remember if you
have any submissions or anything you would like to include in the newsletter please contact me at heather.
[email protected]
Thanks,
Heather Duhoski
Newsletter/Directory Co-Chair
It is with deep regret that I inform you of my
formal notice of resignation as Probation Officer
at Calhoun County 10th District Court. As you
may recall last January I took a leave of absence
for 1 year stepping down as Vice President of
MADCPO. Over the last year I have been working
at the Battle Creek Community Foundation managing the Choose Health Calhoun Program.
Choose Health Calhoun is a county-wide
wellness initiative that focuses on improving the
health of the community. We work with organizations on incorporating some wellness initiatives
within their organization to make healthy choices
easy choices for our residents. In this role I have
had the honor to work with some great people on
projects that directly impact my community such
as bringing a bike-sharing station to the smallest
community nationwide to have such a program.
From day one my role has continued to expand
and I now work with employers, schools, and
churches to increase equitable access to healthy
lifestyles for all county residents.
Now that my year contract is coming to an end
I have accepted a permanent position with the
Battle Creek Community Foundation that will
further my growth and development in my career.
I have enjoyed being a part of MADCPO and I
will miss all my colleagues, however, this new
position is more in line with my career passion
and will challenge my professional growth.
I appreciate the professional development and
learning opportunities I received from MADCPO
not to mention the relationships I have gained.
The support of this organization has encouraged
me to grow as a professional and helped me get
where I am today. Please feel free to contact me if
I can be of any service in the future.
Angela Myers
One Riverwalk Centre
34 W. Jackson St.
Battle Creek, MI 49017-3505
Phone: (269) 962-2181
Fax: (269) 962-2182
[email protected]
www.madcpo.org3
House Arrest Services, Inc
Full Service Electronic Monitoring
Servicing Michigan Courts for Over 27 Years





24 Hour Monitoring Center
Next-day or immediate notification of violations
Direct billing to offender or court/agency
Customized reporting procedures available
GPS Tracking Systems

Radio Frequency (RF) Tethers

In-Home Visual Alcohol Monitor



SCRAMx – 24 hour alcohol monitoring ankle bracelet
Soberlink – Portable hand-held breathalyzer with picture ID
Vehicle Immobilizations
o No phone line required
o Cellular units available upon request-no land line required
o Cellular units available upon request-no land line required
For further information or a demonstration of our products and services, please
contact us at:
Toll Free: 800.544.8447
Fax: 586.773.9898
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.housearrest.com
4
www.madcpo.org
Historian Update
The MADCPO website has been a great asset to keep all MADCPO members and district court
probation officers up to date on the happenings that have bearing on our jobs, training opportunities,
changes in court staff, job postings and conference information. Please make use of this and check
back often to see what it has to offer.
The online directory is up to date with all changes that Danielle and I have received so far. If
you see anything that needs to be deleted or updated please let us know.
MADCPO GOOGLE Groups has been a success in keeping all district court probation officers
up to date on training opportunities, grant opportunities, job postings and asking questions of all
PO’s that are members of the group. If you are not a member but would like to be one please email
me and I will be glad to add you to the group. Most people receive an email at the end of each day
that something is posted. No posts-no email that day. All you need to do is ask and you can become
a member of MADCPO Google Groups.
With another year coming to an end-some of you may be lucky enough to be retiring. If you are
retiring, cleaning your office or moving on to other opportunities and have anything that you would
like to donate to MADCPO archives please let me know.
