Crystal Darkness Campaign 2009
Oklahoma State Reformatory - 100 Years
Fourth Annual Reentry Conference
Hugs Project - William S. Key Correctional Center
Technology in Community Corrections
19th Annual Hostage Negotiation Training and Competition
Director's Comments
There continues to be research and articles comparing the differences in leadership
styles and success of the female gender to that of the male gender. Research
suggests that female leaders are more likely to perform as a transformational
leader, skilled at communication, teamwork, and the soft skills now being labeled
as emotional intelligence. The leadership and management gurus of the 2000’s
suggest that these are the skills that take your company to the next level,
and may mean the difference between success or failure. In fact, there is data
that shows that publicly traded companies whose policies and cultures are employee
friendly actually perform better than those that do not emphasize these values.
Remember when your mother told you to not cross your eyes, because they might
get stuck? Remember growing up when you were told to never tell a lie? Remember
being told to stand up straight or you would be hunched back when you got older?
Well, hopefully you have learned that these are myths. You crossed your eyes,
and they didn’t get stuck. You learned that sometimes you were expected
to lie, like when your significant other asked you “how do I look?” And
you learned that with the right diet, calcium intake, and exercise the risk
of becoming hunched back is slim to none.
Well, I have learned that like the myths you believed when you were growing
up, there are myths that should be further explored regarding gender differences
in the workplace. I’d like to share some of my personal favorites; my
list of myths and my list of facts based on what I have experienced. I realize
that these may not mirror your experiences, but hopefully it will give you
something to think about.
MYTH #1: You have to work twice as hard as a man to progress half as much.
FACT: You have to work twice as hard as anyone on most occasions to rise up
through the ranks to a leadership position.
MYTH #2: To succeed in a male dominated profession, you must behave like a
man.
FACT: You have to improve yourself by watching and learning from everyone regardless
of gender. Learning from others what not to do is often more important than
learning what to do.
MYTH #3: If you work hard enough someone will notice.
FACT: Find a balance between ensuring your good work is noticed and bragging
about it. Research shows that promoting your own successes is a helpful strategy
for ambitious men, but can actually hinder females. This doesn’t translate
into not having a voice at the table.
MYTH #4: If you try hard enough, you can make everybody happy most of the time.
FACT: Know when to walk away. If someone lets you walk away during negotiations,
they’ve made their best offer.
MYTH #5: Tough men are labeled aggressive, tough women are ______.
FACT: Ok, like it or not, I think I have to admit that this still holds true.
Use this as a reminder to ensure that you are being fair and honest in your
dealings with others.
MYTH #6: Dress Code is in policy.
FACT: Common sense, corporate culture and expectations cannot be written in
policy. These unwritten rules become even more complex for females. Let’s
look at two recent, highly politicized examples. First, Hillary Clinton: received
lots of scrutiny for her “thick ankles” and got headlines for showing
cleavage. Next, Sarah Palin: received criticism for wearing red high heels
to a political debate. Both of these women have a long list of professional
achievements and had a host of image staff to select everything they wore during
public appearances. NEVER underestimate the power of image.
MYTH #7: Blondes are dumb.
FACT: Sorry, couldn’t leave this one out even though it’s not specifically
targeted at a gender difference. All I can say is use this to your advantage
and when others make this assumption, blow right past them. They will not underestimate
you the next time.
MYTH #8: There is no upside of being a woman in a male-dominated profession.
FACT: The lines are shorter at the ladies room.
J'me Overstreet, Associate Director
Graduation
February 12, 2009
The Correctional Training Academy in Wilburton hosted a graduation ceremony on
February 12, 2009 for Correctional Officer Cadet Class W010509. The 50 cadets
in this class successfully completed the required 240 hours of pre-service instruction.
Sixteen different facilities ranging in security level from maximum security
to community security had students in W010509.
The staff of the Correctional Training Academy in Wilburton would like to commend
the Class of W010509 on a job well done and wish them the best of luck in their
careers with the Department of Corrections.
