Monday, December 2, 2013

Alumnus Oversees Largest Prison System in U.S.

Deputy Executive Director Bryan Collier, TDCJ
Deputy Executive Director Bryan Collier, TDCJ

Bryan Collier (’86) began his career at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) manning the switchboard while a student at Sam Houston State University. Now 28 years later, he is second in command at the state agency that oversees the largest adult prison, parole and probation system in the country.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Probation/Parole Officers to Get Lessons on Impaired Driving

speedometer, needle, pill packets and wine glass.

The Impaired Driving Initiatives at Sam Houston State University is expanding its efforts to get drunk and drugged drivers off the road by developing a new program to assist Texas probation and parole officers to recognize the signs and systems of various kinds of drug impairment among their clients and families.

The program will be added to a growing cadre of agencies and individuals enlisted to reduce the number of traffic crashes and fatalities on Texas roadways. Funded through grants from the Texas Department of Transportation, the Initiatives have ongoing efforts to train law enforcement officers, school personnel, and employers to recognize the signs of drunk and drugged drivers.

“Eight out of ten convicted offenders reside in our communities – living in our neighborhoods, working in our communities and driving to and from their place of work and recreational activities,” said Cecelia Marquart, Director of the Impaired Driving Initiatives.

“The primary goal of this proposal is to educate community supervision and parole officers on traffic safety, specifically the potential for impaired driving among their respective clientele to enhance roadway safety. They can detect not only the impairment of the probationer or parolee, but possibly the individual who brought them to their visit or individuals encountered during home visits. The end result would promote safer Texas highways. ” . . . Read more . . .

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Employment, In-House Services Lead to Success for DWI Court

A gavel, an alcoholic drink and car keys.

Offenders from a Texas DWI court were more likely to succeed in the program if they were employed and followed curriculum developed and delivered by local criminal justice and treatment professionals, a study at Sam Houston State University found.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

CJ Faculty Make List of Top Female Scholars

Dr Leana Bouffard Dr. Leana Bouffard

Two faculty members at Sam Houston State University and an alumna were named among the 20 most prolific female scholars in Criminal Justice and Criminology in an article published in the Journal of Criminal Justice Education.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

CMIT Adds Research Opportunities

Correctional Management Institute of Texas logo

The Correctional Management Institute of Texas is expanding its research capacity with the additions of its first research associate and a cadre of faculty and graduate students that specialize in the field.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Polish Delegation Tours Texas Correctional System

The Polish delegate met with CMIT staff. The Polish delegation met with CMIT staff.

The Correctional Management Institute of Texas (CMIT) co-hosted a biennial visit by a delegation from the Polish Central Board of Prison Services to learn about state and local correctional facilities in Texas.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Monitoring Gangs in Texas Prisons and Beyond

Illustration of gang members behind bars.

Emil Garza, the head of the Security Threat Group Management Office at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, will discuss gangs in Texas state prisons as part of a special presentation on Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. in the CJ Courtroom.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Stepping into the Shoes of Juvenile Probation Officer

Interns Iveth Salinas (l) and Jocelyn Garmendez (r) pose with their supervisor at Harris County Juvenile Probation. Interns Iveth Salinas (l) and Jocelyn Garmendez (r) pose with their supervisor at Harris County Juvenile Probation.

As interns, Iveth Salinas and Jocelyn Garmendez learned the ropes of being a juvenile probation officer in Harris County this summer and were given the chance to climb even higher by suggesting improvements to programs to executive staff of the agency.

Friday, September 13, 2013

TRAS Implementation Internet Broadcast Now Available Online

In September 2013, the Correctional Management Institute of Texas, in collaboration with the Community Justice Assistance Division (CJAD) of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice conducted a live internet broadcast. During this live internet broadcast titled TRAS Implementation,   Carey Welebob, Director of CJAD was the moderator of a panel to discuss implemenation strategies for the new TRAS risk assessment. Panelist included Dr. Teresa May, Director for Harris County CSCD; Dr. Brian Lovins, Assistant Director for Harris County CSCD; Christopher Thomas, Director for Jasper, Newton, Sabine, and San Augustine Counties CSCD; Terry Easterling, Director of Potter, Randall, and Armstrong Counties CSCD, and Roxanne Marek, Director of Wharton and Matagorda Counties CSCD.

