Radio Protocol CCAU

JULY-AUGUST 2014
DETAILS
Radio Protocol
12 tips to remember to keep
your facility safe and secure
CCAU
What does it mean for you?
WORK SMARTER
From day one, education and training
are the foundation of success at CCA
OUR PEOPLE  OUR COMMUNITY  OUR COMPANY
WWW.INSIDECCA.COM
insidecca.com
1
In this Issue
Features
4 I Am CCA: Mentoring Tomorrow’s
Correctional Officers
Iris Troche, a field training officer at Bartlett, sets
the standard for mentoring and training.
6 Discovering the Language of
Touch
Braille program teaches inmates that dedication
pays off.
12 Who Let the Dogs In?
Davis Correctional Facility’s New Leash on Life
dog rehabilitation program pairs troubled
canines with inmates.
14 PREA Final Rule: Detect
Proactive ideas for preventing sexual assault in
the facilities.
JULY-AUGUST 2014
19 Employees Helping Employees
CCAU
What does it mean for you?
Columns
3 The President’s Desk
8 Field Photos
9 Facility Focus
Eden goes the extra mile in community
involvement.
10 Service Awards
Five employees celebrate 25 years of service.
20 Applause
15 Every Day, We’re Doing
the Safety Dance
Citrus employs safety measures, garners
recognition for their efforts.
21 Details
16 When Teaching is a Passion
Radio protocol: When and how you should
communicate.
The top 10 teachers at CCA are recognized for their
contributions to education and training.
22 New Faces, New Places
HR employees share what it means to serve,
engage and innovate.
12 tips to remember to keep
your facility safe and secure
The CCAssist Fund is here for employees who need
a little extra help in their lives.
Five facilities are recommended for ACA
re-accreditation with an average score of 99.7
percent.
17 How HR Makes a Difference
DETAILS
Radio Protocol
24 I Am CCA
Meet Mary Bowermaster, a shift supervisor in
Florida who believes you should never stop
learning.
18 Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders
WORK SMARTER
From day one, education and training
are the foundation of success at CCA
OUR PEOPLE  OUR COMMUNITY  OUR COMPANY
WWW.INSIDECCA.COM
On the Cover
New corrections officers prepare for a
career with CCA.
Contributors
Dee Ann Adams
John Diffenderfer
James C. Dillard
Louise Grant
Charlotte Higgins
DeAndra Mack
Christina Vinson
Lindsay Williams
CCA University prepares supervisors to lead.
From the Editor
M
y dad often talks about the value of
training and education. As a sergeant
in the Air Force, he was responsible for
training hundreds of Airmen throughout his 27
years of service. For a while, he also worked as a
first sergeant, a higher ranking enlisted member
who often serves as a mentor. He never really
put his philosophy on mentoring and teaching
into words, but the jist of it was: Teach people
as you would like to be taught. Pretty straight
forward. Living this philosophy is perhaps not
as simple, but it’s worth striving for.
We’ve all had teachers who have inspired us
to do more with our lives. There are probably
countless teachers today who would not have
chosen to be in that role if not for their teachers.
I can remember, distinctly, a hundred different
moments where my 12th grade English teacher
inspired and encouraged me. Maybe I didn’t
become a writer solely because of her guidance,
but it certainly was important.
2
CCA.com/InsideCCA
When I think of the work
CCA educators are doing in
the facilities, I sort of have a “wow” moment. As
in, wow, you must be dedicated to your craft. I
have to imagine there are teachers in our facilities who could be teaching rug rats at a local
elementary school, but have instead chosen to
help our inmates appreciate the utility of knowledge. That’s great no matter how you look at it.
In this issue, we’ll talk a little about those
educators and also about what CCA does to
invest in educating and training our employees.
Countless hours are spent each year in managing these education programs, so I’d like to
tip my hat to the people who are responsible.
Thank you for your dedication.
Keep learning.
James C. Dillard
Communications Director
InsideCCA Editor
Contact Us
We welcome reader feedback and inquiries.
Write to InsideCCA: [email protected]
InsideCCA
is published six times a year by
Corrections Corporation of America (CCA)
for employees and friends of the company.
Copyright 2014, Corrections Corporation
of America. Unauthorized duplication is
prohibited.
The President’s Desk
Celebrating the Life of Jimmy Turner
By Damon Hininger, CCA President and CEO
D
ealing with loss and grief is one
of the most difficult parts of life.
Since May, like so many of you
across the company, I have mourned the
sudden loss of Jimmy Turner, who most
recently served as CCA vice president,
Facility Human Resources. Jimmy was
beloved and appreciated by so many. He
was a mentor, a leader, and a champion
for others.
I originally intended this column to
focus on CCA University, a new initiative
which I’m very excited about, and you can
learn more about it on page 18. If Jimmy
were here, he’d say this is an important
program for all of us and the work is not
done, so we need to continue to move forward. One way we can move forward as
a company in Jimmy’s absence, is by celebrating his life, and our cherished memories of him. I’d like to share with you some
of my most treasured memories of Jimmy.
I first met him about 20 years ago. I’d
heard about Jimmy, the legend, for quite
some time. We had both been hired by
the same CCA leader. I had been recently
promoted to help the company with new
prison activations and was working my
way around new areas within CCA. I didn’t
have to look very far for a mentor. It was
there in Jimmy. I, along with everyone
I knew at CCA, wanted to emulate his
leadership. We wanted to be trusted and
respected like Jimmy was.
Jimmy was always looking out for me.
Within the last few years since I became
CEO, I can’t tell you how many times he
stopped at my office doorway, and sat
thankful for all he’s done with the company
on that front, but also on many other fronts.
Jimmy built leaders. He built proud
corrections professionals. But Jimmy was
so much more than a corrections professional. He was, above all, a loving family
man. And all of us who loved Jimmy saw
“He was a mentor, a leader,
and a champion for others.”
down and talked with me to see how I
was doing. Several examples come to
mind, one of which was the passing of
Catlin Carithers, a correctional officer
who was fatally injured during a disturbance at CCA Adams County Correctional Center. Jimmy would come see
me and he supported me as we dealt
with that tragic incident. He was always
there in those types of situations. I’ve
always appreciated that, and I’m really
going to miss that.
I fondly remember Jimmy’s strong
credibility with our government partners.
Ten years ago when I was working with
our federal partners, Jimmy and I would
often travel together on negotiations. I’m
and felt the love he had for his dear family
— his wife Ashley, and his children, Justin,
Emily, Sarah, and Ellie. We became better
parents because of how much Jimmy
loved his family.
I’ve spent time with and talked with
Ashley a lot since Jimmy’s passing, and
she’s conveyed to me and others how
thankful she is for all the love and support
she has received from the CCA family. I,
too, am very thankful for the many people
who have directly or indirectly been there
to support the family.
Jimmy Turner, we love you. We will
never forget you. You’ve touched our lives.
And we are better people because of it.
Godspeed, my friend. n
Damon, left, and Jimmy sit together during a town hall held
at CCA North Fork Correctional Facility.
CCA.com/InsideCCA
3
I Am CCA
Meet
IRIS TROCHE
Mentoring with passion
and dedication to
The CCA Way
By Lindsay Williams
W
alk into CCA Bartlett State Jail in
Bartlett, Texas, ask for Iris Troche,
and chances are the person you talk
to will tell you of their affection for the longtime
field training officer.
“She is one amazing lady, and she represents
every fine detail of what CCA stands for,” said
Monica Glaser, Bartlett mailroom supervisor and
facility public information officer.
volunteer to do it,” said Elizabeth Junek, Bartlett
records clerk. “She is always happy to help others.”
Helping others is simply a natural extension
of who Iris Troche is. After working as a medical secretary, Troche joined CCA in 1996 with a
desire to eventually be a peace officer.
“I thought corrections would be the place
to start, since it was similar to what I was interested in,” Troche explained. “I felt drawn to this
“She is one amazing lady, and she
represents every fine detail of what
CCA stands for...”
Top: Field Training Officer Iris
Troche is proud to say she’s
been a member of the team at
CCA Bartlett State Jail since
January 1996.
4
CCA.com/InsideCCA
And when employees are looking for someone to turn to for guidance, she tends to be the
first stop.
“Ms. Troche is dependable. If you need anything, the first person you ask is Iris Troche,”
said Bryan Purcell, an assistant shift supervisor
at Bartlett.
