SPRING 2006 Georgia Parole Review Milton E. "Buddy" Nix, Jr. Chairman Garland R. Hunt, Esq. Vice-Chairman Garfield Hammonds, Jr. Member Dr. Eugene P. Walker Member L. Gale Buckner Member Special points of interest: Crisis Intervention Team (CIT ) training increases public safety. The Parole Board is a member of the CIT Training Board. 31 Parole Officer have received their CIT certification. One in five people in this country suffers from mental illness (NAMI). Inside this issue: From the Director 2 New Dekalb Office Crime Victims' Rights 3 Faith-Based Macon Parole Story 4 Employee Recognition Personnel Action 5 Personal News 6 Graduations 7 PAOG 8 State Board of Pardons and Paroles Parole Hosts CIT Training In Milledgeville Parole Officer Darryl Gumz from the Jefferson Parole Office facilitated the first Crisis Intervention Team (CIT ) class hosted by the Parole Board in Milledgeville May 8, 2006 through May 12, 2006. In addition to Parole Officers, officers from the Baldwin County Sheriff's Department, Central State Hospital Police and the Hancock Sheriff's Department attend the training. Darryl and Parole Officer Paula O'Neal from the Savannah Parole Office have completed the Train the Trainer course and are CIT Coordinators for the Parole Board. So far, the Parole Board has 31 certified CIT team members. CIT training is designed to teach law enforcement officers how to effectively assist people with mental illness or brain disorders in a crisis situation. The course is taught over five days and much of the material on mental illness and intervention methods is delivered by doctors or other professionals who are experts in their field. Classes are being hosted by law enforcement agencies throughout the state. CIT is a collaborative effort sponsored by the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Mental Health, Development Disabilities and Addictive Diseases, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, Georgia Sheriff's Association, Inc., and Georgia Public Safety Training Center. In addition to the sponsoring agencies, the CIT Board is comprised of representatives from state and local law enforcement agencies (including the Parole Board), public service agencies, and private organizations. mental illness. It is important for law enforcement officers to be able to identify persons who may be in the midst of a mental health crisis and be able to respond in a manner that will de-escalate the situation and maintain public safety. Above: PO Paula O'Neal and PO Darryl Gumz practice facilitating during CIT training hosted by the Chatham Savannah Police Department in Savannah, Georgia. Also pictured are Captain Branson and Michael Dobson of the Chatham Savannah Police Department. Below: Sergeant Olson (standing) of the Chatham Savannah Police Department, Elizabeth Turner the GBI State Coordinator for CIT training and Diane Reeder the Savannah NAMI Representative observe the class. One in five people in the United States suffers from serious long-term Officers Role Play: Putting Training Into Action Left to right: PO John Prince tries to calm role player Andre` Coates who is agitated and aggressive. PO Clay Ketterman gets down eye to eye with role player Dorothy Cave so that she does not feel intimidated. PO Russell Weng holds hands with role player Steven Murphy to gain his trust. The role players were all CIT team members from the Chatham-Savannah Police Department. Page 2 GEORGIA PAROLE REVIEW From the Director of Parole Beth Oxford, Director of Parole In the near future, I will begin to roll out a Agency heads were invited to a Customer "Faster, Friendlier, Easier." comprehensive plan to Service Summit where a Look for more to come improve customer service panel provided guidance regarding customer service within our agency. This and advice on how to initiative was launched by achieve the goals set during the next few months. Governor Perdue in forth. During the summit, January of this year when several state employees he created the Governor's were recognized for Office of Customer having already exhibited Service. The function of the exemplary customer Governor's Office of service. Our own Director Customer Service is to of Victim Services, work with all state Shalandra Robertson, was agencies in moving one of those honored. toward Georgia's