You can view the broadcast HERE!

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Papua New Guinea Studies American Criminal Justice System

A delegation from Papua New Guinea turned to Sam Houston State University for lessons on the U.S. criminal justice system. A delegation from Papua New Guinea turned to Sam Houston State University for lessons on the U.S. criminal justice system.

The College of Criminal Justice recently hosted a delegation from Papua New Guinea on a mission to learn more about the American criminal justice system.

Seven top officials from the southwest Pacific Rim country, including representatives from the Prime Minister’s Department, the Attorney General’s Office, police, and corrections, visited the Criminal Justice Center and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice from July 28 – Aug. 1. Representatives got lessons in law enforcement, correctional and court systems in the United State. . . . Read more . . .

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

CMIT to host TRAS Implementation Internet Broadcast

The Correctional Management Institute of Texas will host an interactive broadcast reviewing and discussing assessment implementation, barriers for successful implementation and strategies for implementation, depending on the size of the department. Look for this special notice so you can actively ask questions and help shape the broadcast to your needs. Carey Welebob, Director of CJAD will moderate the panel. Panelist include Dr. Teresa May and Dr. Brian Lovins from Harris County CSCD, Terry Easterling of Potter County, Roxane Marek of Matagorda County CSCD, and Chris Thomas of Jasper County CSCD.

To register, visit HERE

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Leadership Academy Welcomes First Cohort

Photo of the inaugural cohort of SHSU High Potential Leadership Academy, including members from TDCJ
The inaugural cohort of SHSU's High Potential Leadership Academy comprises employees from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Huntsville Memorial Hospital and Sam Houston State. Those selected by their administrations to participate this year include, (first row, from the left) from TDCJ, Leonard Echessa, Eric Guerrero, Christopher Carter, Bobby Lumpkin, Charlotte Anderson, Jennifer Gonzales, (second row, from the left) from HMH, with HMH CEO Shannon Brown, Andrea Harris, Sheila Ard, Calli Dretke, Amanda Wheeler, Raul Velez, Jason Loftin; and, (top row, from the left), from SHSU, Jacqui Wukich, Lee Miller, Maria Busby, Angie Taylor, Charlie Vienne and Ryan Zapalac.

Eighteen Sam Houston State University, Texas Department of Criminal Justice and Huntsville Memorial Hospital employees will spend the next nine months developing their leadership potential as the first cohort of SHSU’s High Potential Employee Leadership Academy.

The cohort was welcomed into the academy by their respective leaders and academy facilitator David Yebra during the group’s orientation on Aug. 9. The first full meeting for the monthly development sessions will be Sept. 19.

This year’s participants include, from SHSU, Maria Busby, Lee Miller, Angie Taylor, Charlie Vienne, Jacqui Wukich and Ryan Zapalac; from HMH Calli Dretke, Andrea Harris, Sheila Hogue-Ard, Jason Loftin, Amanda Wheeler and Raul Velez; and from TDCJ, Charlotte Anderson, Christopher Carter, Leonard Echessa, Jennifer Gonzales, Eric Guerrero and Bobby Lumpkin.

Participants were hand-selected by their employers for their potential as future leaders within their fields. . . . Read more . . .

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Investigating Crimes in the Texas Prison System

Capt. Nathan Ward, Office of Inspector General. Capt. Nathan Ward, Office of Inspector General.

Capt. Nathan Ward (’09) is one of 140 certified peace officers at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice serving as investigators for crime and corruption cases within the statewide system that houses 150,000 offenders, oversees 90,000 parolees and employees 37,000 workers.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

County Correctional Managers Corral Leadership Skills

County correctional leaders participated in an annual leadership training at CMIT.