Award Recipients
HEATHER M. WINCHESTER
Oklahoma State Penitentiary
Academic Award
JOSHUA BLAKE ANGLIN
Lexington Assessment
& Reception Center
Academic Award
ROGER D. STOCKTON
Oklahoma State Penitentiary
Outstanding Performance
JEFFREY W. ELLIS
Elk City Community Work Center
Outstanding Performance
CHARLES MOLES
Oklahoma State Reformatory
Class Speaker
MANNY R. JAGERS
Joseph Harp Correctional Center
Class Speaker
My Journey to MINT, Inc. - By Bryan Bell
Nestled west of the Sandia Mountains in the northern edges of the Chihuahuan Desert (at approximately 6,000 feet) lies the beautiful town of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Founded in 1706, Albuquerque is a city that is rich in history, known for its production of exceptional chile peppers and its annual hot air balloon festival.
The area known as “Old Town” is located just east of the Rio Grande River and offers “New Mexican” cuisine, as well as numerous shops featuring local artisans and jewelers. Dr. William Miller (author of Motivational Interviewing) has called Albuquerque his home for over 30 years. It seemed fitting that on Motivational Interviewing’s 25th anniversary, the Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town was selected to host the 2008 Motivational Interviewing (M.I.) Training New Trainers (TNT) and Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers, Inc. (M.I.N.T.) Forum.
MINT, Inc. is an organization comprised of subject matter experts in the
area of MI from around the world. Entrance into this organization is extremely
selective and based on one’s proficiency in using and teaching MI.
Once an applicant’s previous competency in MI has been verified, completion
of a TNT workshop conducted by Dr. William Miller and/or Dr. Stephan Rollnick
(authors of the philosophy) is required for MINT membership. With an active
membership nearing 1,000, and a current waiting list equal to its total membership,
several applications are usually necessary before being invited to attend
the training.
Before traveling to Albuquerque, I would not have described my pending trip
as “a pilgrimage” or the destination as “the Motivational
Interviewing Mecca.” However, a trip which began as an intellectual
opportunity became one of the most transforming experiences of my life.
As I entered the classroom on the first day of training, I felt a little
like the “star struck teenager.” Dr. Miller must be accustomed
to posing for pictures and autographing books, because he did both gleefully
and without reservation. Meeting my trainer team (Dr. William Miller, Guy
Azoulaï, and Stephanie Ballasiotes) and my fellow trainees was an exciting
experience! MI has become a desired communication style in many different
philosophies, so my fellow learners were very diverse. Addiction counselors,
academicians, medical professionals, and corrections experts came together
to focus on a common goal – to learn this communication style from
the ones who brought it into being. Within the first hour of training, all
levels of “rank” and “profession” had been shed from
the group. Now all being equal, we proceeded with the business at hand: a
three day, intensive examination of MI, taught in a way which adds value
to the individual talents of each participant.
Each day seemed to bring a new level of insight, a new zeal for “more.” Clear
distinctions between MI “Phase I” and “Phase II” were
drawn. Commitment to change was dissected to include discussions on “preparatory” change
talk (Desire, Ability, Reason and Need to change behavior) and “implementing” change
talk (Commitment, Activation, Taking Steps to change behavior). New and exciting
activities were used to increase learning. It was refreshing to see how “exercises” can
take on a whole new meaning when everyone in the room is “advanced” in
practicing MI. It was a real “a-ha!” moment when I realized that
these activities, lessons and collaborations would ultimately lead to lifelong
friendships with similar minds from around the world.
Following the TNT, the new members of MINT, Inc. were invited to attend the
MINT Forum. The forum is the annual conference of MINT, Inc. It is an exciting
three day conference designed to continue to support the members of MINT.
During the conference, new training techniques are presented, advancements
in MI and its integrity instruments are discussed, and goals for the future
are disclosed. Ample opportunity for networking with other MINTies was also
provided and several social functions were arranged in order to offer opportunities
for collaboration.
This years forum included a panel discussion from senior MINT members speaking
about MI after its first 25 years in existence, a presentation from Dr. Miller
on MI in psychotherapy, and a keynote address from Carlo DeClemente regarding
MI and the transtheoretical model of change.
