Official Newsletter of the round Corrections Virginia Department of Corrections March 2015 Editor-in-Chief Lisa E. Kinney Editor Win Sisson Director’s Message General Assembly Approves Salary Increases The 2015 General Assembly session has just wrapped up in Richmond. It was a short session, starting Jan. 14 and ending Feb. 28. During the 2015 session of the Virginia General Assembly, which wrapped up on February 28, leg- islators approved an across the board two percent pay raise for state employees and an additional Our legislators approved a two percent raise for state employees effective in August, one-time $1,000 boost for correctional officers. and they approved an additional salary increase for correctional officers. COs will re- ceive a $1,000 raise in addition to the two percent that all state employees will receive. The state employees’ two percent raise comes with a compression raise of $65 per year of con- On top of that, certain high turnover positions – including registered nurses – will tinuous service for employees with five to 30 years of service. The raise and compression pay are receive an additional two percent raise. based on salary and years of service as of August 10, 2015, and go into effect that day. The bonus We worked hard to ensure that our officers were recognized by the General Assem- applies for correctional officers and correctional officers senior. There is an additional two percent bly. For four years, my team and I have been addressing the issue of low pay with raise for high turnover positions, including registered nurses, registered nurse supervisors, dental the Secretary of Public Safety’s office, the Governor’s office, and other elected of- ficials. My team and I advocated in favor of salary increases before and during the READ MORE session by speaking before the Senate Finance Committee, the House Appropriations Committee, the Employee Compensation Review Working Group, a Joint Resolution In the Line of Duty: Dennis Toombs Subcommittee, the Senate Resolution 34 Committee, and the Public Safety Senate Finance and House Appropriations staff analysts. This was a critical issue and a top priority for me throughout the The Virginia Department of Corrections is grieving the passing of Dennis Ray session. I am incredibly pleased that the urgent need for an increase in CO pay was recognized. Toombs II, 33, Institutional Chauffeur. The Department had four bills in front of our elected officials this session, two of which passed. The two bills that Mr. Toombs was fatally injured February 14 in a single-vehicle accident returning passed involved offender transportation and victim notification. Senate Bill 1258 authorizes staff of the Department to the Stafford Diversion Center after picking up nine offenders from their com- to transport offenders across state lines and clarifies that we retain authority over such offenders during transport. Senate Bill 1311 simply codifies what we were already doing in terms of victim notification of offender transfers. munity job placement. He left his wife, his young daughter, his mother and his The bill requires us to give notice to registered victims as soon as practicable following the transfer of an offender. sister to cherish his memory. The two bills that didn’t pass involved the compounding of lethal injection drugs and VCIN. The first would have “The Department greatly appreciates the service and efforts of Mr. Toombs, and allowed the Department to obtain lethal injection drugs from compounding pharmacies, and the second would have allowed the Department to enter gang information into VCIN at any time before the offender is released from incar- READ MORE ceration (rather than every year as we are doing currently). Urban Institute Completes Third Employee Survey Some of you were probably aware of the staffing study being conducted last year. That staffing study committee has The Virginia Department of Corrections has undergone a major cultural shift in recent years, been approved to study staffing levels and employment conditions at the Department for an additional year. transforming into a research-based organization aggressively focused on offenders’ successful re- After state budget woes forced the closure of four VADOC facilities and the elimination of 641 positions, the effect entry back into their communities. Results are now in showing the success of efforts to combat on the Department going forward is a loss of $32 million on an annualized basis. recidivism and increase public safety through a new environment at the VADOC.

There are still many misperceptions about the Agency at the General Assembly, and my team and I will continue to In 2010, the VADOC began thoroughly examining its security measures, programs, and human work to clear those up and to make sure our elected officials know about the good work happening in this Depart- resources, and their combined effectiveness in reducing recidivism. Today, Virginia has the second ment every day. lowest recidivism rate in the country. Thank you to everyone who worked hard to represent the Department at the General Assembly this year, and to all READ MORE of you who are ambassadors for this Agency every day, ensuring lasting public safety in the Commonwealth.