goal of providing the "Best The Governor's customer Customer Service of any service slogan for State in the Nation." Georgia state agencies is Above: Governor Perdue hugs Director of Victim Services Shalandra Robertson at the Customer Service Summit Above : Some parolees volunteer to assists with the move. Others assist as a part of their Restorative Justice responsibilities. The Dekalb Parole Center Is On The Move The Dekalb Parole Center deserted by all except with the Governor's is literally on the move as the Parole Center. The desire to centralize they leave their old new office is located at government services location for a new more 2910 Miller Road, making them more spacious location. The old Decatur. Parole shares the convenient for consumers Parole Office was located building with the and more cost effective on Memorial Drive in an Department of Family and to the State. Dr. Walker office park next to the Children Services and was the first Board Dekalb County Jail. The Child Support Recovery. member to tour the new office park was a thriving Each agency has its own office and the other business area, but over outside entry, but the Board members toured the years had become less concept of combined the office together on populated and eventually office space is in keeping April10th. The Douglasville Parole Office is slated to move Board Members Nix, Hunt, into a new location in Hammonds and Buckner pose with staff of the Dekalb Parole Center and RD Wilson-Gibbs. June and the South Metro Parole Center has a new office under construction. Above: Chief Gerald Horsley introduces Parole Investigator Beth Lewis to Ms. Buckner. Below to the right: PO Tommy Thompson and a parolee on Restorative Justice move file cabinets into the building. Right: Mr. Hammonds greets Assist. Chief Chris Washington. SPRING 2006 A Tribute to Crime Victims Page 3 National Crime Victims' Rights Week was observed April 23rd through April 29th, 2006. The theme of this years week "Victims' Rights: Strength in Unity," paid tribute to crime victims and survivors who for many decades joined together in mutual support and advocacy to promote victims' rights and services. On April 18th Governor Perdue presented a proclamation to the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, the Department of Corrections, the Prosecuting Attorney's Council. Mr. Nix gave opening remarks for the ceremony which was held in the North Wing of the State Capitol. Pamela Abraham, a victim from Savannah, Georgia, whose only child was robbed and murdered in 2004, shared her story and Parole Officer Sherida Lovelace gave a poignant dance performance in tribute to victims. On April 26th as another way to honor victims during National Crime Victims' Rights Week, the Corrections and Parole Board Office of Victim Services in collaboration with the Middle Georgia Victim Witness Assistance Programs held its first "Victims' Visitors Day" at the Macon Day reporting Center. Victims were invited to come and speak with a Board representative. In a brief ceremony before the visitors were seen individually, Director of Parole Beth Oxford stated, "For years victims were not treated with the compassion and respect that they deserved, they were simply left out of the process. We want Victims to know that through our Office of Victim Services they have access to accurate information regarding their case and a voice to express their concerns." A family that came from South Carolina stated, "It was well worth the trip." Faith Based Initiative Gains Momentum At a meet and greet held diligently with churches officers, politicians and at the Greater Zion Hill across the state to get this church representatives Missionary Baptist Church program up and running. listened as Hunt in Macon, Parole Board explained that church Members Garland R. Hunt, Chairman-Elect Hunt members could possibly Esq., Garfield Hammonds envisions the program assist parolees with and Dr. Eugene Walker linking the Parole Offices family reintegration, introduced the Board's and the faith based counseling, employment Faith Based Initiative community with parolees readiness, employment, program to in an effort to assist transportation and representatives of the parolees in their transition housing. Recognizing that religious and law back into the