Kathleen Eardley
MADCPO Historian
[email protected]
616-530-7381
www.madcpo.org5
6
www.madcpo.org
Conference Update
Your dynamic duo of Nicole and Gail are back in
“Conference Mode”!!! Once again we are working
hard to make this year’s conference terrific. A lot of
TIME and a lot of EFFORT go into the planning and
preparations, but hearing your positive comments
keeps us coming back, trying to make each conference
better. This year we will be at Ann Arbor Marriott
Ypsilanti Eagle Crest in Ypsilanti. We will be there
Wednesday May 21 – Friday May 23, 2014. We
are in the planning stages, contacting and working
to secure speakers which will provide us some
wonderful educational opportunities. Nicole and I
will be doing a site visit in January to the hotel to
make sure everything will run smoothly when we
are there in May. In the next newsletter we will have
more information for you about things to do and see in
the Ypsilanti area. You are able to reserve your hotel
rooms now by going to our website www.madcpo.org
and clicking on the conference information link. We
hope to have some amazing weather this year, as we
are working on a few fun things for our group. Don’t
miss it, make sure you are at the annual conference this
year! Don’t forget that in addition to the trainings, you
will be making some great work connections while you
are at conference. How many of you have gotten calls
or emails from me, asking for certain information in
your area or court. Those calls are always a breeze
after you have met someone face to face, I know that
personally. ☺
Just another yearly reminder, that you will only
be able to apply for a scholarship if you were a paid
member in 2013 or you are a brand new probation
officer. If your county reimburses you for conference
fees, then you would not be eligible for the scholarships.
We will see you in the spring in Ypsilanti!
Your Conference Co-Chairs,
Gail Wait
Nichole Crandall
Conference Committee
www.madcpo.org7
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
2014 ANNUAL MADCPO CONFERENCE
Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, Ypsilanti, MI
May 21-23, 2014
Scholarships will be drawn at large from all that enter. Due to the financial state of the courts, we
expect that many more will apply this year. That being said winners will be drawn from those
applicants whose courts do not financially support (or reimburse) their attendance at the
conference.
Recipients of the scholarship must be members in good standing, meaning you must have been a
paid member during 2013 (MADCPO treasurer will verify membership status for 2013, prior to the
drawing). You will be required to be in attendance at the business meeting during conference as
well as all conference sessions. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of your scholarship.
No money will be exchanged and membership fees are not included in the scholarship. Recipients
are responsible for their own room and meals not provided by MADCPO.
If you wish to apply for a scholarship, please mail/fax your application by
Thursday March 13, 2014 to:
52-4 District Court
Nichole Crandall
520 West Big Beaver
Troy, MI 48084
FAX 248-524-6454
Name: ____________________________________________________________
Court: ____________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip: _____________________________________________________
Phone: ___________________________________________________________
Signature of Court Administrator to verify your financial need.
_______________________________________ ______________
Court Administrator
Date
Winners will be notified following the drawing. Scholarships are non-transferable.
Forms also available at www.madcpo.org
8
www.madcpo.org
Ingham County Sobriety Court Foundation
Holds Second Breakfast
By Roberta M. Gubbins Legal News
The Ingham County Sobriety
is pleased to say the team is now
Court Foundation, formed in 2007,
part of Big Ten Hockey and his
held its second annual breakfast
second chance is working. As did
early on October 25th at the Country
the Sobriety Court program for
Club of Lansing, Lansing MI.
Alisha, the graduate speaker for
President of the Foundation,
the program.
John Nicolucci, a member of the
“In the program, AA (Alcoholics
Foundation Board since 2007,
Anonymous), we talk about where
welcomed and thanked everyone
we came from and where we are
Photo
by
Roberta
M.
Gubbins
for “attending and supporting our
now,” Alisha said. She explained
Ingham County Sobriety Courts.” Left to right, Judge Donald Allen, 55th that she is now 34 years old, the
District Court Sobriety Court, Judge
Sobriety Court is comprised of
youngest of three, she was a latch
Janelle Lawless, 30th Circuit Court
three courts, Nicolucci explained. Family Dependency Treatment Court key kid and her mother emotionally
They are 54A Sobriety Court, City and Judge Louise Alderson, 54A District abused her. She admitted she began
Court Sobriety Court.
of Lansing, Hon. Louise Alderson
drinking at a very early age. By age
presiding, 55th Sobriety court, Hon.
16, she was an alcoholic. For the
Donald Allen presiding and the Family Dependency next several years, she drank and used drugs.
Court, Hon. Janelle Lawless presiding.
When Alisha was arrested for DUI (Driving Under
“I am assuming that everyone here knows someone the Influence), “I opted for Sobriety Court to get out of
who has had a serious alcohol or drug problem,” he
jail. I finally took responsibility for myself.” This was
said. “Our courts address those problems and help these
her second chance.
people get their lives back together.”