TO SEE THE DIRECTOR’S VIDEO MESSAGE, CLICK HERE. Harold Clarke round Corrections General Assembly Approves Raises, $1,000 Boost for Correctional Officers During the 2015 session of the Virginia Gen- These changes await the final approval of eral Assembly, which wrapped up on Feb- Governor Terry McAuliffe. Subject Inmate Transportation (Bill: SB1258) ruary 28, legislators approved an across the board two percent pay raise for state employ- Legislators approved an offender transporta- Summary: Authorizes corrections personnel of other states and the United States to retain jurisdiction over any ees and an additional one-time $1,000 boost tion bill that allows corrections staff to trans- offender they transport within the Commonwealth. The bill also authorizes staff of the Department for correctional officers. port inmates across state lines, which is impor- of Corrections to transport prisoners across state lines and clarifies that they retain authority over such tant in cases of medical emergency. prisoners during such transport. In addition, the bill authorizes the Director of the Department of Cor- The state employees’ two percent raise comes with a compression raise of $65 per year of Legislators also approved Senate Bill 1311, rections to enter into reciprocal agreements with other states’ corrections agencies governing such trans- continuous service for employees with five to which simply codifies what we were already ports. 30 years of service. The raise and compres- doing in terms of victim notification of of- sion pay are based on salary and years of ser- fender transfers. The bill requires the sheriff, Status: Passed vice as of August 10, 2015, and go into effect superintendent, or Department of Corrections that day and the first increase will be seen in to give notice to registered victims as soon as the September 1 paycheck. practicable following the transfer of an of- fender. Subject: Victim Notification (Bill: SB1311) The bonus applies for correctional officers and correctional officers senior. There is an Legislators denied a bill to allow the Depart- Summary: Requires the sheriff, superintendent, or Department of Corrections to give notice to any victim of the additional two percent raise for high turnover ment to obtain lethal injection drugs from offense for which an offender was incarcerated as soon as practicable following the transfer of such pris- positions, including registered nurses, regis- compounding pharmacies. Legislators also oner. Under current law, such notice must be given at least 15 days prior to the transfer. tered nurse supervisors, dental assistants, and declined to pass a bill that would have allowed probation officer assistants. the Department to enter gang information Status: Passed into VCIN at any time before an offender is Salary increases are based on positive employ- released from incarceration (rather than every ee evaluations and no downward revisions year as we are doing currently). in the state’s general fund revenue estimate. Subject: Compounding of drugs for use in executions (Bill: SB1393) Summary: Empowers the Director of the Department of Corrections to make and enter into contracts with a pharmacy or outsourcing facility to compound the drugs necessary to carry out execution by lethal injec- tion. The bill provides that information relating to the identity of the persons or entities compounding such drugs, the identities of persons or entities engaged to manufacture or supply the materials used to compound the drug products, and the name of the materials or components used to compound drug products for use in an execution are kept confidential and exempt from the Freedom of Information Act..

Status: Did not pass

Subject: Criminal gang files (Bill: SB1152) Summary: Allows the Department of Corrections to enter information into VCIN on an offender who is incarcer- ated for more than one year at any time before the offender is released from incarceration. Current law requires such entry to be made “as soon as practicable” after determining that the person is a member of an organized criminal gang and once a year thereafter.