community. with the re-entry process, enforcement communities. The Faith Based Initiative program is designed to address the gaps in services for parolees not covered through traditional Parole Board programming or other private and non-profit organizations through collaborations with local faith-based groups. Anita Cloud, the Board's program development "Many family members of parolees have just given we need community support and there is no up, the faith based community can provide an better place than the church itself and the faith alternative to family support by offering encouragement, prayers community to provide support for us as well as successfully transition and addressing issues of life," Hunt said. offenders back into our communities. This event "Ministering to parolees could give each church congregation a chance to marked the second recruitment gathering for the Board. Approximately put their faith in action." five more events are planned around Georgia consultant, is working Several law enforcement this year. Top: Victim Pamela Abraham shows a photo of her son, Sean Abraham, as she speaks at the proclamation ceremony. Bottom: Sherida Lovelace dances in tribute to victims. "If a man is going to be changed, it's not so much a change in the head as it is a change in the heart". Chairman -Elect Garland R. Hunt, Esq. Top: Vice-Chairman Garland R. Hunt Bottom left to right: Garfield Hammonds, Jr. Dot Pinkerton, Founder of Lighthouse Ministries and Dr. Eugene P. Walker Page 4 "I felt as though my parole officer wanted to see me succeed." Cynthia Sturm Left: Cynthia Sturm kisses guide dog Alex, whom she has recently completed training, right: Cynthia points to a photo of the first guide dog that she trained at Metro State Prison. GEORGIA PAROLE REVIEW Parole Success "It is so much easier not to go back. Help is there if you ask for it." Cynthia Sturm Rocker Hartley was presented with a certificate awarded to him by the Governor's office as a nominee for the State Employee Recognition Heroism Award. Cynthia Sturm served and work with the time in prison from April puppies 16 to18 months. 2002 until November of In addition to the 2003. She credits the intensive hands on structure of parole with training and conditioning helping her make a suc- of the guide dog cessful transition from puppies, the inmates the life of an offender complete a year-long to the life of a law curriculum which among abiding citizen. Now other courses includes a Cynthia is using a skill college level veterinary that she obtained while assistance course. At the serving her sentence at end of the training, the Metro State Prison to inmates receive a give back to the certificate from Middle community. Georgia Technical College as an Animal While in prison, Cynthia participated in the Caretaker. IMPACT (Inmates Cynthia put her certifi- Providing Animal Care cate to good use at an and Training) program. animal clinic in Smyrna. Southeastern Guide Lori, Cynthia's manager Dogs Inc., a non- profit and an ex-FBI agent, organization, supplies stated, "Cynthia is the Metro State Prison with best employee I've ever puppies that need to be had, a model employee." trained as guide dogs. Lori further stated that Carefully selected Cynthia was completely inmates receive training honest about her criminal history and she did not hesitate to hire her. Cynthia has just finished training her second dog, Alex. She continues to work for Southeastern Guide Dog Inc. as a "Repeat Puppy Raiser" on a completely voluntary basis. On February 10, 2006 , Cynthia was given permission by the Parole Board and the warden of Metro State Prison to return to the prison as a guest speaker for a guide dog graduation ceremony. When asked about her success on parole, Cynthia replied that, "I came out of prison with nothing, but I felt as though my parole officer wanted to help me succeed. It is so much easier not to go back. Help is there if you ask for it." State Employees Recognition Week Rocker Hartley of the Lyons Parole Office is presented with a certificate from the Governor's Office. Several employees were acknowledged during the May 2nd Board meeting in honor of State Employees Recognition Week. Rocker Hartley was nominated by our agency after he de-escalated an attempted suicide. He was first to arrive on the scene