July 1 June 1

June 2015 ORANGE COUNTY CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT Volume 8 Issue 9

Youth Illiteracy Drives Out Generosity By Inmate Records Management

T he statistic that low-income neighborhoods have one book for every 300 children compared to the 13 books for every one child in middle-income neighborhoods struck a nerve, to the point that the employees working on

Inmate Records Management’s C-shift decided they would make a difference. So they hosted a book drive.

Heart of Florida United Way asked for donations of new and gently-used children’s books (K-12) to distribute to children on the Day of Action, June 23, which chose to focus on addressing summer reading loss this year. “I couldn’t bare knowing that I didn’t help these children when I could have easily contributed to making a step in the right direction for their success” stated Diali E. Coll-Mercado, who supervises the C-shift team of Inmate Records. “Reading to and with the children is very important in my home, so I asked the team to help with the HFUW Book Drive and, without hesitation, they did. There is a direct correlation to reading and juvenile delinquency, so why not help?” Here are some statistics:

Children with learning difficulties and disabilities have a higher propensity for gang membership. Specifically, children with learning disabilities are 3.6 times more likely to join gangs, while youth with low academic achievement are 3.1 times more likely (Hill, et al, 1999; Hill, Lui, & Hawkins, 2001).

Additionally, in a meta-analysis of the academic performance–delinquency relationship, researchers estimated that 35 percent of academically low-performing children became delinquent compared with only about 20 percent of academically high-performing children (Maguin & Loeber, 1996).

A large number of youth who are incarcerated are also marginally literate or il-literate and have already experienced school failure (Leone, Meisal, & Drakeford, 2002).

(See “Book Drive” con nued on page 2)

A Message from Fiscal Manager Frank Priola

The Budgeting Process and You

Each year the Fiscal division oversees the budget process. We are responsible for gathering submission items, analyzing historical data, assisting with calculating costs for needs, reviewing contract costs, estimating day-to-day expense amounts and determining how all of these items fit within the mayor’s budget guidelines.

In late December/early January, the majors and division managers are emailed directions involved with gathering budget needs from staff within their areas and are provided with a deadline for submission of new projects, programs, equipment, services and other needs. The submission is accomplished on a Budget Item Detail form which is used to identify what the need is, whether it

(See “Budging” con nued on page 2)

June 2

 

 

is a one-time or annual on-going need, the estimated cost, justification for the needed item and consequences if the item is not funded. Once all forms are received, we compile a list of the new items and provide the list of the items with the detail forms to the chief and deputy chiefs prior to holding meetings. The meetings are held to determine which items can be funded in the coming budget year; in some cases decisions include the purchasing of some of the “most” important items during the current fiscal year.

Our internal deadline for budget submission items is usually during the first week of February and our final budget is due to the Office of Management (OMB) the last business day of March. Once submitted, OMB reviews the submission and meetings are held with county administration to determine if any adjustments are required. After completing the processing of any adjustment items, we begin working on the budget presentation. The budget is presented to the Board of County Commissioners during the month of July, and if need be, further adjustments are made leading up to the final approval of the budget. The final approval for the budget requires that the County hold two public hearings during the month of September. At the second public hearing the Mayor and the Board of

(“Budge ng” con nued from page 1)

(See “Budge ng” con nued on page 3)

Many youth who are incarcerated have a history of truancy and grade retention. A study of more than 400 incarcerated ninth-graders found that in the year prior to incarceration, these students had attended school barely half the time and were failing most of their courses (Balfanz, Spiridakis, Neild, & Legters, 2003).

IRM C-shift employees collected over 200 books for all different ages. Some of the employees said their children were all of a sudden interested in their old books when they noticed they were being removed from the bookshelves. Once they knew it was going to a good cause it was easy for them to let go. “My daughter asked to read one of her favorite books ‘Just one more time’ before I packed it up” said Supervisor Coll-Mercado, “and now she wants to start a summer book club.” From one good deed, another follows.