Status: Did not pass

2 HOME round Corrections In the Line of Duty: Dennis Toombs

The Virginia Department of Corrections He brought much happiness to others in is grieving the passing of Dennis Ray his life. Mr. Toombs was an avid Wash- Toombs II, 33, Institutional Chauffeur. ington Redskins fan who engaged in lively sports conversations, especially with Dal- Mr. Toombs was fatally injured February las Cowboy fans. 14 in a single-vehicle accident returning to the Stafford Diversion Center after picking Stafford Diversion Superintendent James up nine offenders from their community White stated Mr. Toombs was a valued job placement. He left his wife, his young employee who will be missed by all. daughter, his mother and his sister to cher- Superintendent White and the staff of ish his memory. Stafford Diversion appreciated the out- “The Department greatly appreciates the pouring of support shown by the rest of service and efforts of Mr. Toombs, and we VADOC in the wake of this loss. are deeply saddened by this loss,” said Di- The last VADOC employee to pass away in rector Harold Clarke. the line of duty was Warden Shirley Avent Mr. Toombs, had a youthful vitality ap- on January 26, 2011. parent to everyone around him. He joined Stafford in March 2011 and was known as a devoted family man. He spoke often of his little girl who was the center of his life. He enjoyed his job, was eager to please, and guided divertees towards positive change.

3 HOME round Corrections Urban Institute Completes Third Employee Survey

To measure the success of the VADOC’s efforts, the Key preliminary findings of the third annual survey in- Washington, D.C.-based Urban Institute has conducted an clude: anonymous survey for three years in a row as part of a Na- tional Institute of Corrections initiative. VADOC efforts . Strong support among staff for the use of evi- covered by the survey include the use of evidence based dence based practices and reentry services for of- practices throughout the Department, the use of dialogue fenders skills among staff, the Department’s focus on reentry, co- . Support for organizational “oneness” – acting as hesion between the Department’s institution staff (prisons, a team across the state work units) and community staff (probation and parole) and the creation of a healing environment for staff and . Significant organizational commitment among offenders at the Department. staff

“We have made significant changes at the Department . Support and commitment for the Department’s of Corrections over the last four years, and having our healing environment initiative progress measured by a third party gives us crucial feed- . Effective use of dialogue skills among staff back with the necessary level of impartiality,” said Harold Clarke, Virginia Department of Corrections Director. “We . 77% of employees agreed or strongly agreed they engaged the esteemed Urban Institute to survey the De- work in a dangerous place, but about 64% feel partment because they are known for the high quality of safe in their job overall and more than two-thirds their research.” feel safe when working among offenders The four key domains of the Urban Institute survey were . 64% of employees agreed or strongly agreed with support for reentry; impressions of the VADOC; the VA- the statement that their work unit comes close to DOC’s healing environment; and workplace diversity. Data being a healing environment – up from 42% in sources included the staff survey, operations and perfor- the first year’s survey and 61% in the second an- mance data, and a small number of process interviews. nual survey Surveys were anonymous, and the Department does not . In all three annual surveys, 80-90% of employees receive the data; Urban Institute researchers receive the expressed strong support for offenders’ access to data directly. programs (job skills, GED, parenting, substance abuse, mental health) and reentry services For years, a primary focus of the VADOC was command and control of offenders, while treatment and program- ming were secondary. Safety and security remain the foun- dation of what the Department does, but programming and reentry efforts are now focused on long-term results and what research shows to be effective.