Every year, county correctional managers from probation, courts, prisons, jails and community-based facilities gather at the Mayan Dude Ranch in Bandera to build leadership skills to address common issues they face in the criminal justice system.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Forensics Focus on Prison Crime

An investigator for the Office of Inspector General tests clothes for biological materials.
An investigator for the Office of Inspector General tests clothes for biological materials.
To aid in solving crimes that occur in Texas prisons, investigators for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice recently attended crime scene investigation training on biological evidence, photography, fingerprinting and explosives at Sam Houston State University.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Survey Shows Limited Use of Sex Offender Registry

Woman looks at sex offender registry online.

Texas has the second largest sex offender registry in the country, but relatively few people are accessing it or using it to develop protective actions against future sex crimes, a study by the Crime Victims’ Institute at Sam Houston State University found.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Taking the Leap from TDCJ to DPS

Texas State Trooper Erik Burse

Texas State Trooper Erik Burse.

After 17 years with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Major Erik Burse was assigned to give a tour of the Coffield Unit to members of the Department of Public Safety. As he turned the corner to greet his guests, he was awestruck by the 20 to 30 polished troopers that stood before him.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

CMIT Drugs Impact Conference Line-Up Coming Together!


The Drugs Impact Conference offers attendees a plethora of drug related topics, conversation and interests that are bound to satisfy everyone’s unique needs and challenges regardless of the field, profession or duty. This year’s conference will offer
Three speakers for the opening session; a State District Court Judge, a Writer/Ph.D. Student and ex-gang member that will provide a presentation based on their first-hand experiences and knowledge and a Senior Member from the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration. Break-out sessions will consist of speakers from the Department of Public Safety, Huntsville and Bryan Texas Police Departments, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Narcotics Anonymous, the King Ranch, and the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. Attendees that attend the entire conference are eligible to receive up to 20 credit hours through CJAD, TCLEOSE, TJJD or LCDC.

The conference is scheduled for July 29-August 1, 2013.  You can get more details and register HERE!

CMIT Senior Level Leadership Development Program gets New Look


The Senior Level Leadership Development Program is based on a collaborative effort with Sam Houston State University, Sonoma State University, the Vera Institute of Justice, and the Correctional Management Institute of Texas. The program is sculpted to capture and present significant insight and knowledge into the understanding, recognition, and impact of senior level decision making with an emphasis on applying Strategic/Critical based thinking with a core focus on a fundamental platform of principles. A truly important and often discounted or ignored aspect of senior level development is the economic side or financial purse associated with decision making. Although most of the program is not a “finance class” it will introduce senior level leadership to the understanding and application value of Cost Benefit Analysis and why potentially the upward mobility opportunity of senior level leadership can hinge on it.

The week long training program is truly unique and different from any other senior leadership development program currently being offered. 

The program has been limited to 24 nominated participants from Adult and Juvenile Probation Departments, Sheriff’s Departments/County Jails, Adult Parole and State Adult and Juvenile Prisons from around the state of Texas. The selected participants are all currently in a Senior Level Leadership position or leadership that has the potential to be promoted into a Senior Level Leadership role.

All of the nominees were endorsed by their Directors, Sheriffs or Chiefs with no intentions of retiring from their agency within the next two years.
 
Our next program is scheduled for August 25-30, 2013.  Nominations will be acception through Friday, June 28, 2013.
 
The next two programs are scheduled for February 23-28, 2014 and Juny 13-18, 2014.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Climbing the Ladder at TDCJ

Capt. Timothy Fitzpatrick of the Polunsky Unit and Assistant Director Jennifer Robinson of the Huntsville Placement and Release Unit would like to grow their careers at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to help their employees as well as the offenders under their supervision.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

TDCJ Participates in Active Shooter Training

A drill helped law enforcement prepare for active shooter on campus. A drill helped law enforcement prepare for an active shooter on campus.

In the quiet days between semesters at Sam Houston State University, the third floor of Smith-Hutson Hall erupted with shouts and the sounds of gunfire.

But this was not the latest in a series of mass attacks plaguing college or school campuses across the country. It was an Active Shooter Training exercise by law enforcement agencies in Walker County to help prepare officers to respond to a disaster. The mock scenarios, which included simunitions and blank guns, were tested in college setting in classrooms and a residence hall.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Counseling Inmates on Life after Prison

Alumnus Valdie Masco counsels offenders at the federal Bureau of Prisons in Bryan. Alumnus Valdie Masco (center) counsels offenders at the federal Bureau of Prisons in Bryan as well as students on jobs available in the agency.