Although it was very difficult, she is “grateful for
Sheri Jones, WLNSTV 6 anchor and master of the experience.” Alisha credits the program for turning
ceremonies for the breakfast, introduced Tom Anastos,
her life around. She is now a graduate of Cosmetology
Michigan State University Hockey Coach who is school and is a practicing cosmetologist.
working to bring “Michigan State’s Hockey program
“Life,” she said, “is so much better without drugs
back to glory.”
and alcohol.”
Anastos spoke of coming to Michigan State Hockey
Hon. Rosemarie Aquilina, then 55th District Court
when the program was not strong.
judge and now 30th Circuit Court judge, established
“Coming to Michigan State was a life changing
the Foundation to support the local sobriety courts in
decision for me,” said Anastos. “I know you folks (in meeting the needs of their participants.
Sobriety Court) deal with the harsh reality of second
Jones closed the event urging all to contribute to
chances. And I don’t want to pretend for a minute that the Foundation to “encourage and expand the court’s
my second chance” in coming back to Michigan State effectiveness, to make it sustainable, to generate local
to coach hockey is anything like the second chances support and to enhance our sobriety courts.”
offered to the participants of Sobriety Court.
Sponsors for the breakfast included A.D.A.M., Hon.
Anastos played on the team while a student and Donald Allen, Jr., Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC,
coached “here in the ‘90’s with Ron Mason.” When he
Robert Davis, Jr., LAFCU, Prevention & Training
was offered the job as Hockey Coach, he was “stunned.
Services, Inc., Public Affairs Associates, Smart Start,
One thing led to another and my family and I were and Richard Snider.
offered a second chance to come back to Michigan State
For more information or to contribute to the Sobriety
and be part of the community. And to try to resurrect Court Foundation, please contact: Sherrie Blankenship
the hockey program.”
at Maner Costerisan Business & Technology Advisors,
Now entering year three of the program, Anastos
517-323-7500.
www.madcpo.org9
Legislative Report
By: Melissa Lane
Below is a synopsis of legislation which may
impact our members’ Courts:
Public Act 139 of 2013 signed into law October
23, 2013 with immediate effect. This act amends
the Crime Victim’s Rights Act to require restitution
to be paid to a victim’s heirs if the victim later dies.
HB 4593 and HB 4595 – Would apply all
regulations for stealing nonferrous metals to include
all scrap metal which in turn expands the felonies and
misdemeanors associated with the violations.
A first offense of less than $200 would be a 93 day
and/or $500 misdemeanor and
$200 or more but less than $1,000; or less than
$200 w/one or more priors would be a one year and/
or $2,000 misdemeanor.
HB 5070 would make it a criminal offense for a
squatter to occupy a residence. A first offense would
be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more
than $5,000 per dwelling and/or 180 days jail. A
second or subsequent offense would be a felony
punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000 per
dwelling and/or not more than 2 years jail.
HB 4271 would create the Medical Marijuana
Provisioning Center Regulation Act which would
allow for the operation and licensing of medical
marijuana dispensaries.
HB 5104 would amend the Medical Marijuana Act
to allow for the use of marijuana-infused products,
other than smoking marijuana, such as edibles,
beverages or lotions, and allow plant resin or extract
from the marijuana plant to be included as “usable
marijuana” which would take into account the seeds,
stalks, or roots of the plant.
The bill also provides the means in which the
usable marijuana in marijuana-infused products
would be measured.
SB 660 – would amend the public health code
to specify marijuana as a schedule 2 controlled
substance if manufactured, obtained, dispensed,
possessed, or grown in compliance with the code
and authorized by Federal authority. The bill would
10
allow for the licensing of facilities that manufactured,
cultivated, and tested pharmaceutical-grade cannabis
(PGC); allow facilities to sell PGC to pharmacists
and pharmacies; provide for PGC prescriptions; and
provide for the issuance of enhanced PGC cards to
patients which would replace the medical marijuana
cards issued through LARA.
The bill would create a new misdemeanor for
establishing or operating a PGC licensed facility
in violation of the regulations under the bill. The
misdemeanor would be punishable by a maximum
term of imprisonment of 90 days, 180 days or two
years and fines of $10,000, $50,000 or $100,000
depending on any prior convictions or if the offense
was committed intentionally.