The books were delivered to Ashley Pruitt of Heart of Florida United Way in Orlando on May 29, 2015. Ashley stated that on the Day of Action, June 23rd, the United Way will be engaging with numerous local schools and education-based nonprofits to create fun reading and literacy volunteer projects to promote reading in youth and distributing all of the books directly to the children they interact with in order to curb one of the major causes of summer reading loss—lack of access to age appropriate reading material. She continued to say that with OCCD’s help, they should again be able to provide students with at least three books to take home as their own. Supervisor Coll-Mercado continued to say that “It feels really good knowing our team was able to help provide the community’s low-income students with access to books and hopefully encourage reading, not just for the summer, but for a lifetime.”

Great Job, Inmate Records Management C-shift!

(“Book Drive” con nued from page 1)

(L to R) Jamel Johnson, Latoya Foster, Brion Brookins, Nicole Beaujour, Denise Keene,

Celeste Lopez, Darnell Hilbert, Rhonda Walker, and Edgardo Garcia‐Frias.

June 3

 

 

Preventing Crime in the Black Community Annual Conference By Cpl. Stephanie Faulk

T he 30th National Preventing Crime in the Black Community Conference is a collaborative effort sponsored by Attorney General Pam Bondi to foster communication and action among practitioners through the sharing of

innovative ideas and prevention strategies that have been successful in the black community. A major component of the program was directed toward alternatives to violence among the youth. The conference agenda showcased successful programs in order to promote a positive exchange of ideas.

Attending Preventing Crime in the Black Community for the first time was a phenomenal experience. As I met with the different vendors I was inspired most by the Florida Youth ChalleNGe Program. In 1993, the National Guard founded the Youth ChalleNGe Program to give troubled youth the opportunity to turn their lives around. A voluntary, preventive program, the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program (NGYCP) helps young people improve their life skills, education levels and employment potential. Male and female high school dropouts between the ages of 16-18 are eligible to apply for the 17-month program, which includes a five-month residential phase followed by a 12-month mentoring phase for FREE.

The Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy is one of the few Youth ChalleNGE Programs that are also state-certified high schools. Led by professionals who emphasize structure, discipline, education and life skills, this program provides high school dropouts the chance to become productive and accomplished in their chosen field. The goal of the program is to intervene in the lives of high-school dropouts and provide them with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed.

I interviewed three young men: Short, Escalera, and Conrad. I asked all of them the same two questions, what were you doing before you started the program and do you believe the program will help you to be successful after completion? I was surprised to find out that all of them were involved in

substance abuse and committed felony offensives. Escalera began selling drugs to support his family. The young men collectively explained that intervention to this program has been a highlight in their lives and for once they are looking forward to an abundant life being a responsible citizen.

County Commissioners vote on final approval of the budget.

The new fiscal year budget is loaded into the accounting system for use on October 1st of each year. At that point, we begin the purchasing and payment process and we are on our way! Of course, only a few months after October 1st, we step right back into the budget process all over again.

Where do YOU fit in?

Regardless of your position or rank, you can play a role in ensuring we budget for the most needed items. As you identify an important need, be willing to discuss the item with your supervisor to ensure what you are suggesting is feasible and that you fully justify the benefits of the item you are seeking. Keep in mind, frivolous purchases are not likely to be approved, and at times, costs and budgetary constraints can play a factor as well. During next year’s budget process we will be expanding our budget request notice to include the captains, lieutenants and their civilian equivalents. I encourage you to do your research ahead of time and reach out to those supervisors through your chain of command prior to the end of the year so that your suggestion can be properly considered.

As always, it is a pleasure serving you. I am available anytime to discuss this topic or other items related to our Fiscal Services Division.

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June 4

 

The Corrections Chronicle is the official operational and professional development employee newsletter of the

Orange County Corrections Department

Orlando, Florida ——

Published by the

Orange County Corrections DepartmentOrange County Corrections Department Public Information Public Information

and Communications Office and Communications Office Editor:

Public Information Officer

Carrie Proudfit

Co-Editor: Assistant Public Information Officer

Christina Grover

Editorial Assistant: Migdalia “Blanca” Castro

Photo Contributors: Mike Davies

Frank Weber

“Love the moment and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries.” Cornita Kent — 

Ar st, educator; helped to establish silkscreen, or serigraphy, as a fine art medium. Designed the 1985 US Postal Service’s annual “love” stamp. (November 20, 1918—September 18, 1986) 

When Breathing Becomes Difficult By Anita Martin, ARNP

A s we head into the summer months, many of us would like to get out in the summer heat and participate in many outdoor activities. For those

who have asthma this can become very challenging. Keeping in mind the basic precautions and recommendations for proper asthma treatment and maintenance would allow asthma sufferers to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.