4 HOME round Corrections DIALOGUE, LEARNING TEAMS AND LEARNING You may already attend a Learning Team regularly, or it may yet be a offenders at all – but in all cases Dialogue is necessary. When you refresh while before Learning Teams will be introduced into your Unit, but the or practice the skills you learned in other trainings, or as you learn new aim is to establish Learning Teams across all Units in the Department EBP skills, the basic engagement and communication skills of Dialogue during the next couple of years. At the same time, there is a commit- will still underwrite the learning that occurs in the Learning Teams. ment to ensuring that all Learning Teams have Dialogue as well as other LEARNING DISPOSITION EBP skills. This article explains why the VADOC is advancing in this You will probably already be familiar with many of the Dialogue skills The disposition to knowledge either enables way. through attending a Dialogue Skills Training (DST). They include the or inhibits learning... Check-in and Check-out to improve the quality of engagement by hear- Learning Teams are being set up for all staff in the agency in order to en- ing everyone’s comment at the start and close of each meeting. To un- sure that the VADOC becomes a Learning Organization. This involves derstand how to improve the level of engagement, there are the Modes a cultural shift, first proposed in 1990 by Peter Senge in his book The of Talking and Thinking Together. These progress from Monologue NEW KNOWLEDGE CAN BE GENERATED Fifth Discipline (sub-titled the art and practice of the Learning Organization). He that is used for traditional forms of teaching and lecturing, to Skilful Together designing our best answer Learning in live situations (first-hand) defined a Learning Organization as one where “people continually expand Conversation and Dialogue that are more useful for reflective and in- their capacity to create the results they truly desire, where new and expansive patterns novative learning in a Learning Team. Then there are the Dialogic Ac- of thinking are nurtured, where collective aspiration is set free, and where people are tions (Move, Follow, Oppose and Bystand) for functional interactions, continually learning to see the whole together.” So Learning Organizations are and the Dialogic Practices (Voice, Listening, Respect and Suspension) innovative in finding new and more effective ways of working for the without which you cannot have high quality thinking. benefit of all. Also they learn from those situations where the results KNOWLEDGE IS RELATIVE were not what were intended - so as not to repeat what would otherwise Many people don’t realize that learning within a Learning Team is either Selecting the best available answer enabled or constrained by the way people think about knowledge itself. become a predictable “mistake.” Applying best practice (second-hand) There are four distinct levels of disposition to knowledge. They are For his Team Learning Discipline, Peter Senge drew specifically on my depicted in the graphic. early work of Dialogue with David Bohm, saying that: “Team Learning starts with Dialogue, the capacity of members of a team to suspend assumptions and Some people have the dominant experience that Knowledge is Dan- enter into genuine thinking together.” In 1990, I helped Peter Senge with the gerous. These people have been silenced at some point, and prefer to official launch of his book in Grafton, Vermont, by facilitating a corpo- remain silent in certain situations. At some time they have said what they KNOWLEDGE IS IN THE BOOK rate Dialogue for him with executive leaders drawn from many different really thought, based on what they had seen or heard, and they suffered Get the right answer commercial organizations. So since they were first conceived, Learning for it. Maybe others reacted or reprimanded them in some way, and now Training and set procedures (third-hand) Teams have been inseparable from Dialogue. they are reluctant to put their view into the thinking of the Learning Team. This withhold weakens the learning of the whole Learning Team In the VADOC, the earliest experiences of developing Learning Teams Although their views could be an important contribution if they were were in 2008 at Wallens Ridge State Prison and at Williamsburg P&P included, and result in a different understanding and different conclu- along with several other Districts. They proved the value of Learning sions, these views remain unavailable to others. That is why the Dialogic KNOWLEDGE IS DANGEROUS Teams in correctional settings, and now the intention is to create an engagement skills (Check-in, Check-out and the Modes) are so impor- Withhold your answer agency-wide Learning Organization. To do this people need Dialogue tant - to help get everyone participating and contributing to the thinking. Silenced (historic) skills. Participants in the Learning Team have to engage with one an- There are others who believe that Knowledge is in the Book and there other in order to talk and think together about how to handle everyday is only one ‘right’ answer to what should be done in any situation. This work situations more effectively, and how to manage ongoing change requirements. The content under consideration may be different for the results in fixed thinking and entrenched debate. The set answer is third- Can you change your disposition when needed staff in different parts of the organization, depending on whether you hand and though they may not even know who wrote what is in the to enable useful learning? Can your Learning Team? engage with prisoners, supervise ex-offenders in the community, or man- manual or book, they believe it to be a ‘fact.’ Of course there are some age operational, fiscal or staff functions without engaging directly with questions to which there is only one correct answer, and there are safety and security procedures which define some of these answers and pro-