SB 628 would amend the definition of “victim” to
include parent, guardian, or custodian of a victim who
is less than 18 years old and the time of the offense
for the purposes of making an impact statement only.
SB 558 would amend the Mental Health Code to
require each county to have a written interagency
agreement to provide mental health treatment and
assistance, if permitted by law and considered
appropriate, to people with serious mental illnesses
that are at risk of on or more of the following:
• Entering the criminal justice system
• Not receiving needed mental health treatment
services during a period of incarceration in a
county jail
• Not receiving needed mental health treatment
services upon release or discharge from jail
• Being committed to the jurisdiction of the
Department of Corrections.
The parties involved include county sheriff’s
department; the county prosecutor’s office; the
community mental health services program that
provided services in that county; the county board of
commissioners; a district court judge; and a circuit
court judge.
www.madcpo.org
VICE PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Dear Fellow Probation Officer:
My name is Becky Morris and I am the Vice President
(VP) of the Michigan Association of District Court
Probation Officers (MADCPO). As VP, one of my
duties is to recruit members and this letter will point out
benefits of being a member of MADCPO and how to
become a member. For those of you who are members,
thank you for your continued support. MADCPO
membership benefits include the following:
• $25 membership fee. The fee was reduced in 2012
to make it more affordable for members to pay, if
their employer does not.
• 3 newsletters per year containing updates,
organization and agency reports, advertisements,
and more delivered via e-mail.
• Board of Directors made up of members who
are interested in improving our profession and
organization.
• Regional Representation. There are seven regions in
the state represented by a member who acts a liaison
between his/her region and the board.
• Training opportunities including an annual
conference held in May and ongoing announcements
of other trainings through networking connections.
• Google Groups which provides answers and/or
feedback on any question or issue posed by other
members and agency representatives from across
the state. This is a useful way to receive information
pertaining to trainings, updates impacting our
profession, and job opportunities.
• Networking with other probation officers at the
conference. Also, through the MADCPO website,
Google Groups, and newsletter. This is especially
valuable to courts with limited probation staff.
• Networking with agency representatives including,
but not limited to, Michigan Judicial Institute (MJI),
Secretary of State (SOS), State Court Administrative
Office (SCAO), Office of Highway Safety Planning
(OHSP), Michigan State Police (MSP), and
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These
agencies provide training opportunities, update our
association of changes that impact our profession,
offer grants for trainings and equipment, and make
themselves available for individual questions.
• Directory of all Probation Officers in Michigan
produced bi-annually and updated regularly on the
website.
• Website (madcpo.org) which contains important
information about our organization, conference
information, helpful links, the directory, and more.
• Affiliate Membership with American Probation and
Parole Association (APPA). Per their website, (appanet.org) “APPA provides training and technical
assistance including a journal, monographs and
guidebooks, research, information clearinghouse
services and advocacy for its constituents and
constituent partners.” I have personally been to
two of their trainings in the past and they were very
impressive!
• Full or partial scholarship to our annual conference.
If your employer doesn’t pay for you to attend
the conference, you could be eligible to receive a
scholarship to cover or help cover the conference
fee. You must be a member the previous year to be
eligible for a scholarship.
• Recognition and a challenge coin given at the annual
conference for longevity in MADCPO at 15 years,
20 years, 25 years, and so on.
I became a member of MADCPO because a probation
officer, senior to myself, told me to. I’ve maintained
my membership because I appreciate what MADCPO
does and I want to support our organization and our
profession.
Current members, please consider discussing
MADCPO with other non-members in your court. We
gain strength with numbers.
If you want to become a member, please fill out
the attached membership application and follow the
submission instructions.
Everyone, please take a moment to glance at the email
list to see if everyone in your court was included. If
they weren’t, please notify me so I can send them this
information.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to
read this letter. I sincerely appreciate it. If you have
any questions, please contact me at 231-922-4441 or
[email protected].