Asthma is a common condition that affects the respiratory airways and is characterized by inflammation of the airways. Some of the common symptoms of asthma are shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and coughing. The diagnosis of asthma can be made by having an abnormal pulmonary function test or simply by symptoms alone. Asthma can also be characterized by the number of attacks or exacerbations that a person has. Some attacks can last from minutes to hours. The treatment of asthma depends on the severity and frequency of symptoms. Some of the common medications for treating asthma are Albuterol and a systemic steroid like Prednisone, which are usually used for the quick relief of symptoms. Long-acting medications such as Qvar and Advair are used to decrease the inflammation of the airways leading to better overall control of asthma symptoms.

Identifying the common triggers of asthma attacks is key in decreasing the number or severity of attacks. Allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, extreme temperature changes, stress, viral illnesses or exercise can all be triggers of asthma attacks. There are a few steps which can be taken to decrease the chance of having an asthma attack, like taking Claritin, which is a common antihistamine sold over the counter to help control allergy symptoms. Allergies often lead to asthma-related symptoms. Being able to avoid and identify triggers would allow asthma sufferers to enjoy outdoor activities that we all look forward to in the summer months.

June 5

 

 

Your Slice of the P.I.E. for June (Policy & Inspection Education) By Community Corrections Officer Lacarenthia Williams, MPA

American Correctional Association (ACA) Standard Standard 2A-48: The status of inmates in administrative segregation and protective custody is reviewed every seven days for the first two months and at least every 30 days thereafter. 

The Slice: IO.300 Administrative/Special Management Confinement:

III. POLICY:

  3. Close Custody:

a. Close Custody inmates will be reviewed every seven (7) days by an Inmate Affairs Officer and the Review Team until released from confinement:

 1) Inmates will lose all privileges after being placed in Close Custody status. 2) Upon demonstrating compliant behavior for thirty (30) days, the inmate

will move to the general populations housing and will regain all privileges.

June 6

 

 

It’s Never Too Late By Senior CCO Robert Barnett and UCF intern Russell Kupke, Inmate Programs

O ne of the most common definitions of the word graduate simply means to be granted an academic diploma, but upon further looking into the meaning of the word, graduate also means to change gradually. A gradual change is precisely what happens to the inmates that start the GED program as high school dropouts and later

finish as high school graduates.

Most people have been to some type of graduation at some point in their life, but very few have been to a graduation like the one hosted by OCPS/OCCD at the Orange County jail. The OCCD graduation is similar to other graduations in that graduates wear a cap and gown, families are present and ceremonial music is played while the graduates enter the venue; but the aspects that are different make it powerful and even life-changing. At most graduations a keynote speaker talks for most of the allotted time and then a portion is awarded to the class valedictorian, but nowhere in the traditional ceremony is there an opportunity for family members, teachers and graduates to take the stage. The OCCD graduation allows for all of the aforementioned parties to speak and the messages delivered are commanding and heartfelt.

Behind the scenes of the OCCD graduation would have to be termed as organized chaos. To put together a ceremony inside a facility that has such rigorous standards toward security can be extremely challenging. First, because of the transient nature of the inmates, a proper date must be selected so that a graduation ceremony has an ample amount of graduates in attendance. Next, the graduates must be interviewed as to identify whom they would like to invite from their family. When this is completed, family members have to be contacted to give personal information to include their birth date and social security number. Then, background investigations are ran to assure the family members potentially coming into the facility are cleared to do so. Once background checks are cleared, the family members are re-contacted and explained the specifics to include time, location, parking and the dress code. Aside from all of this, there are still numerous arrangements that have to take place regarding all aspects from the security standpoint.

