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Message from the executive director: legislative update
by Bryan Collier
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Bryan Collier
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With the 85th Texas Legislature convening on January 10, 2017, and the pre-filing of legislation scheduled to begin on November 14, 2016, I will provide you with periodic legislative updates during the coming months.
As 2016 draws to a close, legislators are busy finishing the interim studies that will help shape the agenda for the upcoming legislative session, and they will soon begin filing legislation to be considered by the 85th Legislature. Typically, relatively few bills are filed in November and December compared to the thousands that will be proposed before the March 10 filing deadline.
As you may know, state policymakers asked agencies to submit an initial budget proposal for the Fiscal Years 2018-19 biennium which showed the impact of a 4 percent budget reduction. The TDCJ Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) for the Fiscal Years 2018-19 biennium was prepared pursuant to those instructions. Consistent with the instruction state agencies received, TDCJ also requested additional funding through the submission of "exceptional items," with the first exception a request to avoid most of the 4 percent funding reduction.
On Monday, September 12, the agency's LAR was discussed in a budget hearing conducted by staff of the Legislative Budget Board and the Governor's Office of Budget and Planning. Staff from the Lieutenant Governor's office, the Speaker's office, the Senate Finance Committee and the House Appropriations Committee, as well as staff from other legislative offices, also participated in the hearing. During the meeting I provided a brief overview of the agency as well as a more extensive review of our Legislative Appropriations Request. In regards to the latter, most of my remarks and the brief discussion which followed focused on retaining the funding necessary to maintain current operations.
The hearing was just one step in a budget process that will not be completed until May 2017. The next milestone will involve both the House of Representatives and the Senate filing their versions of the general appropriations bill. Although pre-filing of legislation begins on November 14, we don't anticipate seeing the initial budget proposals until January at the earliest. The budgets proposed by House and Senate will serve as starting points for legislative deliberations throughout the spring; the two versions may differ in a number of ways, to include the amounts earmarked for TDCJ. Once the bills are filed, we will prepare summaries for placement on the agency website.
Elsewhere in this issue of Connections is a summary of the LAR submitted by the Employees Retirement System (ERS). The ERS credits actions taken by the 84th Legislature for substantial improvements in the fiscal soundness of the retirement system, and seeks some additional funding to help continue that progress. ERS also requests additional funding for the purpose of maintaining current health care benefits provided through the Group Benefits Plan. TDCJ supports the ERS funding request.
In the next issue of Connections I will provide another legislative update, to include any new developments during the past two months as well as my perspective on several TDCJ-related issues that may be considered during the upcoming session.
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New telephone hotline helps prevent, resolve visitation problems
One Sunday last month, Brandi Allums, Ombudsman III for the agency's Administrative Review and Risk Management Division, answered an incoming call on the new visitation hotline. The parents of an offender had made the trip from Virginia to visit their incarcerated son at the Luther Unit in Navasota. Because of the great distance they had to travel, they arranged a special visit which would allow them four hours with their son on both Saturday and Sunday. However, they were accompanied by their daughter who had recently turned 18, and she was now required to be on the offender's visitation list in order to see her brother.
While driving to the unit, the family called the weekend hotline to see if what, if anything, could be done. Allums contacted the unit duty warden and, with his assistance, the parents were able to provide additional information and the entire family, including their daughter, were able to visit together on Sunday.
Ms. Allums was available to assist the family from Virginia because TDCJ's Administrative Review and Risk Management Division's Ombudsman Office has established a telephone hotline, open weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and attended by an ARRM Ombudsman representative who can answer the public's questions about the agency's visitation policies.
Recalling the Virginia family's problem and its resolution, Allums said "Although the offender didn't do what he was supposed to and place his sister on his visitation list, I'm glad we were there to help this family." Regarding the new visitation hotline, she noted that "We do still encourage people to communicate with facility administration and we refer them to the duty warden when they have unit-specific questions, but people have been very thankful for the information we're providing and the fact that they can call and ask questions."
Hotline callers can find out where their offender is located, obtain contact information for the unit's family liaison and learn more about the visitation process, to include appealing a visitation denial. Offender family and friends with questions about visitation can speak with an ARRM Ombudsman representative by calling (936) 437-4927 or toll free at (844) 476-1289, Saturdays and Sundays during business hours. The agency ombudsman can help resolve many issues before they become more serious problems, but the ombudsman cannot override decisions made by appropriate state and agency authorities.