Best regards,
Becky Morris
86th District Court
www.madcpo.org11
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION
of
_______________________
TOGETHER WE’RE BETTER
JOIN MADCPO
AND BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Name
Employer
Mailing Address
Email
DOB
Phone/Ext
____
Please make checks payable to: MADCPO
DISTRICT COURT PROBATION OFFICERS
November 30, 2009
Send this application along with your $25 dues to:
61st DC
Att: Gail Hoorn
MADCPO Treasurer
180 Ottawa Ave NW Ste: 2200
Grand Rapids MI 49503
12
www.madcpo.org
Around the State
80TH District Court- Clare/Gladwin
Clare and Gladwin has a relatively new Recovery
Court in each county-same Judge- and we are working
with a total of 17 people at this point. There are a couple
more referrals waiting in the wings, so to speak. It is a
new program so there are no alumni, but we are in our
second year. This program has been working well, but
is still in the learning curve. We are interested in seeing
positive outcomes for these people long term.
Submitted by
Nola J. Hopkins
80th District Court
86TH District Court- Traverse City
Sherise Shively, Community Corrections Manager,
organizes an opportunity every holiday season for us to
give back to our community. Paper Angels, a program
through Child & Family Services of Northwestern
Michigan, allows the court to “adopt” a child in foster
care for the holidays. Sherise receives a wish-list from
the child and court staff can pick up items on the list or
donate money toward shopping for the items. We have
done this for at least three years and have adopted about
19 kids ranging from 3-to 19-years old.
Submitted by
Becky Morris
86th District Court
66TH District Court- Shiawassee County
Alana Kelley joined the staff at the 66th District
Court, as a Probation Officer on 12-2-13. Prior to this
she was Judge Allen’s criminal clerk ( 55th District
Court-Mason) for 6 years and for the last 6 weeks,
before being hired with the 66th District Court, she was
a clerk in the 55th District Court Probation Department.
She is now a Probation Officer/Intensive Supervision
Probation Officer.
Submitted by
Danielle Brown
66th District Court
61st District Court-City of Grand Rapids
Deputy Chief Probation Officer, Jim Peck retired after
30 blissful years of service at the 61st District Court in
downtown Grand Rapids. His last day was December
23, 2013. Even though I’m not employed in Kent
County, I’ve known Jim since I’ve been a probation
officer (over 20 years-yikes) and he will be greatly
missed. Please give him a “shout out” and wish him
well from all of us in the association!
Submitted by
Laurie Krol
56-B District Court
Thumb Regional Sobriety Court
A regional Sobriety Court is in the works consisting
of the : 71-B District Court (Tuscola County), 73-A
District Court (Sanilac County), 73-B District Court
(Huron County), 54th Circuit Court (Tuscola County),
52nd Circuit Court (Huron County) and the 24th Circuit
Court (Sanilac County). The court is targeting high risk/
high need DWI offenders. Their first team meeting was
in early December, so still in the early planning stages.
Submitted by
Sheila Long
71-B District Court
www.madcpo.org13
Macomb Veterans Courts Celebrate First
Graduates
The combination of seeing his then-girlfriend nearly
die in a car accident and post traumatic stress disorder
made Jonathan Jordan a “hot mess” in May 2012 when
he entered the district court Veterans Treatment Court
program, according to Judge Carrie Fuca.
The Army veteran who served in Korea was charged
with assaulting a paramedic and a week later was
charged with drunken driving.
Jordan, 31, of Roseville, initially told Fuca he didn’t
think he needed the program but with two charges
looming and his girlfriend, Christian Jordan, 29, (now
his wife) requiring constant care, “I realized I needed
help and I have a wife and two children who need me.
... I’ve changed my outlook on life.”
“It was clear to me he needed it,” Fuca said. “He’s
overcome some big hurdles.”
Eighteen months later, Jordan is one of the first six
graduates of the VTC in Macomb County Circuit Court
in Mount Clemens and 41B District Court in Clinton
Township. The court was one of the first in the state
when it started in April 2012.
The graduates were honored Thursday during
a ceremony in the Macomb County Board of
Commissioners room at the County Administration
building in Mount Clemens, attended by dozens of
people.
The 18-to-24 month program allows some veterans
the chance to resolve their criminal charge without
incarceration but requires participates to adhere to a
strict probation-type program, including weekly sessions
with a judge and drug and/or alcohol tests if required.
It also helps the veterans connect with the Veterans
Administration for services.
The court had 23 participants earlier this year.