“If something needs to be done, she will
line of work and hoped that I could make it as
a correctional officer. I was determined to learn
everything I could and give it my all to see if I
could become what I always wished I could be.”
She found what she was looking for at CCA.
Now, Troche instructs new recruits during their
required 200-hour classroom training. Moreover, she also works as a transport officer and
a Spanish interpreter for her unit. With every
interaction she has with her students, she strives
to pass on the lessons she learned during her
own training.
“I love sharing my experiences with new
officers,” she said. “Showing the officers that
you believe in them gives them self-confidence,
encouragement and pride to do their best as a
correctional officer. This is what made a difference for me when I started, and I use these positive tools to help others follow in my footsteps.”
Although she’s the one officially teaching
new recruits at the Bartlett facility, Troche learns
just as much from those she mentors. “I have
learned to be more patient and open to others,
as I work with people of all ages, genders and
cultural backgrounds,” she said. “It is amazing
how input from so many different people helps
me grow both personally and professionally.
Just when I think I have learned all I could about
things, I find ideas from my students only open
more avenues to explore.”
So what’s the most important quality for
someone to possess who works as a field training officer? According to Troche, it’s crucial for
instructors to model the principles they teach
their students.
“It is the leaders of any company who set the
pace and level of accountability the company
expects,” Troche said. “CCA expects leaders to
maintain integrity, honor and respect to ensure
success. Strong leaders not only mentor others
but encourage them to follow the policies
and procedures that guide our assignments
“Working with great people makes
my job fun, but it is the growth and
advancement of those I help to
mentor that is the most rewarding...”
each day. Without strong leaders, the cultural
environment within the company would
not be as professional or as effective in the
management of offenders.”
Troche acknowledged that her work can be
physically and emotionally draining, but it’s her
genuine passion for her job and the lives she
has the opportunity to touch that drive her
each day. “It can be overwhelming at times, and
I get tired just like anyone else,” she said, “but
my job is my passion, and the staff members are
my family — as a seasoned officer, I feel like a
mother to many.”
In addition to those she “mothers” at work,
Troche has three children, six grandchildren
and two dogs who greet her at the door when
she gets home every evening. “Being a mother
has been the most important part of my life,
and my children define who I am today,” she
remarked.
She loves baking for her kids and grandkids —
especially decorating cookies and cakes. She also
loves to fish, relishing the quiet and solitude of
the hobby. “I take time to relax on my days off and
reflect on the great things I have accomplished in
my life and in my career,” Troche said.
When she recalls the time she’s spent thus
far at CCA, she’s filled with gratitude for the lives
she’s been able to influence and the people who
have in turn impacted her.
“Working with great people makes my job
fun, but it is the growth and advancement of
those I help to mentor that is the most rewarding,” she reflected. “CCA has taught me to be a
stronger person. It has helped mold me into
someone I am so proud to be today. I am so
glad I work for this company; this experience
has really been a blessing.”
In reality, Troche is the one who’s been a
blessing to so many.
“Among the seasoned officers who create
the path for others to follow, officer Troche
remains humble but firm, fair and consistent,”
Glaser said. “She is an absolute pleasure to be
around and a tower of strength when support
is needed. I am proud to call her my friend and
will always consider her my mentor in every
area of my life.” n
Bottom: Correctional Officer Iris Troche often mentors and works with other COs at CCA Bartlett
State Jail. Troche believes in modeling the habits she teaches to new employees.
Above: Correctional Officer Iris Troche is
passionate about working with the inmates at Bartlett State Jail and works
to share that passion with the COs she
mentors.
CCA.com/InsideCCA
5
Inmates participating in the braille
program at Kit Carson Correctional
Center work at translating words
into braille. One of the inmates, who
recently graduated from the program,
enrolled because he has a family
member who is losing her vision.
BRAILLE:
A LANGUAGE OF TOUCH
Kit Carson program teaches inmates how to focus their
creative energies into learning a useful skill
By James C. Dillard
6
CCA.com/InsideCCA
F
rom an early age, children are taught to
connect the dots — both in thought and
with pictures. Not surprisingly, when it
came time to teach the blind how to read, dots
were used to create a language of touch — so
that the blind could “see” the same stories everyone else could — this is how braille was born.
At CCA Kit Carson Correctional Center in
Burlington, Colo., staff members saw value in
teaching braille to the inmates — it gave them
a marketable new skill and, for some of them,
learning braille became a necessity when they
learned that their vision was fading.
James Hassenfritz, the braille program manager at Kit Carson, sees the work he does there
as meaningful and important in the lives of the
inmates. They transcribe technical, scientific
and various commercially published books in
the program.
“They’re provided with
books for both education
and entertainment,” Hassenfritz said. “It is our hope that
it will further the careers and
lives of the inmates who
might otherwise not have
J. Hassenfritz
access to these resources.”
There is value in developing the interests
and skills of the inmates Hassenfritz works with
every day. It gives them the opportunity to
focus their energies on something productive
and fulfilling. And, it opens doors to new opportunities such as teaching braille or translating
books into braille.
“Knowing braille is a marketable skill that
translates to post-confinement job opportunities in both academic and commercial jobs,”
Hassenfritz said.
Bobby Bonner, Kit Carson warden, has seen
firsthand the benefits of having the braille
program.
“The offenders are very proud of their work
and achievements in the braille program,” Bonner said. “Likewise, my staff and I are very proud
of it and the success our offenders are realizing.
It’s a painstaking and detailed task to convert a
book into braille; however, it’s one that builds
patience, concentration, and determination
among the class participants.”
Hector Hernandez, an inmate enrolled
in the Braille program at Kit Carson, recently
completed the braille training with several of
his classmates. Hernandez and 12 other individuals received certificates from the Library of
Congress signed by the Director of the National
Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped and by the Librarian of Congress.
Hernandez took the challenge of learning
braille very seriously.
“By no means was this something to be
taken lightly,” Hernandez said. “This is a new
written language with rules and directions like
any other. After all this time invested in learning
and practicing, I look forward to continuing to
work and improve my braille abilities.”
Hernandez described learning braille
as a privilege, one which he intends to use
in benefiting those who struggle with the
challenge of being visually impaired.
“It’s given me the satisfaction of paying back
society by offering my time, talents and skills to
a noble product,” Hernandez said. “In the correctional system there are ways to contribute to
society while giving the inmates an opportunity
to grow; this program is one of them.”
David Collodi, another inmate participating in the braille program, originally became
involved in it because he has a family member
who is visually impaired. His perspective grew,
however, when he realized if he volunteered his
newfound skill, it could benefit his community.
Collodi described the program as a fantastic
opportunity, but not without challenges.
“Honestly, this was one of the most difficult
things I have ever learned,” he said. “I’m
scheduled for release in two years, and I do plan
on continuing to learn after I get out; I enjoy it
and find it personally fulfilling.”
CCA has many such reentry programs
at facilities all over the United States. They
are designed to give the inmates hope for
their future after incarceration and a greater
opportunity to succeed.
Program manager Hassenfritz was involved
with the inception of another reentry program
BRAILLE
James Hassenfritz, Kit Carson braille program
manager, left, helps an inmate in the braille
program. Hassenfritz said he hopes that
graduates from the program will find that
deciphering and understanding braille is
a marketable skill, when they are released
back into society.
at Kit Carson, the Incarcerated Veterans Group,
a service organization that raises funds for veteran-oriented charities — such as food pantries
for veterans and scholarships for the children
of veterans. And while Hassenfritz has enjoyed
his participation in the veterans program and
others like it, the braille program has been particularly rewarding for him.
“I think that there have been few, if any, programs that have had the impact on both the
inmates and the recipients of this skill, and have
produced more visible results,”
Hassenfritz said.
One inmate, Robert Hall,
enrolled in the braille program
because he developed glaucoma and was worried about
losing his vision. But, now he’s
learned there are benefits to
learning braille that go beyond
what it can do for him. He now
works with his fellow inmates
in helping them prepare for
becoming braille certified.
“To guide inmates through
a program of learning and
see them mature, and provide a service to the
blind, is the most rewarding challenge one may
receive in prison,” Hall said. “To see them take the
tools they obtained in prison and put them to
use upon release is the ultimate reward. Seeing
their eyes light up as they learn and transcribe
braille for others is the best way to live in this
environment.”