Staff assigned to TDCJ correctional facilities will continue responding to questions about visitation and will undoubtedly continue receiving most of the visitation-related inquiries. The hotline will be in addition the efforts of unit staff.
Ms. Allums also commented on the overall positive effect of the new hotline, saying "While operating the visitation hotline means an increase in the work done by ombudsman staff, we hope it will assist visitors while at the same time decreasing the time and effort unit staff must spend working to resolve visitation-related problems."
In an effort to make visitation a better experience for both visitors and staff, TDCJ has also posted the agency's Offender Rules and Regulations for Visitation on the web, along with other visitation information. Videos on the agency's Facebook page, its Twitter page and on YouTube explain to families and friends how to best prepare for an offender visit and what to expect when they arrive at a secure TDCJ facility.
TDCJ's Correctional Institutions Division oversees offender visitation and CID Director Lorie Davis wants to make sure visitation goes smoothly, while maintaining strict security. "Security is our top priority, but rehabilitation and reintegration are important parts of the agency's mission and visitation helps achieve both these goals," said Davis. "If visitors take advantage of the information available on the website, and call the unit or the agency's ombudsman with their questions before leaving home, most problems will be avoided, helping to ensure a successful visit with their offender."
Texas Board of Criminal Justice Chairman Dale Wainwright commented on the visitation hotline during the October board meeting in Austin, calling it an "excellent idea," and went on to thank agency staff for supporting offender visitation by family and friends.
"The Correctional Institutions Division has taken several actions in recent years intended to enhance visitation, and all these efforts help contribute to rehabilitation and preparation for reentry into our society," said Chairman Wainwright. "I want to acknowledge these efforts, express appreciation for everything our staff does to facilitate visits between offenders and their loved ones and encourage our dedicated staff to continue making this a priority. Of course, successful visitation is a two-way street and visitors need to abide by the rules and regulations."
The ARRM Ombudsman Program office will still be open during regular business hours and can be contacted by phone at (936) 437-4927 or email at ombudsman@tdcj.texas.gov.
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Veterans employment initiatives help increase CO hires
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has a long history of supporting our veterans and the agency continues to offer many benefits to employees who have served in our nation's armed forces. This commitment includes providing veterans with information and assistance to complete the application process and ease the transition from the military to employment with TDCJ.
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Sgt. LaShaunda Stafford discusses employment options with military personnel stationed at Fort Hood Army base. TDCJ representatives attend veterans recruiting events throughout the state.
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Since April 2015 the agency has exempted veterans from the pre-employment testing for correctional officer positions and allowed them to schedule a convenient job interview using a CO pre-employment test calendar available on the agency's website. Through coordination with Texas Veterans Commission, military bases and other resources, TDCJ continues to attend as many veterans recruiting events as possible, and by the close of FY 2016 agency representatives had attended 82 veterans job fairs and/or career days.
The agency named Paula Gilbert as the official TDCJ veteran's liaison in September of 2015. The liaison assists veterans with the recruitment process and operates from TDCJ's Human Resources Headquarters in Huntsville. The veteran's liaison can be reached by calling (936) 437-4060 or by email at paula.gilbert@tdcj.texas.gov.
These hiring initiatives have helped veterans obtain employment and helped reduce the number of correctional officer vacancies: during fiscal year 2016 TDCJ hired 1,477 veterans, a 38 percent increase from the 1,071 hired in FY 2015.
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Chairman's Fitness Challenge 2016: fourth-quarter results
by Dale Wainwright, TBCJ Chairman
The fourth-quarter challenge, which ran from June to August, was a great success. Those who took on the challenge accumulated a total of 23,135,419 points!
Congratulations to all departments, offices and individuals who took part. Thank you for your support of this fitness initiative.