Aubrey “Bruce” Syck of Chesterfield Township, a
graduate of the circuit court program, said he didn’t
handle his problems well. He and his wife, Josie, were
separated and he didn’t see his daughter. The 65-yearold Army veteran of Vietnam got involved in a physical
confrontation that resulted in being charged with assault
with attempt to do great bodily harm.
“Since I got in the Veterans Treatment program, I’ve
gotten back with my wife, Josie,” he told the crowd
while eyeing Josie in the audience. “I also got my
daughter back in my life. They’ve noticed a change.
14
Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Mark Switalski
presents an award to veteran Jimmie Johns on
Thursday evening. Johns was in the Navy from 19671973. The Macomb Daily/RAY J. SKOWRONEK
By Jameson Cook, The Macomb Daily
The main thing is I’ve worked on my character defects.
That’s what I’ve learned from this court.”
He told The Macomb Daily that group therapy
benefitted him because he always hesitated talking about
his troubles.
“People have the same problems I have,” he said. “I
was able to open up, ‘This is my problem.’ As soon as I
did that, the world lifted off of my shoulders. It relieved
a lot of stress.”
In addition to Fuca, presiding over the district court
program is Judge Stephen Sierawski of 41A District
Court in Sterling Heights. The circuit court judges are
Mark Switalski and Tracey Yokich.
Gail Pamukov-Miller, who serves as the court’s
defense counsel and chairs the court’s “friends” charity
arm, praised dedicated teams of staffers who help choose
the participants and meet each week to discuss each case.
Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith and Sheriff
Anthony Wickersham were presented plaques for their
contributions.
Smith assigned assistant prosecutor Joshua Van Laan
to the circuit team and provided forfeiture funds for the
VTC teams to travel to an out-of-state conference.
Wickersham altered the jail’s booking card to ask
defendants whether they are a veteran, and provides
confiscated bicycles to veterans “who are lucky to live
www.madcpo.org
in the Mount Clemens area” to use as transportation,
Pamukov-Miller said.
Transportation is the No. 1 issue typically facing
veterans, said Tracy Golliday-Champagne of the VA who
serves as the liaison with Macomb two veterans courts.
One graduate, Fred Patterson, traveled by bus from
Alma, Mich., for his meetings with Switalski. Patterson
served in the Navy from 1980 to 1994 and with the
reserves for two years at Selfridge Air National Guard
Base in Harrison Township.
Other graduates included Jimmie Johns of Warren, a
Navy veteran from 1967 to 1973; Mark Demmers, who
served 14 years in the Navy, including during Operation
Desert Storm; and Frank Hubbard, who served in the
Arm for two Iraq deployments from 2001 to 2007.
About the AuthorRead more of Jameson Cook’s court
coverage on his blog http://courthousedish.blogspot.com/
Reach the author at [email protected].
Full bio and more articles by Jameson Cook
Stay Warm
Looking for Board Members
Please consider becoming involved in the MADCPO Board.
I will be putting together the slate of officers for 2014-2015 and need
your input/involvement in order to fill these positions. The following
positions are on the slate:
•President
• Vice President
•Secretary
•Treasurer
• Conference Co-Chairpersons (2)
• Newsletter/Directory (2)
•Legislative
•Historian
If you or someone you know are interested in being placed on the slate
please contact me at [email protected]
www.madcpo.org15
e
v
i
t
c
d
ra
Inte on Base
isi ing
c
e
D
Train
Drug and Alcohol Education
The Drug and Alcohol Education program is an intense 4 hour class focusing on the effects
of alcohol and other mind-altering substances. This program utilizes a variety of learning
activities and techniques to reach participants and to aid them in identifying harmful
behaviors. By recognizing and addressing the developmental needs of participants
exhibiting patterns of high-risk behavior, the Drug and Alcohol Education program teaches
participants to become responsible for their own thoughts, feelings, and actions. Many
topics will be covered during this class including: the pharmacology of alcohol and other
substances, patterns of drugs and alcohol use, risk factors, coping skills and setting
prevention goals.
Decision Based Driving
Level One - This four hour course is an excellent experience for both young and
old. The focus is on identifying and changing poor driving behavior and its root cause; poor
decision making.
Level Two - The second block focuses on problem drivers, reckless or negligent
behaviors and how these behaviors have affected their lives and the lives of others.