Sometimes life is about connecting the dots,
and whether these dots form elaborate pictures
or epic stories, it helps to have someone who can
help decipher and translate along the way. n
in the
BEGINNING
In the early 1800s, a gentleman
named Louis Braille worked
out a method to use dots
to form letters and words.
Today, the system developed
by Louis Braille is known
simply as braille. Reuven
Feuerstein, a psychologist,
employed the experience of
connecting dots to decipher
and understand cognitive
development. Connecting dots
forms pictures as well as ideas.
Pointillism, for instance, was an
art movement characterized
by artists painting hundreds
of tiny dots on a canvas to
form intricate works of art.
Vincent van Gogh, the famous
Dutch artist, was known to
sometimes paint in this way.
On this computer screen, the braille translation
is shown next to the original text. One program
participant described learning braille as being
as difficult as learning any other language,
if not more so.
Editor’s note: Hassenfritz said he wanted to
thank the previous program manager, Robert
Sparks, for his work in getting the project established. Sparks worked with the Colorado School for
the Deaf and the Blind to enhance and improve
the braille program at Kit Carson.
CCA.com/InsideCCA
7
Field Photos
A Glance at Recent Facility
Happenings
1 For the first time in more than five years, CCA Florence Correctional
Center graduated a new class of correctional officers to join the CCA family.
The Florence family celebrated their milestone with a graduation ceremony
May 9. The newly-minted correctional officers are pictured here.
1
1
2 CCA Leavenworth Detention Center in Leavenworth, Kan., hosted a
banquet in honor of its religious volunteers at the Riverfront Community
Center in Leavenworth. Volunteers Ethel Wesson, Panora Jackson and Deborah Pledger visit while they wait for their meals. In the background is another
volunteer, Chaplain Suzy Crocker.
1
3 CCA Wheeler Correctional Facility employees donated seven cases of water, six cases of
soft drinks, ten boxes of oatmeal pies, ten boxes
of fruit snacks, dozens of bags of chips and 40
packs of crackers to the Daniel Baptist Association for their youth ministry camp. The camp ran
from July 7-11. Pictured are Jeff Floyd, left, from
Wheeler, and Robby Smith, the director of missions at the Daniel Baptist Association.
3
8
CCA.com/InsideCCA
2
Facility Focus
Eden Detention Center
Eden, Texas
By John Laxson, CCA Eden Detention Center, Quality Assurance Manager
CCA Eden Detention Center, located
in the geographical center of the
state, began operation under an intergovernmental agreement between the City of Eden
and the Federal Bureau of Prisons in 1985.
Owned and managed by CCA since 1995, the
facility houses male federal prisoners who are
primarily criminal aliens. Most of these prisoners
will be deported to their country of origin upon
the conclusion of their confinement. The facility currently has a capacity of 1,558 inmates and
employs as many as 285 staff members.
Facility staff members are active in the Eden
community. The Annual Chili Dip Classic Golf
Tournament, which is Eden’s annual fundraiser,
is one example of the facility’s involvement
in the community. In the past 15 years, more
than $65,000 has been raised and donated to
community needs. Recipients of these funds
includes: Area youth programs, Eden Community Child Care, Eden Emergency Medical Services, Eden Public Library, Clean-Up Eden Fund,
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Eden Meals on Wheels
Program, Concho County Sheriff, Eden Public
Library Children’s Reading Program, and Eden
Scholarship Fund. In addition, Eden Detention
Center has made donations or raised funds for
local community activities and programs, totaling more than $13,069 for 2013.
This year, the facility is active in the local
Relay for Life benefitting the American Cancer
Society. We also participate in blood drives and
canned food drives for the local community.
Inmates have the opportunity to volunteer
for a community service project that specifically benefits the local community. Eden has
partnered with the Concho County Lions Club
service organization to process donated eyeglass wear, which is distributed to needy people
throughout the world. Inmate volunteers clean,
read prescriptions, and package the eyeglasses
for the Lion’s Club.
We are also currently finalizing an agreement
with the San Angelo P.A.W.S. (Pets Are Worth
Saving) program to save and train shelter dogs.
Inmates participate in educational programs
with the ability to earn either an American or
Mexican G.E.D. In addition, strong religious
programs provide a solid foundation for the
inmate population. Arts and sports are offered
and cater to specific cultural backgrounds.
In the past 29 years, the Eden Detention
Center and the Federal Bureau of Prisons have
cultivated a successful partnership. We’re proud
of our part in this history.
We continue to strive to be the best partnership corrections facility in the United States. n
Left: Correctional Officer Donald Griffon-Fillmore
recently celebrated his promotion to correctional
counselor at Eden.
CCA employees from Eden
Detention Center support
many community campaigns, including the American Cancer Society’s Relay
for Life. In 2013 alone, Eden
raised more than $13,000 for
causes in their communities.
CCA.com/InsideCCA
9
Service Awards
25 YEARS
Bradshaw
State Jail
Facility
Support Center
Lindsey
State Jail
Nevada Southern
Detention Center
McRae Correctional
Facility
Robert Shaw
Ken Avant
Mary Brandin
Charlotte Collins
Richard Daniel
20 YEARS
Bartlett
State Jail
Dennis Godwin
Central Arizona
Detention Center
Facility
Support Center
Leavenworth
Detention Center
South Central
Correctional Center
South Central
Correctional Center
South Central
Correctional Center
Winn Correctional
Center
David Running
Lisa Hollis
Founta Morris
Christopher Gowen
Christopher McClain
Betty McVey
John Creel
20 YEARS
15 YEARS
Bartlett
State Jail
Bent County
Correctional Facility
Central Arizona
Detention Center
Cimarron
Correctional Facility
Citrus County
Detention Facility
Citrus County
Detention Facility
Citrus County
Detention Facility
Winn Correctional
Center
James Stonestreet
Nanette Thomas
John Barajas
Carol Wisener
Derik Touchton
Jeffrey Eisenhower
Janice Fritz
Charles Raymond
Correctional
Treatment Facility
Correctional
Treatment Facility
Crossroads
Correctional Center
Crossroads
Correctional Center
Citrus County
Detention Facility
10
Coffee
Coffee
Coffee
Correctional Facility Correctional Facility Correctional Facility
Catherine O’Rourke
Rachaelle Newton
Demetrice Smith
Linda Smith
Hjordes Hampton
Eugene Thompson
Duane Drogitis
Gerald Kulpas
Crossroads
Correctional Center
Crossroads
Correctional Center
Davis Correctional
Facility
Eden Detention
Center
Eden Detention
Center
Elizabeth
Detention Center
Eloy
Detention Center
Eloy
Detention Center
Darla Winney
Carol Tillman
Joanne Cartwright
Jerome Klaras
Dana Torres
Hilary Gayflorsee
Timothy McDaniel
Melanie Vanness
Eloy
Detention Center
Eloy
Detention Center
Eloy
Detention Centerh
Facility
Support Center
Facility
Support Center
Facility
Support Center
Facility
Support Center
Florence
Correctional Center
Brian Cook
Ralph Soto
Kevin Wead
Robert Rigsby
Sharon Wainscott
Kimberly Ann Robinson
Sonya Hollinsworth
Stanley Russell
Florence
Correctional Center
Houston
Processing Center
Houston
Processing Center
La Palma
Correctional Center
La Palma
Correctional Center
Lake City
Correctional Facility
Leavenworth
Detention Center
Lee Adjustment
Center
Jason Snow
Elvis Jones
Drusilla Freeman
Zora Miller
Christopher Cordova
Shirley Cox
Robin Moore
Donnie Edwards
CCA.com/InsideCCA
15 YEARS
Marion
County Jail II
Marion
County Jail II
Mineral Wells
Facility
Nevada Southern
Detention Center
North Fork
Correctional Center
North Fork
Correctional Center
Prairie
Correctional Facility
Red Rock
Correctional Center
Pamela Bibbs
Edwin Taylor
Lois Pierce
Sherry Connors
Michael Meier
Larry Walker
Robert McCoy
Tina Mcnamer
South Central
Correctional Center
South Central
Correctional Center
Webb County
Detention Center
Webb County
Detention Center
West Tennessee
Detention Facility
Wheeler
Correctional Facility
Claudia Flores
LaDawn O’Neal
Valorie Lott
Saguaro Correctional
San Diego
Center
Correctional Facility
Scott Finerson
Cynthia Ferrand
Kathy Harville
Mia Qualls
Gerardo Barcena
Wheeler
Correctional Facility
Whiteville
Correctional Facility
Whiteville
Correctional Facility
Willacy
State Jail
Winn Correctional
Center
Lisa Wright
Morline Theus
Tanya Fuller
Carolyn Power
Linda Steele
10 YEARS
Bartlett State Jail
David Miranda
Sherry Lynn Vela
Kristel VonWeller
Bent County Correctional Facility
Ben Valverde
Davis Correctional Facility
Brent Madrid
Bradshaw State Jail
Monica Pereles
Kari Lynn Kaiser
Linda Polley
Eden Detention Center
Anastacio Aguilar
Linda Castanuela
Robert Specht
Central Arizona Detention Center
Angela Lowry
Elizabeth Detention Center
Claudia Asberry
Glenford Powell
Kimberly Johnson
Cimarron Correctional Facility
Gerald Ragan
Citrus County Detention Facility
Heather Biedenstein
Eduardo Flores
Coffee Correctional Facility
Patsy Neville
Kayla Davis
Eric Grady
Johnny Green
Angela Mann
John Worth
Anita Anderson
Brenda Yarberry
Correctional Treatment Facility
Venecia Velez
Theresa Brown
Florinda Eaglin
Jermaine McKelton
Heyvette Reeves
Anthony Shorts
Crowley County Correctional Center
Sadie Hernandez
Brigette Torres
Jason Gonzales
Anthony Romero
Andres Campos
Maria Cardenas
Elissa Collins
Eloy Detention Center
Kerry Degirolamo
Gary Ullom II
Facility Support Center
Marty Fleischacker
Scott Gray
John Hansom
Chad Gill
Eric Hinson
Jeff Cantrell
Donald Murray Jr.