Individual workshops were conducted by MINTies from around the world. In
review, I believe my favorite workshop was presented by Giovanni Biondi (Italy)
and explored a new way of “coding” MI in everyday conversations,
or “MITI-Live.” This simple, yet effective, exercise allows
participants to “score” one another as they engage in conversation.
I liked it so much that I would not be surprised to see this exercise used
in MI refreshers in the near future here in Oklahoma!
As I reflect on my week in Albuquerque, I can’t help but think that
I underestimated the amount of knowledge that would be gained from this trip.
What started as a dream (with inspiration from my late friend and mentor
Kelly Vance) has now become a reality – thanks to my many friends at
the Oklahoma Department of Corrections!
In summary, I could not find better words than those of my new colleague,
Debby Wescott (Mission Hills, CA) to describe my journey to MINT, Inc: “We
new MINTies all came to ‘the dance’ in search of the Holy Grail.
We thought there would be a holy man who would impart that magical ‘thing’ that
would make us the greatest teacher of this ‘language.’ What
we discovered was that there is no holy man and that the grail is in each
of us. However, there truly IS a secret, and we were given to know it at
the hand of ones who wholly listened to us – We can only see ourselves
clearly when we give permission to others to be free to communicate with
us. We are each an integral part of the MI circle. We need each other – for
to be truly heard – we must listen.”
Crystal Darkness Campaign 2009
Phase I of the Crystal Darkness Campaign culminated in the airing of the documentary; “Crystal Darkness Oklahoma.” In one night, one-third to one-half of the state became educated concerning the danger of methamphetamine.
Crystal Darkness Watch Party in Lawton, Oklahoma
By Anita Alford
Meth dependence is a difficult disorder to treat. As one offender stated
during the Crystal Darkness Watch Party in Lawton, “It is a continuous
need to get high.” The majority of offenders viewing the documentary
had been meth users. The party was hosted for offenders at the Lawton Community
Corrections Center. The party was held at the Centenary United Methodist
Church, food was provided by the Altersgate United Methodist Church and photography
by the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The objective was to provide a location where offenders and families could
view the documentary together and breakout in small group sessions to discuss
the issues. Families, offenders, church volunteers, Department of Corrections
staff and panelists engaged in insightful and meaningful dialogue. The dangers
of this substance was a major part of the conversation.
Officers and counselors from the Lawton Police Department, Cornerstone Clinical
Services, New Hope of Mangum, and Taliaferro Community Mental Health Center
composed the panelists to facilitate the after show discussion.
Law enforcement noted that “there’s no treatment in the law,
just can’t afford treatment on the law enforcement side” as an
alternative to arrest and lock-up. Family members made it clear that they
needed help in rural areas where kids need more activity.
When asked how any of them overcame their use of meth, one offender responded, “DOC
helped me.”
The hosting of a watch party by DOC in the community promoted the importance
of individuals and organizations combating the problem.
Oklahoma State Reformatory - 100 Years (1909-2009)
The Oklahoma State Reformatory was established by an act of the legislature
in March 1909, due in large part to the urging of Kate Barnard, Commissioner
of Charities and Corrections, who saw the need for a reformatory for young
inmates. The first 60 inmates were received from Oklahoma State Penitentiary
on April 22, 1910. The emphasis on moving the institution towards its reformative
ideals occurred during the term of Governor James B. Robertson[1919-1923]
who stated in a letter to all judges in the district courts that no prisoner
would be confined at Granite who is over the age of 23 years, who has been
committed previously for two or more offenses, and has a sentence of more
than ten years.
The first warden of the Reformatory was Samuel H. Flourney. Clara Waters
served as warden from 1927 until1935 and is recognized as the first female
warden in the country for a large state reformatory for males.
Lakeside School became the first fully accredited K-12 school to be operated
within the confines of an adult prison in 1947 when it was accredited by
the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Lakeside School was also the
first racially integrated school in the state, starting in 1949.