Impulse Control
Sessions address successful decision making skills, taking responsibility, benefits of
behavior change and setting obtainable goals. This class takes a positive approach to
behavior modification encouraging attendees to celebrate small repeatable successes and
continue to make positive steps toward self improvement.
Controlling Anger
This course is focused on defining anger and other potentially damaging responses to
troubling situations. Emphasis is also placed on gaining control over the use of this
emotion and taking responsibility for changing “maladaptive” behavior.
Life Skills
Seg. A
Seg. B
Seg. C
Seg. D
- Communication, Self Esteem, Decisions
- Seeking Employment, Interviewing, Job Readiness
- Financial Management, Writing Skills, Time Management
- Goals, Problem Solving, Dealing with Change, Resource Utilization
Life Skills is a comprehensive program created to work with individuals to help
develop the skills necessary to be successful in all aspects of everyday life. Individuals
may be referred to the entire program or by individual segments if found to be more
appropriate.
Retail Fraud Prevention
Retail Fraud Prevention is an interactive program focused on eliminating the habitual
and self defeating behaviors associated with retail fraud and larceny. Participants
in the Retail Fraud Prevention course experience a positive self help environment
complete with a goal statement requirement.
Currently offering programs at 13
convenient locations and expanding
soon to an area near you!
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Romeo
Warren
Lapeer
Auburn Hills
Troy
Dearborn
Canton
Roseville
Novi
Madison Heights
Detroit
Brighton
Waterford
Stress Management
Stress Management is designed to aid those individuals who are having trouble ef
fectively dealing with the every day pressures of their lives. This course is focused on
recognizing our own triggers and finding healthy ways to eliminate those triggers and/
or cope with them in a more appropriate manner.
Adult Awareness Weekend
The Adult Alcohol Awareness Weekend is an intensive weekend program that focuses on
the impact alcohol use has on ones life and those around them. The program takes a long
look at the individual’s alcohol use, patterns of behavior that may have formed over time
and how these patterns have impacted their choices and lifestyle. This program has a strong
focus on offenses with a drinking and driving component however, would be beneficial for a
number of alcohol and drug related charges.
MIP Awareness Weekend
Minor’s in Possession: Youth Awareness Weekend is an intensive eighteen (18) hour
program that encompasses all components of a drug & alcohol education program and
is designed specifically for youth offenders.
16
Corporate Office
69096 Powell Rd, Armada, MI 48005
586-281-0150
www.classatrainingcenter.com
www.madcpo.org
Happy
Birthday
JANUARY
9 JIM BASTIAANSE
12 DEBBIE ELLISON
12 STEPHANIE STOKES 18 GAIL HOORN 22 TERRI TAYLOR 28 JAIME CONNOLLY
62B DISTRICT COURT
87C DISTRICT COURT
71A DISTRICT COURT
61ST DISTRICT COURT
72ND DISTRICT COURT
41B DISTRICT COURT
FEBRUARY
9 RYAN SMITH 3B DISTRICT COURT
11 ABE CRUZ
87TH DISTRICT COURT
16 TAMERA SEMKE
87-A DISTRICT COURT
21 SHEILA LONG
71B DISTRICT COURT
26 JACQUELINE ANDERSON67TH DISTRICT COURT
27 RYAN GAMBY
58TH DISTRICT COURT
28 DONALD SMITH JR 10TH DISTRICT COURT
MARCH
1 HEATHER MACKENZIE 1 DA’NEESE WELLS 2 DOUGLAS OSIER 3 DAVID MASSARO 6 KIMBERLY BOYLE
11 GORDON BAAS
11 KATHLEEN EARDLEY 12 MICHAEL HORN
13 JENI CUNNINGHAM 22 LYVANH BRAAK 22 CARLA BROWNLEE
27 MELISSA LANE
31 MICHAEL MEPYANS
57TH DISTRICT COURT
55TH DISTRICT COURT
71B DISTRICT COURT
71A DISTRICT COURT
34TH DISTRICT COURT
84TH DISTRICT COURT
62A DISTRICT COURT
10TH DISTRICT COURT
74TH DISTRCT COURT
58TH DISTRICT COURT
41B DISTRICT COURT
67TH DISTRICT COURT
58TH DISTRICT COURT
www.madcpo.org17
900 E 11 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067 ∙ 800-580-0504 ∙ 248-691-2968
American Interlock has been in business since 1999 and is the leading provider of Electronic Monitoring, Alcohol
Monitoring, and Ignition Interlock services in the state of Michigan. We have relationships with the over 20 courts and
specialty courts in the state of Michigan. American Interlock corporate headquarters is located in Royal Oak, Michigan
and has over 50 locations in the state of Michigan including the Upper Peninsula. Mobile service to clients home or
office is available for all products. Below is a list of products available to you at this time. American interlock offers selfrun/county run programs as well as American Interlock programs run under your guidelines.