Hardeman County Correctional Center
Phillip Hunt
Shalandra Thomas
Houston Processing Center
Diana Guerrero
Sheena Zernicek
Ramon Abrego Jr.
Tricia Bridges-Simon
Ruth Golden
Claudia Guevara
Keith Harris
Rebecca Iacoviello
Cordella Jackson
Juanita Jiles
Quailin Jones
Jimmy Marberry
Herbert Mitchell
John Patterson
Lashanda Powell
Clarissa Reid
Nemecio Rojas Jr.
Lisa Seals
LaSandra Thomas
Roy Thomas
Isaac Williams
Idaho Correctional Center
Melissa Carr
David Fonger
La Palma Correctional Center
Shane Cosby
Leavenworth Detention Center
Jerry Ealey
Kristen Monroe
Deborah Kinney
Lee Adjustment Center
Sammy Herald
Bill Stamper
North Fork Correctional Facility
Brenda Maxey
Northeast Ohio Correctional Center
Edward Sauline
San Diego Correctional Facility
J Clifford Blount
Robert Apablasa
Mario Guerrero
Godson Iwuaba
Steven Macias
Liliana Mileto
Jesus Torres
Silverdale Detention Facilities
Keisha Smartt
Christopher Burnett
South Central Correctional Center
Wanda Spears
Stewart Detention Center
Shelton Richardson
Marion County Jail II
Beth Russell
T. Don Hutto Residential Center
Marcelino Gonzales
Mary Christina Gonzales
McRae Correctional Facility
Bobby Graham
Steven Thornton
Sherry Woods
Earl Wright Jr.
Dorothy Hayes.
Teddie James
Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility
James Covington
Victoria Thompson
Jonathan Kelly
Carlos Lakes
Rosie Washington
Leonard Williams
Metro-Davidson County Detention Facility
Pamela Gordon
Tracy Piphus
Webb County Detention Center
Oscar Morales
Belincia Molina
Nevada Southern Detention Center
Antoinette Carter
Wheeler Correctional Facility
Robert Bridges
New Mexico Women’s Correctional Facility
Ralph Lucero
Willacy State Jail
Oscar Rodriguez
CCA.com/InsideCCA
11
A New Leash on Life program
participant shows off his
dog’s obedience skills for the
‘Dog Talk’ news videographer.
Inmates are assigned a canine
companion for 10 weeks and
work with trainers to prepare
the dogs for a new life.
TEACHING OLD (AND YOUNG)
DOGS NEW TRICKS
Davis Correctional Facility’s dog program gives
participants a new ‘paw-spective’ on life
By Charlotte Higgins
12
CCA.com/InsideCCA
F
rom the 1954 TV series “Lassie” to the Disney film based on the book “Old Yeller,”
dogs have often been seen as icons of
loyalty, solidarity and companionship. They take
on a variety of roles, including assisting the blind,
working in law enforcement and, of course, serving as beloved family members.
Unfortunately, not everyone appreciates
them. Some are subjected to abuse, malnourishment and abandonment, which often leads
to a mistrust of humans. If not properly trained,
the future could be bleak for these animals. And
that’s where the New Leash on Life program at
CCA Davis Correctional Facility in Holdenville,
Okla., comes in.
In this dog training program, Davis inmates
are given the opportunity to work with dogs
that have been abandoned by their families
and traumatized in some manner. Some dogs
in the program arrive sick, and others have
been permanently maimed. This does little
to deter the inmates, who, through endless
patience and devotion, prepare the dogs to
assume their role in society as man’s best friend.
Ultimately, though, the program changes the
lives of all those involved, whether they have
four legs or two.
Interest is the most important factor when
selecting inmates to participate in the program,
according to Robert King, unit manager for the
program. Participants spend every moment
with the dog, so they must be willing to constantly care for their furry companion.
Once inmates confirm they understand the
degree of commitment necessary for this program, King reviews their histories and current
behavior at the facility. If there are few writeups and little history of disciplinary action, the
candidate is accepted into the program.
Every 10 weeks, Davis receives a group of 10
dogs to participate in the program. Each dog
is assigned a primary and secondary handler.
Individuals from outside agencies come to the
facility once a week to teach the inmates new
training techniques for their animals.
At the end of the 10-week session, a graduation ceremony is held where the dogs are presented back to the animal shelters for adoption.
The men often form strong emotional bonds
with their dogs over the course of the session,
and they are eager to begin the journey with a
new dog in the next session.
“The inmates are able to look at it as if they are
the parole officers for the dogs,” King said. “The
dogs have been through a process of correction
and rehabilitation and are equipped to find a
family, thanks to the work of our participants.”
King said that participating in the program often marks a turning point for several
of the inmates, especially those with violent
backgrounds. King has seen inmates that he
has known for several years change dramatically
once they became involved in the program.
“Programs like New Leash on Life are therapy
for both these men and the animals,” Becker said.
“It gives them a reason to care for another being.”
“...the program changes the lives of all
those involved, whether they have four
legs or two.”
“They begin to put themselves second,” King
said.“In some cases, providing for the dog becomes
more important than providing for themselves.”
The program at Davis recently caught the
attention of Pat Becker, host of KSBI TV’s “Dog
Talk.” Becker came to the facility in late 2013 to
personally witness the program and feature it
on her show.
Becker said she was especially impressed
by the men in the New Leash on Life program.
Based on her extensive experience with training
dogs, Becker said that she could tell the dogs in
the program were content and eager to please
the inmates training them. Becker took the time
to interview the participants individually to
evaluate their enthusiasm and sincerity for the
program. She found that each was passionate
about his work with the animals.
King agrees that it is the men who participate in the program at Davis and the impact it
has on them that makes the New Leash on Life
program unique.
“Our guys are absolutely tremendous with
what they do with the dogs,” he said. “They
were excited to show Pat what their dogs were
capable of.”
The New Leash on Life program is beneficial to all involved, enabling participants
to glean invaluable life lessons and forge
relationships built on trust. Inmates practice
responsibility and feel a strong sense of pride
in the work they do. Although the dogs may
never have the opportunity to save Timmy
from the well or star in a beloved movie, they
will most certainly have a bright future filled
with love and compassion. n
Above: The dogs in the New Leash on Life program often come from abusive environments.
Inmates have the responsibility of creating a
positive environment for the dogs, so they can
trust humans again.
Right: ’Dog Talk’ TV host Pat Becker interviews a
program participant and his canine companion
for a segment on her show. Becker spoke with
several of the New Leash on Life program participants during her visit. Her show airs on KSBI
channel 52 in the Oklahoma City area.
CCA.com/InsideCCA
13
PREA Final Rule: Detect
What can you do to help prevent sexual assault at your facility?
