Field Days

The role of a Field Agent and the interactions our agents have with the offenders they supervise is critical to public safety and reducing the overall risk of the offender. Evidence-Based Practices indicate it is imperative for field staff to address an offender’s criminogenic. The Department has chosen to pilot Carey Guides with 100 field agents including our guest, Angel Lucas, a probation agent in Bay County, in order to provide an additional resource to agents. The guides are designed to be used in three ways; stand-alone intervention, as a reinforcement of another program intervention and ad-hoc intervention.

The Vocational Village at Parnall Correctional Facility will host its' first open house tomorrow where several employers will have the opportunity to see firsthand the skilled trades programs offered to prisoners. Warden Melinda Braman talks about some the similarities and differences between this Vocational Village and the operations at Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility. She also shares some key insights to her success and leadership style as a warden.

This week on Field Days Podcast, Chris and Greg discuss a variety of hot-button topics and give an update on what's been going on in the department the past couple of weeks.

In the room where it happened, Warden Robert Napel recounts three of four staff deaths that occurred at Marquette Branch Prison. Warden T.B. Catlin, Deputy Warden Fred Menhennett, and Corrections Officer Earl DeMarse were all killed while on duty, in what was formerly the theater at the prison. Dr. A. W. Hornbogen also lost his life during a failed escape attempt at the facility. Marquette Branch Prison, which opened in 1889, has a rich history in this Field Days Podcast you'll learn about both the good and bad, but also what the future holds.

Project SIGMA(Statewide Integrated Governmental Management Applications)will change some day to day processes for most MDOC staff this week's guests, Tori Ellison and Shannon Pike from accounting go over when SIGMA rolls out and who it affects.

Tune into this episode about all the fun had by employees that attended the Employee Recreation Day!

Field Days Podcast travels to Baraga Correctional Facility for an interview with Representative Scott Dianda and Joe Bouchard a librarian at the facility to talk about the 25th anniversary since the facility opened.

During Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week (July 16-22) we especially thank and celebrate the important work done by our parole and probation agents to keep Michigan communities safe. Parole and probation agents make real differences in people’s lives and they deserve our gratitude! This year, the theme is “Clients, Employees, and Communities – Power through Partnerships”. #PPPSWeek In addition to the interview with region managers Don Nolan and Janella Robinson, Deputy Director Russ Marlan shares his appreciation for the contribution FOA staff make to establish offender success. You'll also hear what PPPS Week means to these FOA staff: Alexis Thomas, Alicia Jackson, Annegret Remmert, Rebekah Bemister, Russ Ryynanen, Shaton Tucker, Ryan Chism, Tamra Flowers, Thomas Jardin, and Tiara Warren.

Teresa Chandler, the Collaborative Case Management training specialist, discusses CCM and how the principles apply to everyday life. By using motivational interviewing, stage-matched change strategies, and basic listening skills, staff can more effectively communicate with offenders thereby increasing their intrinsic desire to be successful. Her passion is evident and puts in action one of her favorite quotes, "A person who feels valued will always do more than expected."

Happy 4th of July! Did you know that the Saginaw Correctional Facility was a dedicated housing unit for prisoners who are also veterans? Find out all about in this Field Days Podcast with guest Warden Thomas Winn, who is also a veteran. We want to wish all our staff and especially the veterans a Happy Independence Day!

It's not too late to register for the 2017 Employee Rec Day! Director Washington talks about the activities she plans to participate in on July 14 and hopes to see you there.

Recap the last 50 episodes with Chris, Greg and Noah!

Cary Johnson, a corrections officer at G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility in Jackson was named the 2017 Corrections Officer of the Year for her integrity and dedication to public safety. She is passionate about many issues that corrections officers face on a daily basis including PTSD and wants to help guide the next generation of officers.

James Fults, who was named the 2017 Director's Award winner for his tireless efforts to promote the Vocational Village in the business community and help connect paroling prisoners to jobs, reflects on what the award means to him. He shares his best stories of offender success in this Field Days Podcast episode.

Director Heidi Washington attended the Mackinac Policy Conference, focused on one of the conference's pillars - increasing economic opportunity. By having conversations with business leaders about the department's Vocational Village, Director Washington is hopeful returning citizens will be provided opportunities where they can have successful lives outside prison walls. She stresses that providing valuable job training which helps prisoners secure careers reduces the risk of re-offense.