(Continued) © Dialogue Associates 201 5

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DIALOGUE, LEARNING TEAMS AND LEARNING Youth Offenders Learn About Adult System (Continued From Previous Page) cedures that should be followed to the letter. But most questions and situations could be On February 25, representatives of the handled in a number of different ways depending on who is involved and why. That is what Department met with youth offenders learning is about – exploring and trying other ways that may be more effective than those who will soon transfer to the adult pris- you used in the past. on system. Regional Offender Work- force Development Specialist (OWDS) A broader disposition to knowledge assumes that Knowledge is Relative. People who Marion Curry, Sr., OWDS Jennifer Jen- are thinking this way know that there may a number of different practices in use in other nings, and Sgt. Kingston Townsend met places, and they want to consider which would be the most helpful way to proceed in their with residents at the Beaumont Juvenile particular situation. This involves learning the second-hand knowledge from others about Correctional Center to help prepare the what they did and what results they had. That means a process of learning what may be young men for changes they will soon appropriate or applicable, where and when, with the aim of choosing the best practice for face in the adult prison system. us in our situation. The three formed a panel and offered The kind of disposition that can achieve a fully-fledged Learning Team, in the spirit they basic information about the adult sys- were first conceived, also assumes that New Knowledge Can Be Generated. This is tem. The youths were advised to set where people use their first-hand experience, to learn from what they themselves did, and realistic goals, accept responsibility for to design the best way to handle whatever situation they are facing. Learning Teams are an their actions, respect authority, develop a ideal setting for such learning with others. spirit of teamwork and develop a posi- Each of us has experiences of all four dispositions to knowledge. For all of us there is tive self-image. The panel emphasized some area where we have been silenced (was it singing, public speaking, opposing the boss?) that developing these skills would help and in that area we may still experience knowledge as dangerous and feel silenced. We all them succeed in both their immediate have stuck areas where we are convinced there is only one answer and we know what it is future and throughout their lives. After (and has that led to some hot arguments!). There are areas where each of us has tried an the presentation, the youths voiced their approach, then heard about another (was it pain-killers, exercise, chiropractic or surgery concerns and asked questions. for that back pain?) and found different results because knowledge is relative to different people, different situations and different times. And there are areas for each of us where we have found that new knowledge can be generated and in the moment the right way to proceed became evident to us even though we had never heard of or tried it before. The reason to lay out these four levels is to give us a language to help us change our dispo- sition to knowledge when that would lead to better learning in our Learning Teams for the situation at hand. If a colleague is silenced and withholding their views, can you help them to participate? If someone’s thinking is set in stone, can you help them to start to consider other possibilities? On the other hand, if someone believes they can interpret a fixed secu- rity procedure in whatever way they choose, can you hold them to the one way defined in the manual? If a colleague knows knowledge is relative, can you help them to select the best available answer or practice for their situation? And if a unique and new way is needed, can you remain confident in not knowing the answer until it becomes evident to the individual or to the whole Learning Team? If so, your learning team will be enjoyable and rewarding.

Submitted by Peter Garrett 6 HOME round Corrections Augusta Retains Its STAR Status