By DeAndra Mack
I
f a co-worker stopped by your work area and
tested your understanding of Prison Rape
Elimination Act (PREA) requirements by asking you a question about them, would you be
able to give the correct answer on the spot?
For staff at CCA South Central Correctional
Center in Clifton, Tenn., that scenario is a reality
– it’s part of the facility Sexual Assault Response
Team’s (SART) efforts to keep employees and
offenders well-informed about PREA standards.
These surprise quizzes are known as verbal PREA
drills. And that’s just one way South Central
works to comply with national PREA standards
for detecting sexual harassment and abuse.
The Department of Justice outlined these
steps for correctional facilities to follow, to help
detect PREA violations:
1. Make inmates aware of facility policies and
inform them of how to report sexual abuse.
2. Provide multiple channels for inmates
to report sexual abuse, including by
contacting an outside entity, and allow
inmates to report abuse anonymously upon
request.
3. Provide a method for staff and other third
parties to report abuse on behalf of an
inmate.
4. Develop policies to prevent and detect any
retaliation against those who report sexual
abuse or cooperate with investigations.
5. Ensure effective communication about
facility policies and how to report sexual
abuse with inmates with disabilities
and inmates who have limited English
proficiency.
14
CCA.com/InsideCCA
As part of their work to follow these steps,
South Central SART members take monthly
walks through various areas of the facility, ensuring that they visit each area annually. During
those visits, staff responses to the verbal PREA
drill questions help facility leaders gauge what
staff know and what they collectively need to
work on.
“As we walk, we identify areas where PREA
violations could occur, such as blind spots,
offices or inmate work areas where there is limited visibility by other staff,” said Daniel Pritchard,
South Central assistant warden and SART team
member. “Then we place signs in the area to help
staff quickly identify a possible area of concern.”
The team also watches for trends in PREA
allegations, and if they note a high level of allegations in a particular area, they tour that area next.
Like at other facilities, South Central staff
receive PREA-related instruction during preservice and in-service training. And department
heads discuss PREA at their monthly meetings,
making sure the information is relayed to other
employees.
South Central staff proactively educate
offenders about PREA.
“We have a dedicated intake unit where
inmates spend their first days at the facility,”
Pritchard explained. “During that time, the unit
case manager sits down with every inmate and
goes over the PREA standards with them.”
Offenders also receive inmate handbooks,
which cover the PREA reporting process and
procedures used at the facility. n
“...we place signs in the area to
help staff quickly identify a
possible area of conern.”
Citrus County
Detention
Facility Wins
Companywide Safety
Award
By Charlotte Higgins
CCA facilities strive to provide a safe place
for both employees and inmates. For going
above and beyond with their safety program in
2013, CCA Citrus County Detention Facility in
Lecanto, Fla., received the CCA Zero Accident
Safety Culture Award.
This safety award was created to recognize
excellence in workers’ compensation results and
facilities’ advancement of an accident-free culture.
Jay Brown, CCA worker’s compensation director,
and Raco Lownes, CCA worker safety manager,
selected Citrus as the 2013 award recipient.
Citrus was selected for this distinction partly
because only two medical only claims were paid
in 2013. Additionally, Citrus’ total yearly claims
decreased from more than 50 in 2006 to 10 in
2013. The facility ended the year with 530 days
since the last lost-time accident.
This significant improvement is due to Citrus’
thorough preparation for potentially dangerous scenarios and its efforts to make sure every
employee is involved as a part of the safety culture.
“This is not just my mission,” said Russell
Washburn, Citrus warden. “It’s our mission at this
facility. Safety is something we live and breathe
every single day.”
As a part of their mission to create a safe work
environment, Citrus installed colored floor tiles
that bring attention to where the floor inclines
or declines in the multi-level facility’s numerous
hallways. This has significantly reduced falls in
the building.
Handrails made of a tough, composite decking
material were also added to the hallways. These
are more resistant to the wear and tear of daily
use. To further prevent slips and falls, the facility
installed “wet floor” signs at nearly all entrances to
the facility and water run-off areas where possible
to make it easier to rid entryways of water.
Other safety measures at Citrus include stenciling large numbers on the outside of the housing units to help outside agencies respond to
medical or other emergencies as quickly as possible, and installing mower safety rails to prevent
inmates and staff from accidentally falling off the
upper ledges when mowing the grass.
Implementation of these safety measures was
a team effort for Citrus. Citrus’ Team Safety Committee, comprised of the safety manager, facility
investigator and health services administrator,
meets with injured employees after every accident, to discuss accident details, causes and effects
and anything that could have been done to prevent similar instances in the future. The committee
says that several great ideas for safety improvements have been proposed at these meetings.
Every suggestion the committee receives is
addressed at the monthly meetings. Whether
implemented or not, all suggestions are evaluated and recognized.
Jeffery Eisenhower, Citrus safety manager,
said getting input from staff has been vital to the
facility’s success.
“No one knows better than our staff what
improvements could enhance safety throughout
the facility,” he said. “As they go about their daily
work routines, they help us identify solutions.”
Although Citrus takes safety very seriously,
the staff still manages to have fun while working
together to take care of each other. As a part of
their submission to Brown and Lownes, the Citrus team created a safety video, featuring staff
Top Left: The first shift at Citrus went without an
accident for one year.
Top Right: Citrus has many safety measures in
place, including stenciling large numbers on the
outside of the housing units to help outside agencies respond to medical or other emergencies as
quickly as possible.
Bottom: Citrus installed colored floor tiles that
bring attention to where the floor inclines or
declines in the multi-level facility’s numerous
hallways. This has significantly reduced falls in
the building.
members from all the departments wearing the
safety equipment their respective jobs require.
Maintenance workers wearing welding masks and
nurses donned in smocks all danced to the beat
as an officer sang his own version of “The Safety
Dance,”originally performed by Men Without Hats.
Citrus was selected from a pool of six CCA
facilities that submitted award nominations.
The other nominees were: Bradshaw State Jail,
Leavenworth Detention Center, McRae Correctional Facility, Stewart Detention Center
and West Tennessee Detention Center.
Citrus was built in 1992. CCA assumed management of the facility in October 1995. The
760-bed facility houses both male and female
offenders and is staffed by 161 employees.
Washburn said they plan to continue looking to
employees to suggest innovative ways to keep
everyone in the facility safe. n
CCA.com/InsideCCA
15
TOP 10 EDUCATORS
AT CCA FOR 2013
Education as an integral part of the reentry process
By Christina Vinson
COMPLETE LIST OF THE TOP
10 CCA EDUCATORS
Katherine Avance
Adams County Correctional Center
Stephanie Culver
Correctional Treatment Facility
Jo McMahan
Hardeman County Correctional Center
Marshall Bautista
Idaho Correctional Center
Dennis Daise
Kit Carson Correctional Center
Sam Roether
La Palma Correctional Center
Richard Loslelben
Red Rock Correctional Center
Charlotte Cocheran
North Fork Correctional Facility
Nancy Dellinger
Whiteville Correctional Facility
Marvin Alvarez
Saguaro Correctional Center
Top: Jo McMahan goes over a math
problem at CCA Hardeman County Correctional Facility. McMahan was one of
CCA 10 educators recognized for going
‘above and beyond’ in their work.
“My dad told me there’s one thing no one
can take away from you — and that’s your
education,” said Jo McMahan, educator at CCA
Hardeman Country Correctional Facility in
Whiteville, Tenn.
She is one of the many teachers who
educate CCA inmates, enabling them to change
their life through the gift of education. At CCA,
there is a belief that learning can be the ticket
to changing a person’s life for the better, helping
to personally transform themselves through the
act of receiving an education.
It’s not just a belief — it’s also been proven:
inmates who participate in educational programs are much less likely to experience recidivism, and earning an education is an important
key to leading a new, law-abiding life. That’s why
CCA provides education for offenders, ranging
from Adult Basic Education to attainment of
advanced degrees. To emphasize CCA’s appreciation for educator dedication, ten were recently
recognized for their “above and beyond” commitment to their craft.
Michelle Cotter, director of educational services at CCA, explained the importance of committed CCA instructors, saying, “Our instructors
aim to provide a learning environment that
is safe, secure, and nurturing — which is not
always easy to balance. They work diligently to
help offenders in our care learn to read, earn a
high school equivalency diploma, learn a career
and technical skill to even an associate’s degree
or higher. We want offenders to know that with
hard work and perseverance the sky is the limit
in our educational programs.”