In-Home Alcohol Monitoring
 Visual alcohol monitoring
 Scheduled, random or on-demand
tests with automatic re-testing
 Cellular
 GPS Location
 Real Time Reporting
 Reduce jail overcrowding
RF Monitoring
 Home Detention Bracelet
 Multiple tamper detection
mechanisms
 Reduce jail overcrowding
 Flexible schedule options and range
settings
 Landline and Cell Available
Mobile Breath
 Automated Facial Intelligence™
 One-piece, handheld, cellular
 GPS location with every test
 Client text message reminders and
notifications
 Rugged, built for corrections
 Random, scheduled, on-demand
testing
American Interlock
Toll Free: 800-508-0504
Email: [email protected]
18
Ignition Interlock
 The Intoxalock is one of the most
reliable products on the market
 Determine BAC on startup and
rolling test
 GPS & Camera capability
 Court customized settings and
violations
 Easiest to use in the market
GPS Monitoring





Single piece tracking system
Compact and lightweight
Extended battery power
Multiple tamper detection
LED’s indicating GPS reception and
battery status, and zone violation
 Multiple tracking modes: active,
passive and hybrid
Drug Testing
 Available tests include: *AMP, MAMP, BAR, BZO, COC, MDMA, MTD,
OPI, OXY, PCP, TCA, and THC.
 Performance comparable to
laboratory screening methods
 Results in 5 minutes
Contact an American Interlock
representative today for more
information on any of our products.
www.madcpo.org
MADCPO ADVERTISING INFORMATION
For those interested in advertising space, the MADCPO
Newsletter is printed three times per year (Fall, Winter
and Spring). The newsletter circulation is approximately
425-450. This is a specialized readership consisting of
all District Court probation officers in Michigan, the association’s members, advertisers, and several politicians
who serve on key committees that pertain to matters of
criminal law and the like. Probation officers make frequent
substance abuse referrals. Therefore, advertising with us
may be of benefit to you. In determining your advertising
needs, please refer to the following specifications. All ads
must be camera ready.
SPACE BRK
1/6 page
1/4 page
1/3 page
1/2 page
Full page
(APPROX.) SIZE RATE 3 AD/PRICE
3.5 x 3” 3.5 x 4.75”
or 7.5 x 2.5” 7.5 x 3”
7.5 x 4.75” 7.5” x 9.5” $100.00
$260.00
$110.00
$135.00
$155.00
$250.00
$265.00
$345.00
$370.00
$625.00
Please respond promptly as advertising space is limited. If
you have any questions regarding the publication, please
contact Courtny Laninga at (616) 530-7379. Your advertisement and a check or money order payable to: MADCPO, INC. can be sent to:
Courtny Laninga
62 A District Court
2650 DeHoop Ave SW
Wyoming, MI 49509
TOGETHER WE’RE BETTER
JOIN MADCPO
and be a part of the solution
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Name___________________________________________
Employer_______________________________________
Mailing Address__________________________________
________________________________________________
Email___________________________________________
Phone/Ext.______________________________________
Please make checks payable to: MADCPO
Please send this application with your $25 dues to:
61st District Court
Attn: Gail Hoorn
MADCPO Treasurer
180 Ottawa Ave. NW Suite 2200
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
If you prefer to e-mail your advertisement as a PDF file,
you can send it to [email protected] and mail your
payment separately.
Your Executive Board sincerely desires to serve you and meet the needs of the Association. If you have any questions, concerns, criticism, or comments, please call or write your representative and let them know. All letters to
the board will receive a response. If desired, correspondence will be published in the newsletter.