Volume 8, Issue 3: Winter Issue Dear Sheriff, Misuse of Identification Section This is to commend your Misuse of By Lieutenant Robin Osborn, Administration and Support Bureau Identification Section, and in particular The Travis County Sheriff ’s Office (TCSO) Misuse Criminal Justice Information Services of Identity Section was created 10 years ago after the Security Coordinator Dawn Teague. I brag on it all the time and it finally 83rd Legislative session enacted new laws in the Gov- occurred to me that I should brag to you. ernment Code. TCSO was one of the first counties in Just the concept is a wonderful service the state of Texas to implement the required steps. The to the public. In an era when many see Sheriff ’s Office serves as an example to other counties. the government as the enemy, it is so TCSO’s best practice model is based on interaction and refreshing to see an example of a gov- cooperation with other local criminal justice agencies ernment service that helps people who that streamline the process making it more efficient for have been wronged. We are so fortunate all, especially the victim. Lawmakers realized the need in this country to have such a service. to protect innocent people who had their identity mis- used by another person during the course of an arrest. Sincerely, Criminal Justice Information Services Security Coor- Evelyn P. McKee dinator Dawn Teague did the vast majority of the work in setting-up the entire section. She quickly became an expert in her field and has gained recognition for it. At the request of the District and County Attorney Offices, Dawn has traveled around the state and attended con- ferences to train prosecutorial staff. She has also trained in, as well as other crimes that are generated from the several other criminal justice agencies and employees. original charge. The most typical scenario occurs when a person A common way a person learns someone has misused arrested is issued a citation or summons and gives a their name is upon renewal of their driver’s license. The peace officer the name and birthday of someone they victim learns their driver’s license was suspended because know. The innocent victim who had their name used someone used their information subsequent to a driving without their consent or knowledge most often ends up while intoxicated, reckless driving or other similar arrest being the person wanted for the crime which can have or traffic offense. The majority of these cases involve a devastating effects on the victim. Misuse of identifica- person known to the victim. Occasionally, persons with tion has caused people to lose their job, become unable the same name, race, sex, and date of birth will errone- to secure employment, lose their eligibility for housing ously have warrants or information attributed to them and be arrested for the actual crime their name was used Continue pg. 8 A publication for the employees of the Travis County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff’s Spotlight Happy New Year and I know as in years past many of you FIVE POINT have made resolutions for 2014. It may be to save more money, purchase a home or car, take an exotic vacation or maybe the usual, become healthier and/or lose weight. Some of you have PRESS started on these resolutions and some are just waiting for the right time (wink-wink). Well, if we don’t take care of our health January 2014 VOL.8, ISSUE 3 nothing else really matters. The weather is getting warmer, those pants are fitting tighter EDITOR and the blood pressure gauge keeps rising higher at every Kelly Page check-up. Maybe now is the time to stop talking about getting some exercise and really do it. MANAGING EDITOR Jeannie Maldonado However, we must realize that good health includes both physical and mental well-being and the two go hand-in-hand. GRAPHIC DESIGNER A healthy mind contributes to a healthy body. The mind, like Tiffany Taylor the body benefits from low blood pressure, low cholesterol, nourishing food, a healthy weight and physical activity. Many Thank you to the following employees of the same things we do to keep our bodies fit contribute to and guests for your contributions: healthy minds. Over the past year, TCSO has had numerous staff mem- Phyllis Clair Jeannie Maldonado bers that have been diagnosed to have a stress related illness Bucky Eacret Robin Osborn (whether from a spouse, significant other, rush hour traffic, Oscar Gonzalez Marcelo Pocaressi finances, work or a combination of these). Stress can wear our Mark Hardin Mark Sawa Kasben Harris Alesia Turner-Cale bodies down and increase blood pressure and the risk of heart Dennie Hedlund Roger Wade disease, it can also affect the way we think, our moods and abil- Jerry Kovar James Williamson ity to remember. Stress has also been known to cause depression and anxiety. Regular exercise can help improve your mood and help you better manage stress. Just remember, everyone can gain the health benefits of physical activity-age, ethnicity, shape or size do not matter. So, in order to lead a successful life, nothing can be more INSIDE THIS ISSUE... important than maintaining good emotional health. And just as importantly, keep in mind that, despite your work, there are other things in life which are obligatory, which is your leisure Our Life as a Foster Family time. 4 To sum up, becoming healthier both physically and mentally depends on you. Sure this life can be hard, but Team Building you need to make it worth living. So 5 give your best everyday of your exis- tence. Start thinking of yourself as Cupcake Challenge someone who exercises and eventu- 7 ally, that will become your identity. Let’s get moving in 2014 as TCSO becomes a healthier agency. World Police Games Good luck and let’s get 12 moving. Travis County Sheriff www.tcsheriff.org 2 Employee Profile ADMINISTRATION & SUPPORT SENIOR OFFICE SPECIALIST Leigh Stubbs 1. How I got started in this field... My mom has worked for the Sheriff ’s Office since I was six years old. I saw her enjoy her job and the envi- ronment that she worked in and I wanted that too. 2. What I do – my career highlights and education... I started in 2006 as a security coordinator in Building 8. Book, magazine or newspaper article I’ve read 3 and worked there for four months before my oldest recently that really influenced my thinking... daughter was born. After maternity leave, I worked in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Central Booking for almost two-years before becom- Skloot. ing a corrections captain’s assistant. I then worked for Captains Lisa Brown and Bennie Cureton before join- 9. My best day on the job... ing the Building 12 transition team. When Building 12 Probably the day Building 12 opened. To get to be a opened, I went back to being Captain Brown’s assistant small part of something that big felt really cool. and stayed there until January 2013, when I moved to the Training Academy. 10. How I think I make a difference... 3. What I like best about my job is... By being helpful and pleasant, whenever possible; I think that makes a difference because people know that My coworkers; I work with the best group of guys any- I’m available to them when they need answers about one could ask for. It’s really like a family at the Training their training. I try to smile at everyone every time I Academy and I enjoy it immensely. see them, which can improve my mood and hopefully, 4. The best advice I’ve received for my current job is... improve someone else’s too. Be everyone’s friend, but no one’s best friend, simply QUESTION FOR MAJOR MARK SAWA... meaning be nice to everyone, you never know when Why was this employee nominated to be in the Five you’re going to need someone’s help. Point Press? 5. Advice I would give a new hire at TCSO is... If I chose who would be the face and voice of the Administration and Support Bureau it would Leah Have fun. Get to know your coworkers. Enjoy what Stubbs. Leah brings her best every day she comes to you do. Don’t be afraid to try something new. I’ve work and brings her best to every customer contact she worked in four places in seven years, which can seem like makes. She works seamlessly into the mind-set of the a lot, but I’ve gone after positions I wanted, positions Training Academy and carries the same “can do attitude” that I thought would make me a better employee and as do the academy instructors. Don’t let Leah’s soft voice, teach me something I didn’t know. always present smile and diminutive size fool you. She is 6. If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be as tough as any of the officers around the complex and is found... one of the Cross Fit crazies that you can see working out around the Training Academy in the scorching heat of a At a bookstore. Del Valle summer. One phone call to the Training Acad- 7. People would be surprised to know that I... emy (hence the voice of the Administration and Support Bureau) and you’ll see what I mean about Leigh and I’m Cross stitch. sure that you’ll agree!! 3 www.tcsheriff.org Our Life as a Foster Family By Administrative Assistant Alesia Turner-Cale, Corrections Bureau A little over a week ago, I said goodbye to my babies.