Cotter added, “Humility, dedication and
leadership are characteristics that make up
successful correctional educators. Teaching is
tough on any level whether it be in the K-12
arena or in a prison.”
For CCA instructors, it can be extremely challenging — but it’s also rewarding on many different levels. Dennis Daise, Charlotte Cocheran,
and Jo McMahan are three such instructors who
were recognized in the “top 10.”
Dennis Daise is a pre-GED teacher in Burlington, Colo. at CCA Kit Carson Correctional
Center. He has worked at CCA for the past six
years, and through his efforts, has gained a
tremendous amount of respect from his colleagues. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Daise has also filled the role of acting
principal, demonstrating leadership, high levels
of competency, and consistency with both fellow educators and offenders.
He sets the example for dependability and
passion in his department, taking the time to
improve his instructional practices through
reading and attending professional development opportunities. He’ll tell you he does it all
because he wants to help inmates change their
lives through education. “The most rewarding part is when they achieve more than what
they thought they were capable of,” Daise said.
“When you see them do more than what they
thought — it changes their life. “
He added, “I didn’t think I’d ever teach in a
prison facility, but it’s a rewarding career field.
You’re making a difference in people’s lives – people who sometimes think they’re at a dead end.”
Continued on page 23
16
CCA.com/InsideCCA
Service, Engagement, Innovation:
Building a Foundation for Success
Human Resources talks about what they’re doing to
help make CCA an awesome place to work
CCA’s Facility Support Center human
resources team has dedicated itself to putting
employees first. It’s a charge they take seriously,
and with that in mind, they developed their new
Human Resources Foundation statement — a
written commitment to how they will help their
fellow CCA employees make a difference.
We sat down with Kim White, senior vice
president of CCA human resources, to talk about
what the HR Foundation statement means to
her and what it means for CCA.
InsideCCA: Why is it important to you that HR helps
people make a difference?
Kim White: It’s important for
any organization or department to have a purpose —
Kim White
their reason for existence,
their compass. We believe our purpose is to
help people make a difference. I believe a lot of
people came to the field of corrections, because
they wanted to help people make a positive
change in their lives. We want to equip people in
the best possible way to prepare them for their
important role in the reentry process.
InsideCCA: So, do you think being in the corrections career field is an opportunity to be a
life-changer?
KW: Absolutely. It was one of the things that
attracted me to the field — not only the study of
corrections but the industry. We believe in giving
people an opportunity to better their lives. We’re
responsible for hiring, training and supporting
the people who live this mission every day. That’s
a unique and special opportunity for us.
InsideCCA: What is HR doing to help people
make a difference?
KW: It begins with hiring the right people, and
continues with giving them access to a whole
host of opportunities to further their career – to
help them develop the skills, knowledge and
abilities to do their jobs. We give them the opportunity to make a difference, one person at a time.
InsideCCA: Part of good customer service is availability. What does HR do to
How do CCA human resources
employees help make a difference?
InsideCCA: What does the HR purpose
statement “helping people make a difference” mean to you?
Lesley Connelly: HR at CCA has the
responsibility of ensuring we do our best
to resolve employees’ issues. We don’t
want them to be preoccupied with a
problem that might cause them to make
a mistake on the job.
Kerry Cotner: Each of us has the capability
to impact the lives of others and the way
we elect to impact others is up to us. What
we do and say today can leave a mark
on tomorrow.
Donelle Harris: It means you are putting
others before yourself by creating a culture
of developing people, making sure you are
touching lives of others in a positive way
and building a strong foundation for new
employees to stand on as they grow and
feel like they are a part of a family.
make themselves more accessible to their
customers?
KW: It’s important that we keep consistent contact with our employees. From the FSC level, we
do that with facility visits from the HR leaders
here. It gives us a chance to interact with people
on the “front lines,” doing the important work of
the company. This is where we expect to receive
meaningful feedback from them. It allows us to
walk a mile in their shoes to see how things truly
are in the facility. And HR People Source is an
example of where we make ourselves available
to our human resources managers by providing
the right answers, at the right time in the right
way — it’s really why HR exists.
InsideCCA: HR is tasked with the job of finding
the best people possible to fill vacancies within
the CCA family. What does CCA do to ensure
only the best are recruited?
KW: We do targeted recruiting. Especially in
those facilities where they might have positions
that are historically more difficult to fill, or where
turnover is a challenge. We ensure we have a
good assessment up front so we attract and
retain the best people. We make sure that the
individuals who are selected have the requisite
training to make sure they’re prepared to do the
work they’ve been selected to do.
Continued on page 20
InsideCCA: As an HR professional, how do
you best serve CCA?
LC: The HR department at Central Arizona
has an “open door” policy and we view
our fellow staff members as customers.
We always seek to ensure that our customers are treated with respect and feel
welcome in HR.
KC: I do it by not being a bystander and
watching from the sidelines — by being
mentally and physically involved with the
what, why and how we do things here.
Engagement can be challenging, but it’s
taught me how to work better with others
and helped me think outside of the box.
Lesley Connelly
Human Resources Manager
CCA Central Arizona Detention Center
Kerry Cotner
Human Resources Manager
CCA Eden Detention Center
Donelle Harris
Manager, Business Unit Training, Staffing
& Organizational Development
CCA Facility Support Center
CCA.com/InsideCCA
17
CCA University’s Frontline Leader Program was held in
Nashville, Tenn., with 29 CCA leaders attending. The
attendees expressed excitement for the opportunity to
attend the leadership development program.
Putting Our People First with Education and
Leadership Opportunities
CCA University sets the standard for learning
By Dee Ann Adams
CCA
puts a special emphasis on
encouraging employees to learn
and grow professionally within their respective
career fields.
In keeping with that practice, the company
began working on a new corporate university
initiative in order to facilitate a higher level of
learning; and, as a result, the company recently
launched its latest learning initiative, CCA University (CCAU).
The university’s vision is to help CCA employees partner with business leaders to solve real
business problems, build a deeper leadership
bench, improve leadership and employee
engagement, and create a learning organization
and a development culture. The goal of CCAU
is to build an enterprise-wide vehicle for learning and development, becoming a place where
individuals can come together and learn from
internal leader-teachers, gaining exposure to
external subject matter experts, and acquiring
development for their specific job or function.
Leading this initiative is David Churchill,
managing director of CCA talent management.
A pilot class was conducted by Churchill for
CCAU’s Frontline Leader Program May 6-8. In
fact, it exceeded expectations — all 29 frontline
leaders (from six facilities) shared that it was a
great experience, and provided tremendously
positive feedback. Churchill expressed his
enthusiasm for CCA’s investment in learning and
development programs.
“In my nearly 30 years of designing and implementing skill acquisition measurement systems,
18
CCA.com/InsideCCA
this constitutes one of the most compelling
improvements I’ve seen,” he said. “To be sure, we
know nothing yet of the degree to which these
supervisors are applying these newly-acquired
skills on the job. But, we will in the coming
months — in the form of impact studies. That’s a
chapter of the book yet to be written.”
Churchill added, “But, based on what we
know so far, the evidence overwhelmingly points
to the fact that we are making the right investment in these leaders. Early indicators are that
we’ll see tangible benefits from this investment.”
CCAU began with frontline supervisors
specifically because they touch most of CCA’s
15,000 plus employees, and it educated participants on several different modules ranging from
effective written communication to conflict
management, and even focused on developing
emotional health.
One of the participants, Steven Parram,
assistant shift supervisor at the CCA Hardeman
Above: CCA University Frontline Leader Program attendees group up for a class photo May
7 in Nashville, Tenn. CCAU program manager
David Churchill is pictured in the back row,
fourth from left in the purple shirt. A goal
Churchill has for the Frontline Leader Program
is that it be delivered to more than 2,000 CCA
leaders over the next three years.
County Correctional Facility in Whiteville,
Tenn. shared his own learning experience in
going through the pilot program.
“The biggest lesson I learned is how to
actively listen. Listening to your staff is one thing,
but it’s another thing to actively listen. I learned
that facial gestures and body language will help
my staff understand I care about what they’re
saying.” Parram added, “I didn’t realize as a supervisor if I’m looking down while they’re talking to
me, that makes a staff member feel unimportant.