and was successful in engaging his parolee in dialog, securing the parolee's weapon and calling for medical and law enforcement assistance. Leaderships coins were presented to Chief Joe Chapman of the Dublin Parole Office, Hearing Examiner Wayne Daniel, Richard Oleson of Field Operations, Carolyn Brown, Confidential Assistant to Dr. Walker, and Alan Shope of Operations Audits. SPRING 2006 Page 5 Congratulations! New Hires, Promotions and Retirements New Hires: Promotions: Anisa Plowright, Clerk 1, Clemency Shantel Sparks, Secretary 1, Statesboro Checobia Williams, Data Transcriber 1, Clemency Brandon Bell, Parole Officer, Dalton Brian Griffin, Parole Officer, Douglas Anthony Parker, Parole Officer, Carrollton Megan Brambrey, Parole Officer, Griffin May Hat, Parole Officer, Savannah Kristopher Walker, Parole Officer, Albany Colleen Manthe', Parole Officer, Dekalb Megan Hardy, Parole Officer, Marietta Shekevia Kimble, Parole Officer, N. Fulton Andrew Alexander, Parole Officer, Marietta Donald Smith, Parole Officer, North Fulton William Curry, Jr., Parole Officer, Albany Candace Lindsey, Parole Officer, N. Fulton Katherine Knowlton, Parole Officer, Monroe Sharon Adams, Clerk 1, Clemency Aynesha Billingsley, Data Transcriber 2, Clemency Asia Cobb, Personnel Tech. 1, Personnel Lori Fauble, Parole Officer, LaGrange Steven Rutherford, Help Specialist 2, RET Rebecca Johnson, Secretary 1, Canton Christy Vinson, Parole Officer, Dalton Kathryn Ehnes, Parole Officer, Douglasville Joseph Obermyer, Parole Officer, Columbus Nicholas Braden, Parole Officer, Douglasville Deirdre Haynes, Clerk 2, Field Operations Andrea J Swann, Clerk 1, Clemency Amanda Cannady, Parole Officer, Augusta Justin Wilkinson, Parole Officer, Douglas Spencer Hawkins, Parole Officer, Cuthbert Angela Carlton, Secretary 1, Cairo Reinhold Maestas, Parole Officer, Cairo Tiffani Singleton, Parole Officer, South Metro Susan Patterson, Parole Officer, Marietta Jennifer Nelson, Secretary 1, Waycross Tamara Jackson-Early, Parole Investigator, Coastal Fredrick Hurt, Parole Officer, Moultrie LaJacinth Curry, Clerk 2, Interstate Compact Daphne Hanna, Personnel Tech. 2, Personnel JaTonya Lowery, Parole Officer, Macon William Ballard, Parole Officer, Griffin Tracie Kennedy, Parole Officer, LaGrange Darren Selph, Parole Officer, Sr., S. Metro Lindsey Duran, Parole Officer, Sr., Dekalb Kristy Glover, Parole Officer, Sr., Dekalb Derek Lovelady, Parole Officer Sr., Thomaston James Hill, Parole Officer, Sr., Dekalb Wesley Caulton, Parole Officer. Sr., Conyers Mary Waggoner, Parole Officer, Sr., Adairsville Reginald Huley, Parole Officer, Sr., S. Metro Robert Ketterman, Parole Officer, Sr., Brunswick Floyd William Jr., Parole Officer, Sr., S. Metro Kimberly Bryant, Parole Officer, Sr., Adairsville Bobby Rocker, Parole Officer, Sr., Milledgeville Willie Osborn, Parole Officer, Sr., Dublin LaTesha Tennerson, Clerk 2, Clemency Jennifer Crane, Data Transcriber 2, Clemency Essence Benton, Data Transcriber 2, Clemency Daphne Evans-Huff, Clerk 2, Clemency Linda Blackshear, Data Transcriber 2, Clemency Danny Bass, Compliance Auditor 2, Operations Audit Cathy Charles, Public Relations and Info Specialist, Public Affairs Lisa Scroggins, Legal Affairs Coordinator, Legal Felicia Holloway, Assistant Chief, N. Fulton Marie Rothwein, Assistant Chief, Douglasville Michael Young, Assistant Chief, Lafayette Tonia Macon, Assistant Chief, Dalton Crystal Moon, Residential Placement Specialist, Clemency Arletta Sims, Secretary 2, Jonesboro Wade Wheeler, Hearing Examiner 1, Clemency Christopher Barnett, Assistant Chief, Marietta Harry Amerson, Sr. Parole Officer , Macon Joseph Dillard, Chief Parole Officer, Cordele Yashekia Moss, Administrative Assistant, RET April Moore, Assistant Chief, Savannah Retirements: Michael Sullivan, Manager 1, Atlanta Investigations Robert Akin, Manager 1, Macon Parole Center Joyce Smith, Secretary 2, Canton William Dover, Parole Officer, Clarkesville Ronnie Perry, Parole Officer, Columbus Michael Speer, Parole Officer, LaGrange Charles Brown, Parole Officer, Cordele Wayne Matthews, Parole Officer, Augusta Jane Abercrombie, Secretary 2, Jonesboro Karen McPhee, Administrative Assistant, RET Dave Goff, Manager 1, Operations Audit Daniel Welton, Chief Parole Officer, Macon Roger Sasser, Chief Parole Officer, Savannah