Division 1:
19 or fewer employees |
Texas Board of Criminal Justice and Austin Executive Administration |
Parole Central Headquarters |
Executive Director’s Office - Huntsville |
Division 2:
20 to 39 employees |
Support
Operations - CID |
Office of the
General Counsel |
Internal Audit Division |
Division 3:
40 to 99 employees |
Administrative Review and Risk Management Division
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Houston VII Parole |
Health Services Division |
Division 4:
100 to 199 employees |
Information Technology Division |
Correctional Training Administration - CID
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Human Resources Division
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Division 5:
200 to 299 employees |
LeBlanc Unit - CID |
Boyd Unit - CID |
Facilities Division |
Division 6:
300 plus employees |
Manufacturing and Logistics Division |
Clements Unit
- CID |
Jester IV Unit - CID |
| Division 7: Windham School District (WSD) |
WSD West
Texas Region |
WSD North
Texas Region |
WSD South
Texas Region |
Gold and Platinum Challenges
During the fourth quarter, Gold Challenge participants had to earn 1,000 points during each week of the challenge and those who took on the Platinum Challenge were required to earn at least 2,500 points per week. Darrell Frith II from the Wallace Unit earned the most points among the agency's 136 Platinum challengers, and Jo Bossier from the LeBlanc Unit was the point leader among 337 Gold Challenge participants.
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Chairman's Fitness Challenge for FY17: Fight for Fitness
by Dale Wainwright, TBCJ Chairman
It’s that time again! Time to kick off the FY 2017 Chairman’s Fitness Challenge for TDCJ and Windham employees. We have a different challenge for each quarter, and this year we are introducing a Rocky Balboa theme in an effort to start you off on the right track and encourage you to continue through the year to successful completion next summer.
In the original Rocky movie, Rocky Balboa is a club fighter from Philadelphia who takes on the reigning world heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed, with the help of his trainer, Mickey, and his love interest, Adrian. In the spirit of the Rocky movie, below is the theme for each quarter.
1st Quarter: Rocky steps – Starts with training
2nd Quarter: Hit fitness with a Haymaker, Italian Stallion Style
3rd Quarter: Don’t let Adrian tell you “You can’t win!” You’re a fighter for fitness – that’s what you do!
4th Quarter: There's no easy way out. The Eye of the Tiger is in you, Champ!
Just like previous challenges, Administrative Leave will be awarded each quarter to every employee who completes that quarter's challenge in its entirety. Each quarter will consist of a two-week sign-up period followed by a six-week challenge.
The kickoff challenge, Rocky Steps – Starts with Training, requires employees to earn 225 points per week for successful completion. This event is designed to encourage all employees to engage in physical fitness activities and to encourage agency-wide participation. The challenge began on Monday, October 10, and will end Sunday, November 20.
The second quarter challenge, Hit Fitness with a Haymaker, Italian Stallion Style, is designed to encourage you to continue in your pursuit of a healthier lifestyle by requiring 250 points per week to successfully complete the quarter. For the third quarter, Don't let Adrian tell you "You can’t win!", 275 points are required for successful completion. The fourth quarter, There's no easy way out. The Eye of the Tiger is in you, Champ!, will require participants to reach 300 points weekly.
Participants will use the 2017 Chairman's Fitness Challenge Exercise Equivalents Chart to report points to their Wellness Representative and may use any physical activity, or a combination of activities listed on the chart, to reach the weekly goal. Remember, the primary goal of the Chairman’s Fitness Challenge is to encourage people to participate in regular physical activity to improve overall health.
My weekly minimum goal again this year is 1,000 points and I'm challenging those of you who can, to aim even higher and join the Chairman's Special Platinum Challenge for achieving 2,500 points each week. Back again this year is the Chairman's Gold Challenge, my target, requiring 1,000 points weekly for successful completion. Use any of the activities on the Exercise Equivalents Chart to reach the goal. A special recognition will be given to those who meet these goals each week of the challenge.
I want to encourage everyone to pledge your commitment to the Chairman's Challenge and to the goal of a healthier lifestyle. You'll be glad you did!
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SECC thanks TDCJ employees
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Dunbar named Private Facilities deputy division director
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Allison Dunbar
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Mrs. Allison Dunbar was selected as deputy division director of TDCJ's Private Facility Contract Monitoring/Oversight Division (PFCMOD), effective September 1.
Dunbar began her career with TDCJ in 1993 as a time clerk for the Correctional Institutions Division's Classification and Records department. She moved on to hold various positions in the agency's Business and Finance Division to include accountant, budget analyst and assistant budget director, as well as auditor with the Internal Audit Division. She joined PFCMOD in 2011 as a business manager and most recently served as deputy director of Compliance Monitoring.