Reprinted from a Virginia Department of Labor Press Release Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced in February that Au- In Virginia VPP, a cooperative relationship is formed between the gusta Correctional Center has been approved as a STAR Worksite VOSH program, the employer and employees, which include the under Virginia’s Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and Protection Program (VPP), the program’s highest level of recogni- health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupation- tion. The facility was honored with its second Certificate of Recog- al safety and health criteria. Employers agree to voluntarily partici- nition issued on January 28, 2015. pate in the program and to directly involve employees in all aspects of the company’s safety and health management systems. Require- “The management and employees of this facility continually strive ments include an extensive application process, submission of writ- to provide their employees with exceptional health and safety pro- ten safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of tections,” said Commissioner Davenport. “I congratulate the Vir- successful implementation of those programs through injury and ginia Department of Corrections, Augusta Correctional Center on illness rates that are below the national average for the employer’s the occasion of their recertification as a STAR Worksite.” industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP Augusta Correctional Center’s commitment to providing a safe and experts. Audit team, from left to right: Kevin Grissom, VPP Regional Co- healthy workplace for its employees is demonstrated by its very low Businesses that participate in VPP substantially improve safety and ordinator, Virginia Dept. of Labor & Industry, Justin Rogers, EH&S injury and illness rates. August Correctional Center has a total three- health protections for thousands of Virginia employees through Professional – R.R. Donnelley, Ms. Lynn Graham, Institutional Oper- year average for the TCIR (Total Case Incident Rate for injuries and cooperative efforts to reduce injuries, illnesses and fatal accidents. ations Manager, Allen Hatch (Team Lead), VPP Regional Coordinator, illnesses) of 1.59 compared with a 2012 Bureau of Labor Statistics VPP STAR sites regularly report decreased bottom line costs associ- Virginia Dept. of Labor & Industry, Matt Wilson (SGE) – Safety Special- (BLS) national rate of 8.8 for this industry, representing a TCIR rate ated with dramatically reduced injury and illness rates (an average of ist, Dominion Generation, Jerry Ferris, VPP Consultant, Virginia Dept. 82% lower than the national average for the industry. The three-year over 60% below the respective industry average), and improved pro- of Labor & Industry, not shown: Steven Nuffer, Safety Specialist average DART rate (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred injury ductivity and employee morale. Reducing private sector employer and illness cases) is 1.31, compared with 4.4 for the national average, costs associated with injuries, illnesses and fatal accidents enhances 70% lower than the national average for the industry. As part of the a company’s economic viability and competitiveness, and increases recognition for achieving STAR status under VPP, the worksite is available capital for reinvestment, expansion and new hiring. entitled to fly the VPP “STAR Worksite” flag. The Augusta Correc- tional Center Craigsville site is the second Correctional Center VPP The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry offers two vol- STAR site in Virginia and currently one of only two VPP STAR untary protection recognition programs – VPP, generally for larger worksites that are Correctional Institutions in the United States. employers and the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Pro- VPP includes two levels of participation – Merit and STAR - with gram (SHARP) for businesses of 250 employees or fewer. Virginia STAR being the highest. Similar voluntary protection programs are VPP is financed with 50% statefunds and 50% federal funds in the conducted in other states across the country. form of a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor – OSHA, un- der §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Ad- The process for reaching STAR status is extensive to ensure that ditional information can be obtained by contacting the Department only the best programs qualify. Since the inception of Virginia’s of Labor and Industry (doli.virginia.gov) office closest to you or by VPP in 1996, only 62 STAR worksites have been recognized, and calling Milford Stern, VPP Program Manager at (540) 562-3580, ext. only 43 Virginia companies currently retain the STAR designation. 123 or [email protected] and Jennifer Rose, CSP, Consultation Augusta Correctional Center has set a standard of excellence that is Program Manager (for SHARP) at 804-786-8707 or Rose.Jennifer@ second to none. dol.gov.