If they don’t feel important they’re not going to
come to me with their problems anymore. “
In his current job, Parram said the training
will help him “a whole lot,” and he went on to
add, “I believe all supervisors should have this
class because it will help them be a better supervisor to their subordinates; it will help supervisors understand their staff and motivate them
to be the best they can be — and help them
to become supervisors if they choose to do so.”
Parram admitted he didn’t know what to
expect when he arrived for the first day of
training. But, his hesitations were quickly dispelled. “I was surprised at how helpful it was,”
he said, adding that he keeps a chart from the
program at home, to remind him of the valuable insights he learned.
Kathy Rankin, who works as a shift supervisor at the CCA Silverdale Correctional Facility
in Chattanooga, Tenn., also attended the pilot
course. When she attended CCAU, she held the
job title of assistant shift supervisor, but after
her training finished, she was promoted. She
attributes much of the promotion to her work
ethic and dedication, but also explained that
the CCAU program gave her confidence. In fact,
when she interviewed for her new position,
Rankin remembered several key aspects from
the training, which gave her a much-needed
boost of self-confidence. She said, “I had confidence; I knew I could do it, and I didn’t have
any doubts.”
In addition to gaining confidence, Rankin
also described how the pilot program encouraged her to be a better leader. She said it’s
important to consider people’s feelings.
“You have to be there for your staff, for your
officers. You have to support them.” Rankin said.
“It was an honor to be chosen; it was a wonderful experience.”
Rankin added that going through the program helped her feel respected and important,
knowing that she was gaining important and
essential tools to help her excel within her job.
Another CCA University training designed
to help frontline leaders know how to better
lead the business, others, and themselves is
scheduled to be held in July. This program will
be delivered for all 2,000 CCA frontline leaders
over the next three years.
“We have already begun to build a structure
for the first college, The College of Leadership,
which will serve as the major conduit where
CCA leaders can gain development,” Churchill
explained. “Our plan is to start a College of
Operations within the next year or so. After
that, the College of Operations and the College
of Business & Professional Skills will kick off, and
are currently in the design process.” n
Employees Helping
Employees When It
Matters The Most
CCAssist Fund, a vital resource for CCA
By Charlotte Higgins
F
rom coast to coast, employees at CCA facilities are working as a team to
carry the company above and beyond to set the standard in partnership
corrections. And, as a team and family, when CCA employees encounter
personal crises, they know they can count on their CCA family to provide support
in whatever way necessary.
That is where the CCAssist Fund comes in. The Fund, which was established in
2006, makes it easier than ever for CCA employees to provide financial support for
co-workers going through tough times. Since its implementation, the CCAssist Fund has distributed more than $3 million to
help employees and their families in times of desperate need,
without a dollar expected in return.
“Our employees make the company,” said Scott Craddock,
CCAssist Fund committee president. “So it’s critically important
to provide a resource to support them in difficult times.”
Scott Craddock
A lot of time and research goes into making sure the funds
go to the right employees at the right times. In fact, the CCAssist Fund is a nonprofit separate from CCA, with its own board of directors as well as a selection
committee that meets weekly to review applications based on structured criteria
to guide how funds are distributed.
There are several opportunities to contribute to CCAssist. One of the simpler
methods is to make a set donation per paycheck through payroll deduction.
“Every contribution makes a difference,” Craddock said. “There’s no better cause
than helping those we work alongside every day.”
The 2014 CCAssist Fund Giving Campaign will occur during the month of August.
Although anyone can contribute at any time, this month will serve as a springboard
to reinvigorate this vital program. There is no better time for CCA employees to
begin involving
themselves and
help others in a very
meaningful way.
Tragedy arrives
in a variety of forms,
be it a health scare
with high medical bills, a natural disaster or another unexpected, devastating
event that results in unforeseen needs. These incidents can happen to anyone,
anytime, anywhere, affecting co-workers, loved ones and whoever else may be
close by. CCA wants to make sure its family knows that they are never alone. With
the support of employees, the CCAssist Fund will continue to be there in times of
needs, filling the gaps as individuals work to rebuild their lives.
“The CCA family has always shown an overwhelming spirit of generosity,”
Craddock said. “The Fund is just a means to make contributing as convenient as
possible for an already giving community.”
To find out how to contribute to the CCAssist Fund, speak with your human
resources manager today. n
CCA.com/InsideCCA
19
timeline
Emilee McGarry Beach
May 20, 2014
Applause
ACA Accreditation
Congratulations to the following facilities on recently being recommended for
re-accreditation by the American Correctional Association and their high audit scores:
Honoring Cat today at Adams County Correctional
Center.
Facility
Marion County Jail II
100%
North Fork Correctional Facility
100%
Willacy State Jail
32 people like this.
Hardeman County Correction Facility executive
staff washed employee vehicles today in
appreciation for all their hard work and dedication
to the company. Thank you for all you do!!!
Like ∙ Comment ∙ Share
26 people like this.
View comments.
Stephen H. Smith
May 16, 2014
Wheeler Correctional Facility welcomes its newest
hires to CCA!
Facebook.com/CorrectionsCorp
20
20
CCA.com/InsideCCA
99.8%
The following facilities have gone more than a year without a lost-time accident
(as of press time):
Facility
May 16, 2014
99.77%
Tracking Team Safety
View comments.
Nena Gilmore Moss
99%
Metro-Davidson County Detention Facility
Whiteville Correctional Facility
Like ∙ Comment ∙ Share
ACA Score
Citrus County Detention Facility
Date of Last
Lost-Time Accident
July 11, 2012
Laredo Processing Center
Sept. 13, 2012
Leavenworth Detention Center
Nov. 15, 2012
Willacy State Jail
May 13, 2013
Human Resources
Continued from page 17
InsideCCA: Tell us a little about serving,
engaging and innovating.
KW: HR is really all about serving people. We believe everything we do has a
service orientation. From training and
development to long-term relationship building — we’re the first people
employees engage with and we want
that relationship to only get stronger
with time. Every time we interact with
employees, leaders or customers, it is
an opportunity for us to make a positive
impression on them. If you think about
it, it’s as much a relationship between
HR and the employee as it is between
the organization and the employee. The
value proposition we provide must be
consistent and equitable because the
individuals we serve matter to us. And,
while we have introduced some key
innovations into the work place through
automated performance systems, applicant tracking, learning and development
programs, and other HR information systems, our solutions are not always about
new IT opportunities. It may simply be
streamlining a cumbersome process, or
making it easier for hiring managers to
pick the right people for the right jobs.
The bottom line: We are constantly striving to improve our deliverables to meet
the needs of our staff.
InsideCCA: Why is it important that
we foster a fulfilling environment for
our employees? What is HR doing to
remain forward-thinking in their work?
KW: We need our employees to feel
inspired about their work. From the
correctional officers, to the medical
professionals, to the educators and the
maintenance workers, we want them to
know their work is valued and necessary.
But, we also need to remain forwardthinking. Learning what is important to
tomorrow’s employee is as important as
staying current with what is important
to this generation. We’re also looking
at how new approaches can help us
better serve our customers, but not if
it means sacrificing any degree of customer service. Our goal is to position
the company in the best way possible to
meet the ever changing demands of the
future. Whether at the FSC or in the field,
HR is finding a way to meet tomorrow’s
opportunities today. n
Details
Radio Protocol
By John Diffenderfer
T
he ability to communicate clearly and quickly is key to
maintaining the safety and security of our correctional
facilities. As such, radios are one of the most important
tools used to accomplish our mission. Check out the information
box for some radio protocol tips. n
1
Never let inmates or detainees use radios.
2
Be concise (if you’re going to talk for more than 15 seconds, use a phone
instead).
3
Speak clearly.
4
Keep the volume at the lowest audible level.
5
Never leave a radio unattended or unsecured.
6
Identify yourself.
7
Wait to be acknowledged before beginning your radio traffic.
8
Don’t carry your radio by its antenna or microphone.
9
Be aware of those who may be within earshot of your communication.
10 Always do a radio check with Central Control, ensuring that the battery
is charged and the equipment is functional.
11 Use plain English — not jargon, slang, or ten-codes (“10-4,” for example).
12 Avoid interrupting others’ communications, unless justified by special
circumstances.