Despite all of the tasking work behind the scenes to make an OCCD graduation possible, the work is well worth it. A telling example was at the most recent graduation where an inmate took the podium and thanked his girlfriend whom was in attendance by stating his motivation for studying so much revolved around the possibility of being able to see her face-to-face if he passed. Or, at a past graduation where an inmate`s uncle came and stated he rode his bike 15 miles in the hot sun while wearing shoes that had no soles just so he could show support.

It is hard to mention the GED graduation without mentioning the success of the OCCD GED program as a whole. In 2014, the GED test was transitioned to an online only testing system. The new test was infamously known to be much more challenging than previous versions and counties all across the large state of Florida statistically struggled with it. At the end of September, data was compiled by the Department of Education to show pass/fail rates amongst all testing facilities in the state of Florida to include jails, prisons and juvenile housing facilities. Amongst all sites that tested over 20 inmates during the timeframe, Orange County Corrections testing site had the best pass/fail ratio in the state.

Unfortunately, people often forget that not only are those men/women leaving jail with an education endorsed by a high school diploma, but that the graduates (and even non-graduates) are also leaving with other reentry tools such as goal setting, time management and situational communication skills. The satisfaction they have coming from their sense of accomplishment proves it’s never too late to take a big step in the right direction.

June 7

 

 

Speaking With Confidence By President Christina Grover

W hen Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs asked Dr. Hefang Lin to deliver the invocation and introductions at the recent Asian Pacific American Heritage celebration, Dr. Lin did not hesitate. She was able to speak with confidence through her practice in

Toastmasters. “Before I would be very nervous to speak in front of so many people. But this time was different. I could tell I was not as nervous as I was when I spoke a year or two ago,” Hefang reflected.

If you spend a moment speaking with her, one could easily tell Dr. Lin is passionate about both organizations. Recently founded in 2012, the Orange County Asian Committee works to promote and preserve the heritage and culture of Asian Americans in addition to partnering with other Asian American organizations in the area. Dr. Hefang Lin has been intricately involved with the committee at the onset. Similarly, she has also been an active leader in Club Orange Toastmasters since joining eight years ago. Toastmasters is an international organization that helps to develop or enhance a person’s communication and leadership skills in a friendly, supportive environment.

“Speaking at different events in my professional career used to be scary for me. I would do it but I did not enjoy it as much as I am able to do now. Since I have been a Toastmaster I can feel I have made progress,” she proudly smiles.

If you would like to learn how to speak with confidence feel free to attend one of our meetings. This month Club Orange meets on Wednesday, June 10th, from 12:30—1:30 pm and on Wednesday, June 24th, from 4:30—5:30 pm at Corrections administration building, 4th floor, in conference room 1. We guarantee you will enjoy yourself while making progress in the process!

CHS Welcomes New Physician Assistant By Dr. Robert Buck, Medical Director

C orrections Health Services would like to welcome Afshan Fatima to the Medical team. She joined our team at Orange County Corrections on April 13, 2015 as a Physician Assistant.

Afshan received her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from DeVry University, Orlando, and was on the Biomedical team at Orlando Health for four years. She later went on to pursue her Master of Science in Physician Assistant studies at Nova Southeastern University in Jacksonville. Afshan is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is licensed to practice in Florida.

Afshan has interests in preventative medicine and women’s health. She is a member of the American Academy of Physicians Assistants and is an active member of the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants. She comes to us from the St. Cloud Family Medicine Clinic where she worked as a Physician Assistant. On her off-time, Afshan loves to spend time with her family and friends.

June 8

 

 

Classification training sessions are open for enrollment By Courtney Padgett, Classification Administrative Supervisor

Do you ever wonder why an inmate custody level is lower than you think it should be? Find out the ins and outs of classification during an informative presentation designed to answer all of your classification questions. The sessions will cover the essentials of classification, the Classification Decision Tree (custody levels), housing assignments, IMS for classification (navigating through the classification system), and custody level scenarios. The training sessions are open to all staff with prior supervisory approval and will be held in the BRC briefing room, 2nd floor. Go to WebConnect for enrollment or click on the training link below.