7 HOME round Corrections VADOC Makes Big Splash at the Polar Plunge Winter Fest ROLL ON THE GROUP VADOC’s Team True Blue showed up in force Kevin Blair, Kelsey Hailey, Robert Nelson, Paula at the 2015 Polar Plunge Winter Fest in Virginia Stringer, Joshua Bradley, Christopher McCann; SHOT BELOW AND SEE Beach on February 6-7, as 103 employees, fam- Harrisonburg P&P: Travis Hopkins; Haynes- ily members and friends combined to raise more ville: Sarah Baker, Morgan Corpe, Christa Hol- TRUE BLUE GO than $21,000 for the Special Olympics Virginia. brook; Keen Mountain: Christopher Horton; Lunenburg: Nathaniel Stokes; Manassas P&P: BIG! Overall, the event’s 4,781 participants raised $1.18 Monica Weaver, Laura Paschal; Norfolk P&P: million total. “Raising one million dollars for the Darrell Hopkins, Ryan Hubbard, Patrick Carroll, fifth year in a row is incredible,” said Rick Jeffrey, Valerie Towns, Josh Coleman, Jasmine Andrews, Special Olympics Virginia president. “Our ath- Beverly Hubbard, Kimberly Hague, Kathryn letes face a number of foes and opponents each Hall, Debbie Winoski, Melodie Rodgers, Jennifer day but none is more pervasive than low expecta- Matthews, Ginette Gelardi; Petersburg P&P: tions. The community’s support of events like the Steven Smith; Portsmouth P&P: Ashley Miller; Polar Plunge Winter Fest shows a commitment Saint Brides: Phillip Powers; Stafford Men’s to celebrating what our athletes and communi- Diversion Center: Patricia Wilson, Catherine ties can achieve when we play and live unified.” Bookert; Sussex I: Kelly Ball; Sussex II: Lynn Radford Plungers Raise Over $1,300 For the fifth straight year, VADOC’s Team True Croft, Tammy Richards; Virginia Beach P&P: Blue took home the prize for the largest law en- Jennifer Gregg, Amy Burton, Tiffany Franklin, On February 28, the Virginia Department of Correc- forcement team prize. Angela Gehring, Sandy Monroe, Susan Davis, tions TEAM “TRUE BLUE” braved freezing tempera- tures to participate in the Radford Plunge held in Rad- Robyn Basilio, Melanie Meehan-Dowe, Brittany “We are a proud bunch representing a large por- ford. With the thermometer hovering around 32 degrees Woodle tion of the Department of Corrections family,” Fahrenheit, 13 registered VADOC Staff/family/friends said Captain James “Jim” Shantz. “We made a • Total VADOC Staff plunging: 69 plunged to raise $1,358. good showing and had a great time while helping a very worthy cause,” he added. • Total of other Virginia State Employ- The Team (VADOC Staff) included: Crystal Jones, Don- ees plunging: 1 (Virginia Industries for na Muncy, Deborah Joyce, Angela Bailey from the West- TRUE BLUE Participants Blind) ern Region Office; Ella Farrington, Barry Kanode, Chris Hudson from Patrick Henry Correctional Unit; Aimee Academy for Staff Development: Peter Dan- • Total of Law Enforcement Officers N. Jarrett from P&P District 14 Danville; Sandra Kuehn les, James Brown, Claude Guill, Joseph Thacker, (outside agencies): 2 from P&P District 40 Fincastle; Kelly Ball from Sussex June Hopson-Williams; Augusta: Sharen Ander- I State Prison; Jay Bateman and Charles Jessee from Pat- son, Sarah Fisher, Marrianne Miller, Dawn Miller; • Total of Family/friends plunging: 31 rick Henry Correctional Unit, and Team Captain James Buckingham: Catherine White, Robert Saun- Shantz from the Academy for Staff Development. • TRUE BLUE TOTAL- 103 ders; Caroline: Ronald Cruz Jr.; Cold Springs: A VADOC First at the RVA Plunge Natasha McCurdy; Danville P&P: Erica Stump; • TRUE BLUE Total Donations- On February 28, the Virginia Department of Correc- Division of Correctional Education: Chris- $21,028.06 topher Colville; Dillwyn: Wayne Beagle, Dawn tions TEAM “TRUE BLUE” participated in the first- Schrader; Fluvanna: Tammy Richardson, Heath- Donations went to Special Olympics of Virginia ever RVA Plunge held in Richmond. through participation in 2015 Polar Plunge Win- er Lawson, Eric Lawson, Nicholas Lawson, Lori Sgt. Harold Beagle of Dillwyn Correctional Center ter Fest in Virginia Beach. Desurealt, Victoria Rodrigue, Edin Barbour, took the plunge for the VADOC team. He raised $50 for Special Olympics. Way to go Sgt. Beagle! 8 HOME round Corrections

Dialogue: Staying the Course VADOC, Henrico Jails Join For Training Below are some suggestions designed to promote dialogue with an eye toward improving personal health and well-being.