CCA.com/InsideCCA
21
New Faces New Places
Georgia
Bill Spivey has been named assistant warden at McRae Correctional
Facility. Spivey joined CCA in 1995
as a psychologist at Bay Correctional Facility, where he later
served as program manager, assistant warden
and warden. He holds a bachelor’s degree in
business administration and a master’s degree
in counseling and guidance.
Kansas
Dwight L. Fondren has transferred
to Leavenworth Detention Center as assistant warden. Fondren
joined CCA in 2012 as assistant
warden at Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility. Before joining CCA, he spent
24 years with the Federal Bureau of Prisons,
where he started as a correctional officer and
later served as a correctional programs examiner, assistant warden and warden before going
to CMCG Group as chief of Program Review and
Audits.
Mississippi
Charlie Peterson has been
named assistant warden at Adams
County Correctional Center.
Peterson joined CCA in 1995 as
a correctional officer at MetroDavidson County Detention Facility, where he
also served as assistant shift supervisor, shift
supervisor, administrative captain, acting program manager and facility investigator. He was
promoted to assistant chief of security at David
L. Moss Criminal Justice Center, where he later
became chief of security. He was promoted to
assistant warden at Torrance County Detention
Facility, and served in the same role at Stewart
Detention Center and North Georgia Detention
Center, where he was promoted to warden.
Peterson served for eight years on the CCA Special Operations Response Team (SORT) and was
the CCA SORT coordinator for Divisions II and IV.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a
master’s degree in organizational management
with a specialization in human resources.
Montana
Raymond Busby has transferred
to Crossroads Correctional Center
as chief of security. Busby joined
CCA in 1997 as a correctional officer at North Fork Correctional Facility, where he also served as a senior correctional
officer and assistant shift supervisor. Busby
transferred to Crossroads Correctional Center
as assistant shift supervisor and was promoted
to shift supervisor. He later held the same role
at David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center and
22
CCA.com/InsideCCA
Diamondback Correctional Facility. Busby was
promoted to chief of security at Crossroads. He
left the company briefly and worked at Jefferson County Detention Center as chief of security,
before rejoining CCA as chief of security at North
Fork. Busby has served as a SORT commander at
three CCA facilities. Prior to joining CCA, Busby
served for four years in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Domingo Stewart has transferred
to Crossroads Correctional Center as chief of unit management.
Stewart joined CCA in 2007 as a
facility investigator at Tallahatchie
County Correctional Facility, where he later
became assistant chief of security. He was promoted to chief of security at Crossroads. Before
joining CCA, Stewart worked at Cornell Companies, where he started as a correctional officer
and promoted through the ranks.
Oklahoma
Martin L. Frink has transferred
to North Fork Correctional Facility as warden. Frink joined CCA in
2000 as chief of security at Cibola
County Correctional Center, and
was promoted to assistant warden at California
City Correctional Center. He later became assistant warden at Mineral Wells Pre-Parole Transfer Facility. Frink left the company briefly and
rejoined as warden at Crossroads Correctional
Center. Prior to joining CCA, Frink spent nearly
17 years with the Texas Department of Criminal
Justice where he started as a correctional officer
and promoted to chief of security.
Texas
Dr. Laura E. Bedard has transferred to Eden Detention Center as
warden. Bedard joined CCA in 2008
as assistant warden at Gadsden
Correctional Facility. She was promoted to warden at Moore Haven Correctional
Facility, and later became warden at Graceville
Correctional Facility. Prior to joining CCA, Bedard
worked as director, Human Services at the Rockingham County Jail in New Hampshire. She then
became an administrative faculty member at the
College of Criminology at Florida State University,
where she ran the student intern program and led
a study abroad program. Bedard also served as
interim warden at Lowell Correctional Institution
while working as deputy secretary Florida Department of Corrections. She worked as commissioner
for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement,
Criminal Justice and Training Commission, and
was also commissioner for the Florida Corrections Privatization Commission. She holds a PhD
in social work from Florida State University.
Facility Support Center
Brian K. Ferrell has been promoted to vice president, Proposal
Development. Ferrell joined CCA
in 2002 as vice president, Government Relations and he later served
as vice president, State Customer Relations;
senior advisor for state governmental relations;
and managing director, Partnership Relations.
Before joining CCA, Ferrell served in the Office of
the Governor of the State of Tennessee, where
he started as legislative and policy assistant and
later became the governor’s chief liaison and
assistant. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the
University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and a doctor of jurisprudence from the UT College of Law.
Lisa Hollingsworth has been
promoted to senior director, PREA
programs and compliance. Hollingsworth joined CCA in 2012 as
manager, Security after spending
nearly 30 years with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, where she worked as case manager, case
management coordinator, executive assistant,
designations administrator, assistant correctional programs administrator, associate warden
and warden.
Erik Rasmussen has been promoted to managing director,
Strategic Development. Rasmussen joined CCA in 2008 as director, Financial Planning & Analysis
and later became senior director, Continuous
Improvement. Before joining CCA, he spent
three years with Millennium Challenge Corporation, where he worked as associate director,
Department of Administration and Finance. In
the Department of Congressional and Public
Affairs, he was a senior outreach officer and
program assistant. He holds a bachelor’s degree
in philosophy from Wheaton College and a master’s degree in business administration from the
Kogod School of Business at American University.
Scott Alan Whitson has been
named managing director, Facility Management. Whitson brings
26 years of facility management
experience. Most recently, he was
regional facilities administrator for the Federal
Bureau of Prisons’ North Central Region. Prior
to that, he worked as facility manager, general
foreman, construction representative and utilities systems operator supervisor at multiple BOP
facilities. He served for four years in the U.S. Navy.
Top 10 Educators
Continued from page 16
Charlotte Cocheran, is an academic instructor at CCA North Fork Correctional Facility in
Sayre, Okla., When she starts a new class, she has
a goal in mind: “I go for the underdogs; the ones
having problems and who are struggling.”
Offenders who are having a difficult time
in classes have an advocate in Cocheran, who
always tells her students, “I’m here for you; I
want you to learn.” She’s a huge proponent
of treating all her inmates with respect, and
ensuring her classroom is relaxing and low-key
– something that can be hard to come by in correctional facilities.
Cocheran said she’d never imagined herself
teaching offenders, but has found that she
enjoys it immensely. “I enjoy it when they grow,
pass and move up. It makes me feel good when
I see them learning. Some of them have not had
any [educational] upbringing, and to see some
of them finally see the light and decide they
want to get their GED – it’s amazing.”
Some might say Cocheran herself is an inspiration to the offenders she teaches. After all, she
pursued higher education when she was well
past the typical college age.
“At about age 40, I decided to go to college
and get my teaching degree … after many
hours of studying and hard work, I accomplished my goal of receiving my bachelor’s
degree in family and consumer sciences.” With
Cocheran’s help and inspiration, the inmates
can find a new story. She believes they can turn
around their reputations in society – especially
“Some of them have not
had any [educational]
upbringing, and to see
some of them finally see
the light... it’s amazing.”
the underdogs. “The ones in prison are labeled
and people look down on them, and I don’t
want them to feel that way. I want to build them
up, not tear them down.”
McMahan, whose father instilled in her a voracious love for education, began at Hardeman 17
years ago when the facility opened. She teachers
grades 9-12, and holds her students close to her
heart, admitting, “When we have graduation, I
cry at every graduation. All the teachers laugh
at me. They all know that I bawl like a baby; all
my guys laugh at me.” But, she added, “If I didn’t
cry, they’d wonder why!” She invests time and
energy in organizing and directing graduation,
and ensures the event is special for the graduates, guests, and their families.
McMahan added, “It’s such a rewarding job.
I compare it to if I were teaching the 6th grade,
and when I got done with the student, I’d have
a 7th grader. With my adult learners, I have a
man who has a tool to get a job and change
his life – and the life of his kids, wife, mother,
or family.”
Most offenders in America’s prisons and jails
will one day be released and will rejoin society.
At CCA, it has long been an objective to return
them as productive, contributing members
of society, giving them the services, support,
and resources they need to become better
equipped to face life in a positive way. The education provided to the inmates is one building
block in helping them achieve a successful reentry, and the instructors are a significant part of
that journey.
“This is not for everyone; everybody couldn’t
do it day in and day out. But I wouldn’t do anything else,” McMahan said. n
CCA.com/InsideCCA
insidecca.com
23
M
y name is
Mary Bowermaster.
I am a shift supervisor
in Florida, and I believe
you should never stop
learning.
IamCCA.com