PFCMOD Director Cody Ginsel congratulated Dunbar on her promotion saying, "Her wealth of knowledge and experience in business operations, along with her strong leadership qualities, positive energy and dedication will serve the agency well."
Dunbar earned a bachelor's degree of Business Administration in Accounting from Sam Houston State University in 1991. She replaces Billy Hirsch, who was named deputy director of Prison and Jail Operations for TDCJ's Correctional Institutions Division.
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O'Hare named CID Region I director
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Tony O'Hare
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In September, Tony O'Hare was appointed director for TDCJ's Correctional Institutions Division's Region I office, which includes the Huntsville area.
O'Hare began his career with TDCJ in 1987 as a correctional officer at the Goree Unit and has held every correctional supervisory position within the agency, including assistant warden and warden. O'Hare most recently served as senior warden at the Estelle Unit in Huntsville.
As director of CID's Region I, O'Hare oversees more than 4,000 correctional officers at 13 units in East Texas. O'Hare replaces Richard Alford, who retired.
Correctional Institutions Division Director Lorie Davis congratulated O'Hare on his promotion saying, "In addition to a large and diverse amount of experience, Tony brings strong leadership and commitment to the agency."
O'Hare holds a bachelor's degree in Criminology and Corrections from Sam Houston State University and is a member of the American Correctional Association.
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Barber named CID Region II director
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Matt Barber
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In September, Matt Barber was named director for TDCJ's Correctional Institutions Division's Region II office, which includes Northeast Texas.
Barber brings more than 24 years' agency experience to his new position as region director, to include his tenure as warden at CID's Johnston and Briscoe units. Most recently, Barber was a senior warden at the McConnell Unit in Beeville.
Barber has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Kaplan University. As Region II director he will oversee the operation of 13 units, commanding nearly 6,000 staff members who are responsible for supervising almost 25,000 offenders.
Correctional Institutions Division Director Lorie Davis congratulated Barber on his promotion saying, "His correctional experience, along with his strong leadership qualities will serve the agency well as we face future challenges and pursue new opportunities."
Matt replaces Kelvin Scott who became director of TDCJ's Administrative Review and Risk Management Division in August.
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Nelson named CID Region VI director
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Melodye Nelson
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Melodye Nelson was named director of TDCJ's Correctional Institutions Division Region VI office, effective September 1.
Nelson began her TDCJ career in 1989 as a correctional officer at what was then the Ramsey III Unit in Rosharon, now called the Terrell Unit. During her 27 years with the agency, Nelson has served as sergeant, lieutenant, captain and major for the Correctional Institutions Division. In 2007 she was promoted to assistant warden of the Crain Unit and, most recently, she served as a senior warden at the Hilltop/Mountain View complex in Gatesville.
Melodye received a Bachelor of Science degree in Correctional Management and Administration from Bellevue University in Nebraska.
As director of CID's Region VI, Nelson oversees more than 4,000 correctional officers at 18 units in Central Texas. Nelson replaces Eric Guerrero who has been named director of CID's Correctional Training and Staff Development department.
Correctional Institutions Division Director Lorie Davis congratulated Nelson on her promotion saying, "Melodye’s experience, strong operational focus and commitment to the agency and her staff will benefit the department greatly as we strive to fulfill the agency's mission."
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Gaddis appointed deputy director for Parole Division Support Operations
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Kerry Gaddis
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Kerry Gaddis was named deputy director of Support Operations for TDCJ's Parole Division, effective September 1. In his new position, Gaddis will be responsible for operational oversight of Parole's Review and Release Processing section, the Warrants section and the Central Coordination Unit.
Gaddis has more than 16 years of experience with TDCJ, beginning his agency career in 1999 with the Parole Division as a Program Specialist I in the Warrants section. Most recently Gaddis served as a Manager III for the Reentry and Integration Division's Support Operations section.
TDCJ Parole Division Director Pamela Thielke congratulated Gaddis on his promotion saying, "His strong leadership skills combined with his integrity and extensive experience will serve the agency well as he assumes his new responsibilities."
Kerry has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Texas State University in San Marcos and is a member of the Texas Corrections Association.