Fourth Annual Reentry Conference Described as the “Best Ever!” - By Debbie Mahaffey
For four years the Oklahoma Department of Corrections has sponsored a conference
to raise awareness about the challenges of offenders returning to the community
from prison. In November 2005, the first conference was held for faith based
and community organizations in hopes of engaging more of those partners.
No one really knew if these organizations would attend. After all, it was
on a Saturday, and during an OU football game. Well, nearly 300 people showed
up! We knew right then that Oklahoma was ripe to make some real advances
in offender reentry.
In 2006, Director Jones was contacted by the Center for Effective Public
Policy (CEPP) offering to include Oklahoma in a training program on reentry
for which they had obtained special funding. In December 2006, CEPP conducted
the training program entitled “Community Safety Through Successful
Offender Reentry” at the University of Oklahoma Center for Continuing
Education. The Center staff were the presenters for the conference and did
an excellent job of introducing reentry concepts to Department of Corrections
staff from all divisions, geographic locations and throughout the chains
of command.
In 2007, using the CEPP model, the Department of Corrections again sponsored
the conference. Nationally known experts were contacted and agreed to present
their expertise to Department of Corrections staff and faith and community
partners at the Third Annual Reentry Conference. The conference theme was “Where
Do You Fit?” in hopes of encouraging both staff and partners to examine
their role in helping offenders to be successful.
Finally, on December 8 – 10, 2008, the Fourth Annual Reentry Conference
was held. The conference was entitled “Working Together: Resources
for Reentry.” The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Services and the Office of Faith Based Initiatives helped sponsor the conference.
Approximately 400 staff and partners in the reentry effort attended including
staff from other state and federal agencies, faith and community organizations
and Native American tribes came together for two and a half days of speakers
and workshops.
The speakers for the Fourth Conference included Director Jones and Commissioner
of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Terri White. Former Senator,
now Executive Director of Operations, University of Oklahoma Outreach, Cal
Hobson was keynote. Senator Hobson has long been a friend of corrections
and his words were encouraging (and funny).
Nancy Wolff, Ph.D. from Rutgers University, kicked off the rest of the conference
explaining that reintegrating offenders into the community must begin with
a clear understanding of the effects of incarceration on the offender, the
family and the community as a whole. She presented a model strategy which
included key elements of empowerment and recovery.
William Burrell, Management Consultant, also from New Jersey, explained the
concept of Cognitive Behavioral Tactics and illustrated why and how every
Probation and Parole Officer and others in the agency should be trained to
incorporate these tactics into every contact with the offender.
Edwin Nichols, Ph.D., Director of Nichols and Associates, presented information
on cultural competence. Participants were guided through a process of understanding
the importance of providing a supportive learning environment through mutual
respect and understanding of differences in cultures.
Joseph Williams, Chief Executive Officer of New Creations Community Outreach
in Detroit, MI and ex-offender, provided information on the principles of
effective reentry from a faith mentoring perspective. He stressed the importance
of social learning to ensure offender success.
Trudy Gregorie, National Consultant and Senior Director of Justice Solutions
in Washington, D.C. stressed the importance of including victims in the reentry
process. She explained that victims can be an important ally in holding offenders
accountable as they reenter the community.
Le’Ann Duran, Manager of the office of Offender Reentry with the Michigan
Department of Corrections, explained how that state used the Transition from
Prison to Community model to develop the Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative.
Through the collaborative efforts of many agencies, the state legislature
eventually earmarked over $30 million for prisoner reentry.
Mary Leftridge Byrd, Assistant Secretary, Division of Offender Treatment
and Reentry Programs, Washington State Department of Corrections discussed
the important link between criminal justice professionals and community stakeholders
in protecting public safety.
And finally, Edward Latessa, Ph.D., Professor and Head of the Division of
Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati presented on what works
and what doesn’t work in offender programming and the importance of
effective programming on successful reentry.
Several workgroup sessions were facilitated by DOC staff so that participants
could discuss the presentation topics and how the concepts applied to their
everyday work. And, as is true with any conference, the participants especially
appreciated the time spent networking and sharing their own successes on
the topic of reentry.
Many thanks go to the steering committee and all who dedicated time to yet
another successful conference. Many of the participants exclaimed as they
rode out of site, “BEST ONE YET!”