Walt Davis, Director of Clemency was selected to participate in the 14th Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange (GILEE) Delegation to Israel. GILEE is a joint project of Georgia State University and Local, State, Federal and International Law Enforcement Agencies. It was established in May of 1992. Nine large delegations of senior law enforcement officers have visited Georgia and twelve delegations from Georgia have visited Israel. Initially established in preparation for the 1996 Olympics, GILEE continues to focus on enhancing homeland security efforts through international cooperation. In Memory of Parole Officer Senior, Kenya Roberson Kenya began her career as a parole officer at the Lawrenceville Parole Office in March of 2001. She suffered a stroke in 2002, but later returned to work as an Investigator. Kenya died on October 29, 2005. Page 6 Newlyweds Wanda Smith-Grier of the Catherine Knowlton of the Cissy Moss of the Central Office Records Monroe Office wed Lawrenceville Parole Unit wed Eric Grier Oct. Stephen Casey Knowlton Office wed Roy Bauders 26, 2005. Jan. 21, 2006. April 9, 2006. Brenda R. Locklear of the Brunswick Office wed Dexter Locklear Dec. 2, 2005. Fredrick Hurt of the Moul- Jennifer Chagnon of the trie Parole Office wed Dispositions Unit wed Josh Teneka Clemons Mar. Crane May 6, 2006 25, 2006. Jason Tifton of the Hartwell Office wed Amber Caudell Dec. 3, 2005. He met her in basic while she was attending correc- tional officer basic. Marie Rothwein of the Douglasville Parole Office wed John Humphries on April 8, 2006. "To show a child what has once delighted you, to find the child's delight added to your own, so that there is now a double delight seen in the glow of trust and affection, this is happiness." J. B. Priestley "Just when I thought I was too old to fall in love again, I became a grandparent." Author unknown. New Babies James Hill of the Dekalb Parole Office and wife Jasmin had their first baby, Joshua James Hill, on Oct. 28, 2005. George Walker of the Marietta Parole Office and wife Chelsea had Ava Madeline Walker on December 8, 2005. Stan Tinsley of the Griffin Parole Office and wife Stacie had their first baby, Heidi Marie Tinsley, on March 8, Matt Nesbitt of the Doug- Ava's big sister Rowen is 2006. lasville Parole Office and four years old. wife Anna had their first Bob Eady of RET and baby, Lilah Faye Nesbitt Joshua Baylan Thomas of wife Laurie adopted Eric on Dec.1, 2005. the Augusta Parole Of- Michael Eady who had Henry (Hank) Harris of the Hartwell Office and wife Brandy had their first fice and wife Amie had Jacob Brady Thomas on March 8, 2006. Jacob's baby, Hannah Bailey big brother Joshua is his first birthday May 7, 2006. Harris on Dec. 6,2005. three years old. Grandbabies Joseph H. Cole born July Tylah M. Pace born Feb.14, Catherine C. Trapp born 13, 2005, grandson of 2006, granddaughter of March 22, 2006, grand- Wanda Posey, Canton Julia Richards, Central Off. daughter of Kathy Ruddy, Eason A. Pierce born Keira A. Hopkins born Feb. Augusta. Sept. 21, 2005, grandson 21, 2006, granddaughter of Molly D. Cowart born of Mary Pearce, Valdosta Marsha Hopkins, Central March 24, 2006, grand- Urte Markley born Sept. Off. 21, 2005, granddaughter Andrew R. Coleman born daughter of Susan Waters, Lyons. of Lisa Markley, Central March 11, 2006, grandson Samuel E. Joiner born April Off. of Janice Hammond, 22, 2006, grandson of John D. Dean born Nov. Clarkesville. Cherry Kirkland, Columbus 10, 2005, grandson of Karlyn Paige McGlamery Kelly Elizabeth Rollins born Pauline Owens, Cairo. born March 22, 2006, May 16, 2006, granddaughter of Sandra Audrey B. Watson born Feb. 3, 2006, grand- McGlamery, Valdosta. granddaughter of Vicky Rollins from the GPSTC. daughter of Gail Burford, GD&CP. SPRING 2006 Page 7 Lisa Breshe` Scroggins, Legal Affairs Coordinator, BS in Psychology and Human Services, Clayton State University . Crystal Albright, Benefit Coordinator, BA in African American Studies and History, Georgia State University . Krisch KempMacGregor, Parole Officer Sr., MED, Troy State University. James Rawls, Executive Special Assistant, Master of Public Administration, Columbus State Univ. Graduates Barbara Stayton, Director of Internal Affairs, Master of Public Administration, Columbus State University. Jenna James of Field Operations Master of Public Administration , Columbus State University. Walt Davis, Director of Clemency, Master of Public Administration, Columbus State University. Deborah Moore, Director of Personnel, Master of Public Administration, Columbus State University. David Tibbits, Assistant Director of Field Operations, Master of Public Administration, Columbus State University. Crystal Moon, Housing Coordinator, Master of Criminal Justice, Boston University. The Board salutes those who have continued to pursue their educational goals. The concept of post graduate education is key to executive leadership succession planning. 