Tuesday, June 9th, 0900 – 1100 hours and 1930 – 2100 hours

Tuesday, June 16th, 0900 – 1100 hours and 1930 – 2100 hours

Training Opportunities

Click Here for Orange County Corrections

Training Information

Canine Companions Fundraising Begins for Veterans By Sergeant First Class Malik Muhammad, 873rd Quarter Master Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve (OCCD Capt.)

O n Memorial Day we officially kicked off the fundraising efforts for Canine Companions! Founded in 1975, Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. Headquartered in

Santa Rosa, CA, Canine Companions is the largest non-profit provider of assistance dogs, and is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people.

With the increase in wounded veterans who could benefit from an assistance dog, we want to do more. For a veteran making a new start putting their life back together from an injury, an assistance dog can provide the help they need to regain independence. Canine Companions was the first assistance dog organization to be accredited by Assistance Dogs International and has provided assistance dogs to over 4,500 people with disabilities. (cci.org 2015)

The goal of our fundraising activities is to make a donation on behalf of Orange County Corrections Department to Canine Companions. Our fundraising activities will begin with t-shirts designed exclusively for OCCD officers!

T-shifts are $12 for sizes small-large and $15 for XL or larger. They can be pre-ordered until Saturday, June 20th. Contact:

MicheleCarpentiere6‐3573 WynnetteHinkle6‐0206BerrilCox6‐3311 CharlesDavis6‐3311DuaneBell6‐3311 VeronicaArp6‐3311MelissaMaglio6‐0245 RochelleRobinson6‐0351EricArmstrong6‐8321 TraceyHall6‐0351TenishaBrown6‐0351 RaquelPeterson6‐0121KarrieJulien6‐3600 YvonneZinnermon4‐8296JacquelineHill4‐8296

June 9

 

 

New Hires, Promotions & Retirements OCCD May 2015

Effec ve Date  Last, First  Status  Job Title  Assignment 05/09/15 Bazan, Kent Retirement MCO  Training 

05/10/15 Arzuaga Machado, Carlos Promotion CCO  Inmate Records 

05/10/15 Ayala, Diogenes  Promo on  CCO  PreTrial 

05/10/15 Canas, Jasmin Promotion Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/10/15 Cason, Laura Promotion CCO  PreTrial 

05/10/15 Chastine, Terrica Promotion CCO  PreTrial 

05/10/15 Cooper, Ava Promotion CCO  Inmate Records 

05/10/15 Dooley, Denise Promotion Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/10/15 Dowdy, Shuntivia Promotion CCO  PreTrial 

05/10/15 Gaillard, Michelle  Promo on  Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/10/15 Hardy, Brittany Promotion CCO  PreTrial 

05/10/15 Harper, LaShonda Promotion CCO  PreTrial 

05/10/15 Martin, Patrick Promotion CCO  PreTrial 

05/10/15 Nelson, Berony Promo on  Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/10/15 Villa, Jeannie Promo on  CCO  PreTrial 

05/11/15 Birkett, Clark New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Brown, Erika New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Camacho, Christopher New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Cameron, LaShawn New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Carilus, Loukens New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Cordova, Cristian New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Dhanpat, Nadira New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Execeus, Rolf New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Franklin, April New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Julssaint, Fedor New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Keaton, Carrie New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 King, Kanesha New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 McCullon, Ethel New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Ortiz Colon, Sara New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Perez, Jeffrey New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Rainge, Landis New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Rodriguez-Rivera, William New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Said, Aziz New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Santiago, Jeremy New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Taylor, Johnny New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Tedesco, Joseph New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Varnado, Quomesha New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Wallace, Barbretta New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Welty, April New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Witke, David New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/11/15 Zuzierla, Michael New hire Non‐Cer fied Correc onal Officer  Academy 

05/14/15 Aplanalp-Hibbitts, Leanne Retirement Sergeant  BRC Court 

05/25/15 Futrell, Sherri New hire RN  Health Services 

05/25/15 Kantor, Katy New hire RN  Health Services 

05/25/15 Singh, Haresh New hire LPN  Health Services 

05/25/15 Woods, Corine New hire LPN  Health Services 

05/26/15 Brantley, Bilandra New hire DSO  FDC B‐1 

05/26/15 Whitaker, Katrina New hire Correc onal Officer  Main D