Field Days

On this week’s edition of Field Days, we hear from Elwanda Ray, the department's 2018 Corrections Officer of the Year. Officer Ray shares her passion for her job and discusses her work with youthful offenders at Thumb Correctional Facility.Officer Ray has served with the MDOC for 17 years and is known for her compassion and professionalism.

On this week’s edition of Field Days, hear more about the recently announced prison closure and get a recap of the Mackinac Conference from last week. Also, a special shout out to MDOC Director Heidi Washington from the Governor, Rick Snyder! All this and more on this week’s edition of our Field Days podcast!

Memorial Day offers a time for reflection and an opportunity to honor those who have served and sacrificed to protect our country. In this special edition podcast, we pay tribute to the friends and family of our staff that have bravely served. We honor, remember and appreciate their sacrifice.

Matthew Clausen started his career as a corrections officer at Ojibway Correctional Facility and loved the work. Now as an Institutional Training Officer at Ojibway Correctional Facility was named the winner of the Michigan Department of Corrections Director’s Award for his involvement in developing improved training for corrections staff statewide. Still, in shock from receiving the department's highest honor, Matt attributes his success to great leadership and colleagues.

Agent Toni Narvais-Cooklin was named the 2018 Candice Dunn Agent of the Year for her desire to go above and beyond to help offenders achieve success in the communities where they live. Toni has 18 years with the department and currently works at the Tuscola County Parole and Probation Office. In this episode, Toni articulates the importance of continuing to instill hope in the offenders she works with.

The department's newest WRAP program gives West Michigan judges an additional option during sentencing to lead offenders to a better path that doesn’t include prison time. All counties west of U.S. 127 and in the Upper Peninsula are able to participate. The program targets high-risk probation violators and offers cognitive behavioral therapy and vocational training. Eaton County Undersheriff Jeffrey Cook and Eaton County Agent Clint Auer talk about why the program is important for correcting offenders.

The Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program (SSSPP) in Clinton/Gratiot County is a program that targets high risk felony probationers and is aimed at returning them to a productive lifestyle. SSSPP strives to reduce the number of probation violations by providing certain and consistent rules and sanctions for the probationer that are administered immediately within 72 hours of detainment. In part two, of the Swift and Sure mini-series program coordinator Samantha Rice, 29th Circuit Court Judge Michelle Rick and probation agent Heidi McMurphy share the success of the Swift and Sure Sanctions Program.

Thomas Myers, a management analyst for the problem-solving courts team, explains what the Swift and Sure court program is in its simplest definition — felony probation. In part one, of the Swift and Sure mini-series Thomas provides an overview of the State Court Administrative Office involvement in the program. Stay tuned for next week's episode with Clinton County to learn more about the Swift and Sure court program. SCAO is the administrative agency of the Michigan Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has administrative oversight of Michigan's courts and exercises that oversight through the SCAO.

Off the court, Delonda Little works as a parole supervisor at the Lawton Parole Office, and on the court as a history-making basketball officialMost recently, Delonda made history on March 17, as one of 12 all-female referees for the Girls Basketball State Finals held at Calvin College – a first in Michigan High School Athletic Association history. Delonda shares her experience being a role model for student-athletes.

Corrections Officer Jernerro Horton has a passion for being a positive role model in offenders lives. He's been able to exercise that passion by volunteering as a Thinking for a Change (T4C) facilitator at Thumb Correctional Facility. T4C is a cognitive-based program that aims to equip offenders with the proper tools to be successful out in their communities upon release. Officer Horton expresses his gratitude for the opportunities he has to help make his community safe through the department's offender success model.Also, in this episode Absconder Recovery Unit Lt. Levens sends in a shout out to thank ARU investigator Chad Johnson and Electronic Monitoring Center supervisor Diane Caswell for the teamwork to arrest a sex offender that absconded from parole.

Annually, the nation celebrates Sunshine Week, which is a celebration of access to public records and information. When the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) passed it provided a simpler way to access public information and provides an opportunity for open government. Andy Phelps, policy and FOIA manager, educates listeners on how the MDOC complies with transparency and the work involved in fulfilling a FOIA request.

Special Alternative Incarceration turns 30 this year—to help us celebrate Supervisor Keith Hickmon, Captain Dann Walling, Corporal Kirk Downs, and Community Program Coordinator Darrel Stinson join the podcast to talk about the history and the facilities unique structure built for offender success. Also, in this podcast, Probation Sentencing Specialist Kathy Arnold gives a HUGE shout out to a few counties that did an exceptional job in reducing the prison commitment rates for straddle cell offenders.

Wayne State University has partnered with the Michigan Department of Corrections to oversee the health care for inmates in the state’s prisons.The agreement gives the state access to WSU’s network of medical experts, and cutting-edge technology backed by leading academic health care experts. Douglas Skrzyniarz from WSU and MDOC health care administrator, Lia Guilick talk about the partnership and future benefits for the department. Also, in this podcast, Amanda Elliot sends in a shout out for WHV Deputy Warden Karri Osterhout.

The February 24 fundraiser event “Snowshoeing with Sasquatch” will be celebrating five years. This FREE Baraga County event will be accepting food donations that are later donated to the local St. Vincent De Paul. Participants get to hike the beautiful trails, enjoy a bonfire and snack on delicious refreshments donated by local businesses. Joe Bouchard, a librarian at Baraga Correctional Facility and founder of the event, shares all the once in a lifetime unique details about Snowshoeing with Sasquatch. Also, in this podcast, Deputy Warden Terry Tellez sends in a shout out for Detroit Reentry Center department analyst Abraham Peraza.

"Refreshing," was one of many words used by Deputy Director Marlan to describe his experience, jumping into a lake on a below freezing day. Dressed in a homemade knitted outfit, Deputy Director Marlan along with other team members at Kent County Parole and Probation Office, participated in the Turk Lake Polar Plunge over the weekend (Feb. 10)which raises funds for the Special Olympics.Kent County Parole and Probation for many years has been a fundraising leader state-wide. So far the team has raised over $18,000 for the cause and still counting.

Realizing this is a challenging time for staff, Human Resources Director Jonathan Patterson provides an overview of what to expect for MDOC staff affected by the West Shoreline Correctional Facility Closure. He will share an update on the process and stresses the importance of remaining patient while details are finalized. You can read more about the facility closure here bit.ly/West-Shoreline-Closure

Field Days Podcast - Michigan State of the State mention by Field Days

Lennie Alcorn, a Monroe County parole agent, wins 2018 Liberator Award for her efforts to end human trafficking.

John Cordell, commander of the MDOC Honor Guard, expresses the hard work and discipline it takes to be one of the dedicated Honor Guard members. 30 years after their creation, they provide a positive representation of the department at numerous ceremonies and events, nation-wide. You can read more about the MDOC Honor Guard on the department's blog, here: bit.ly/HonorGuard30

Several proposed pieces of legislation were passed in 2017 that will have some impact on the department, including the hiring of felons bill. Kyle Kaminski, reentry administrator and acting legislative liaison, reviews those bills and explains the changes they will have on our operations.