44th Basic Parole Officer Class The 44th Basic Parole Officer Class graduated on April 21, 2006 at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center. Above: Dr. Walker delivered the keynote address to the 44th Basic Parole Officer Class. He gave them five principles to work by given to him by his grandmother..... Focus Feeling Forgiving Forge Ahead Faith Mission Statement State Board of Pardons and Paroles Fifth Floor, East Tower Floyd Veterans Memorial Building 2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive S.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Phone: (404) 656-5651 Public Safety Is Our First Priority. The mission of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles is to enhance public safety by making informed parole decisions and transitioning offenders back into the community. Vision A parole system that leads to a safe and crime-free Georgia. Core Values We value Ethics, Integrity, Fairness and Honesty. WE ARE ON THE WEB WWW.PAP.STATE.GA.US The Parole Association of Georgia The Parole Association's (PAOG) Board of Directors would like to thank everyone for their participation in last year's motorcycle fundraiser which was a tremendous success. It raised $8500. This year's fundraiser has already officially "kicked off" and everyone has the opportunity to be a part of the fun! The association is asking you to submit your favorite recipes to be published in a cookbook that will be sold to raise proceeds. The Association uses fundraising proceeds to sponsor the annual conference, the Association's Scholarship Fund, support the GPST Memorial Fund, the Benevolence Fund, and the Peace Officer's Memorial Fund. This year the Association made a donation to Concern Of Police Survivors (COPS) for the Slain Officer's Fund. Parole Officers Laura Fountain and John Prince presented the check to COPS at the Peace Officer's Memorial Motorcycle Ride which is sponsored by COPS and the Blue Knights. John Prince and Tamara Stubbs participated in the ride. Carrie Goldring, Louis Tsang, Kimberly Nelson, Felicia Holloway and James Smith volunteered on behalf of the Association. The Association is currently working on the 2006 conference. The conference has been scheduled for October 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2006 at the Jekyll Ocean Front Resort on Jekyll Island, Georgia. PAOG membership currently stands at 354. The Association is a non-profit professional association open to all parole staff currently employed or honorably retired within the state of Georgia. The Association would like to invite you to support our efforts by becoming a member. To obtain a membership application or to participate in the cookbook fundraiser, contact your regional representative. Regional Representatives: Terri Ricker, Central Office (404) 651-6755 Bubba Williams, Central (478)445-4431 Laura Fountain, Metro (770) 995-6932 Brad West, Northeast (478) 625-8940 Pam Pangle, Northwest (706) 638-5560 John Prince, Southeast (912) 427-5890 Perry Price, Southwest (229) 377-9859 The Spring Edition of the Parole Review was prepared by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles Office of Public Affairs. (404) 651-5897 Parole Association Of Georgia Board of Directors: Susan Waters President Lyons Parole Office (912) 526-4509 April Moore 1st Vice President Douglas Parole Office (912) 389-4048 Mike Bobo 2nd Vice President Jesup Parole Office (912) 530-4055 Kitty Ulmer Secretary Central Office (404) 651-6582 Patty Butler Treasurer Thomaston Parole Office (706) 646-6027 Melanie Eblin Sergeant at Arms Warner Robins Parole Office (478) 329-4730 Tami Stubs Hospitality Eatonton Parole Office (706) 484-2982