Hugs Project - William S. Key Correctional Center
The Hugs Project is a program that provides homemade items for America’s
service men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan and has over 2,000 members
in the United States and 32 foreign countries.
In October 2006 Woodward County Hugs Project Coordinator Dawn Case and William
S. Key Correctional Center Warden Donna Laymon began discussing the possibility
of implementing an offender work crew to make the homemade items. This collaboration
helped both and accomplished two things: 1) increased the volume of items
being sent by the Woodward Chapter, and, 2) provided work for the offenders
who are medically unable to work physically demanding jobs. Volunteer Donna
Dreyer, who is with the Women of the Moose, helps Dawn oversee the project
by delivering the supplies, equipment, and materials used to make the items
and picking up the completed items.
The William S. Key Correctional Center is the only prison in the United States
involved in The Hugs Project. WSKCC Case Manager IV Kathy Waggoner coordinates
the work through The Hugs Project volunteers and WSKCC Activities Officer
James Hardy supervises the offenders who make the items. The offenders put
in long hours making teddy bears, school bags, pencil holders, pillows, and
shower bags. The offenders enjoy being involved in this project for the service
men and women.
Irwin Chevrolet in Woodward and Hudiburg Chevrolet in Oklahoma City provide
the transportation to bring the supplies, materials, and equipment from Oklahoma
City and return completed items to be packaged and sent overseas.
Technology in Community Corrections - by Ann Toyer
The Department of Corrections (DOC) has implemented two innovative community-based reentry programs using Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) and continuous alcohol monitoring technology.
19th Annual Hostage Negotiation Training and Competition, January 13 – 15, 2009
The Department of Criminal Justice at Texas State University hosted approximately
275 officers representing law enforcement agencies from across Texas and
the United States during the 19th Annual Hostage Negotiation Training and
Competition January 13-15, 2009. This is the 2nd oldest competition in the
nation of it’s kind.
Approximately 20 teams, including the Indiana Department of Corrections,
the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives participated alongside municipal and state law enforcement
agencies from across the country. Local Texas teams from Hays, Comal, Travis
and Williamson Counties participated, along with municipal teams from San
Marcos, Austin and San Antonio. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections sent
two negotiation teams (East and West).
The schedule for the first day focused on classroom sessions. On the second
and third days, teams conducted mock hostage negotiation exercises from 8:00
a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Texas State campus.
Teams were graded on how they negotiate with the hostage takers, and how
they function as a team. This is a role-playing scenario that tries to mimic
real life as much as possible.
CORRECTIONS DIVISION WINNERS
1st Place Winner
OKLAHOMA EAST TEAM
Shannon Atchison, Coordinator
Northeast Oklahoma CC
Dewayne Howell, Asst. Coordinator
Jackie Brannon CC
Members
Cathy Sasnett, Jess Dunn CC
Chris Redeagle, Dick Conner CC
Daril Garvin, Jackie Brannon CC
Terry Powell, Howard McLeod CC
Jody Jones, Mack Alford CC
Cindy Baugh, Oklahoma State Penitentiary
Sandy Cearley, Oklahoma State Penitentiary
Teri Tipton, Eddie Warrior CC
Bessie Greenway, Oklahoma State Penitentiary
Sandra Gandy, Eddie Warrior CC
2nd Place Winner
OKLAHOMA WEST TEAM
Buddy Honaker, Coordinator
Lexington A&R Center
Anita Donley, Asst. Coordinator
Bill Johnson CC
Members
Von Wilcots, John Lilley CC
Glen Coleman, Joseph Harp CC
Leon Cox, Joseph Harp CC
Mary Rolison, Joseph Harp CC
Lee Fairchild, Lexington A&R Center
Mike McDougal, Lexington A&R Center
Tommy Morrison, Mabel Bassett CC
Helen Bell, James Crabtree CC
Crystal Durfey, James Crabtree CC
Harbey Gonzalez, Oklahoma State Reformatory
Valarie Hale, William S. Key CC
Tom Selman, William S. Key CC