What topics or issues would you like to suggest for an upcoming newsletter? Let us hear from you!

Working for Progress Dialogue Topics: Name some good things happening in your life at home or at work. What are you doing to nurture those things? Using recent events in your life, formulate a positive and brief message for the benefit of others. What is that message? What keeps you centered emotionally, physically, mentally and/or spiritually? If you name more than one center, prioritize them. Think of a recent personal or professional goal. Where are you in terms of achieving that goal? What helped you get there and/or what prevented you from achieving that goal?

Read the 2014 FACT Report and Issue Brief The Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia (FACT) 2014 edition of Violence at Home: The FACT Report (FACT Report) is now available.

When the first Violence at Home: The FACT Report was published in 2010, information about the extent of family violence in Virginia was scattered across state agencies, often divided by the age of the victim or the nature of the crime. The FACT VADOC joined forces recently with the Henrico County Women’s Detention and Diversion Center, Richmond City Sheriff ’s Office to offer a staff training event at the Hen- Jail and the Henrico jails. Report pulled this data into one document in an easy-to-understand format. rico Jail Training Center. The cognitive community training for reentry staff, held February 9-13, is a routine effort held Guest speakers for the concluding ceremony included a Rich- The 2014 FACT Report is now taking this mission, to provide a comprehen- through the year, but this was the first offered at the Henrico mond City Detective Clyde Lindsey and Probation Officer sive view of family violence in Virginia, a step further through the creation of Jail Training Center. Mark McNair from the Chesterfield Women’s Detention and a dynamic, online web portal. The portal includes 18 indicators of family vio- Diversion Center. lence, spanning eight years of data for many of these measures, and presents “We are certainly grateful for the hospitality offered by the them in an interactive report format. Henrico Sheriff Michael Wade and his staff. This community Lt. Steward Prentis with the Henrico Jail system offered clos- collaboration is invaluable,” said one of the event organizers, ing remarks. Trainers for the cognitive community staff train- The read the 2014 FACT Report, click here. To read the Issue Brief, click here. trainer Jessica Lee. The event brought together correctional ing included Ms. Lee (Atmore), Jerome Reed (Lunenburg), staff from various facilities, including: Sussex I State Prison, Michelle Jackson (St. Brides), Cheryl Moody (Greensville) Lunenburg Correctional Center, Greensville Correctional and Amber Leake (Atmore). Center, Deep Meadow Correctional Center, Chesterfield 9 HOME round Corrections Catch VADOC in the News!

Statewide News General Assembly News

Legislators Vote to Boost Correctional Officer Governor Pardons Autistic Man: Governor Terry Pay: VADOC officers joined legislators to discuss McAuliffe signed a conditional pardon for a Staf- increased salaries for correctional officers. The ford County offender with autism. Read the Freder- Staunton News Leader picked up on a story by Capi- icksburg Freelance Star report. tal News Service.

Budget Writers Back Raise for State Workers: Green Jobs: The national trade magazine for Heat- Rising revenues had the House Appropriations ing Ventilation and Air Conditioning writes about Committee looking at a possible raise for all em- VADOC’s HVAC program at Indian Creek. ployees of the Commonwealth.

Augusta Maintains STAR Status: The Staunton McAuliffe, Officials Worked for Changed Vote: News Leader notes ACC’s recertification in Virgin- VADOC was in the news quite a bit during the re- ia’s Voluntary Protections Programs STAR status. cently completed General Assembly session, includ- Do you have a story The award honors continued excellence in occupa- ing this article focused on lethal injection. idea for the newsletter tional safety and health training. (or IDOC)? Please contact Win Sisson at george.sisson@vadoc. virginia.gov or call : The leg- Urban Institute Completes VADOC Survey Budget Brings Relief to Public Safety: (804) 887-8072. Read about the Department’s success as noted by islature voted a two percent raise for all state em- Corrections.com. ployees and correctional officers received a $1,000 boost.

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