Valdie Masco (BS ’94) helps prepare female offenders from the Federal Prison Camp in Bryan for their release back into the community.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Prosecuting Special Offenders in the Texas Prison System

Shenequa Cachimbo was an intern with the Special Prosecution Unit.

Shenequa Cachimbo got practice at being a prosecutor by helping to prepare indictments against inmates and correctional officers for criminal offenses that occurred in Texas prisons.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

How can DISCOVER CORRECTIOS help You and Your Agency?

As the premier national website dedicated to promoting corrections careers, www.DiscoverCorrections.com enables corrections agencies to:

  ·        Reach a local and national audience of informed, interested and qualified candidates
  ·        Present jobseekers with detailed information about their agencies
  ·        Post job openings to our free job board
  ·        Search resumes of registered job seekers
  ·        And do it all for FREE

First, has your agency registered as an employer on DiscoverCorrections.com?  If not, please take a moment and register your agency today! Even if you don’t have current job openings, registering and creating a profile on Discover Corrections is a great way to promote your agency.

 Are you unsure if your agency has registered?  You can view the employer directory at this link:
http://discovercorrections.com/jobboard/browse-by-company/?action=search

Need to register your agency, go to


Don’t forget to let your Human Resources staff know about the site and encourage them to use it as another method for posting job openings.

Second…help us promote the website to your constituency group.  I’ve attached some templates that you can adapt and use to help us spread the word.  There is a short announcement you can insert into e-newletters or email blasts.  There is also a short article that you can include in a newsletter or magazine.  A general email blast template and copies of 3 full page color ads are also attached for your use.

Friday, May 3, 2013

Butts Completes Course in Jail Management

Bandera County Sheriff Daniel R. Butts.

Bandera County Sheriff Daniel R. "Dan" Butts was recently featured in The Bandera County Courier for his participation in the Jail Management Course at the Correctional the Correctional Management Institute of Texas, a division of Sam Houston State University. Read his story here.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Sam Houston State to Study Specialty Courts

Nueces County offers a court specializing in cases involving veterans.

Sam Houston State University will evaluate the effectiveness of specialty courts in Nueces County, which were launched over the last two years to increase accountability and better coordinate treatment for specialized offenders, such as veterans and people with mental illness.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

CMIT Guides Sheriff on Jail Operations

A sheriff badge in front of jail bars.

Newly elected Sheriffs throughout Texas were given a primer on how to effectively and efficiently operate county jails by the Correctional Management Institute of Texas (CMIT).

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Probation Director Specializes in Solutions

Help written in cocaine on a mirror.

In Nueces County, almost half of the probation officers are assigned to specialized caseloads, including domestic violence, veterans, reentry, mental health, drug diversion, and drunken driving.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Beto Chair Lecture: Dr. Joanne Belknap

Beto Chair Lecture Series

April 12, 2013
9:30 - 11:00 A.M.
Hazel B. Kerper Courtroom

Dr. Joanne Belknap, a Professor of Sociology at the University of Colorado at Boulder, is the author of The Invisible Woman: Gender, Crime, and Justice , will present "The Trauma, Mental Health, and Offending Histories of Women in Jail: Results of a Multi-Site U.S. Study."

Dr. Joanne BelknapDr. Belknap’s research focuses on female offenders and violence against women and girls. Her latest study, a national sample of women in jail, was funded by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance to examine women’s pathways to jail, with a focus on how these women’s trauma, serious mental illness, alcohol, and drug use, and offending intersect. The study found high rates of mental health problems, with a majority of the participants meeting diagnostic criteria for serious mental illness (SMI), lifetime post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and/or substance use disorder (SUD).

. . . Read more . . .

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Study Explores Gang Activity on the Internet

Gangs are not using the Internet to recruit new members or commit complex cybercrimes, according to a new study funded by Google Ideas.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Special Presentation: "Why Police and Policing Need GIS?"

Illustration of the use of GIS to show theft in a location by time of day

Thu Mar 28, 2013 3:30 p.m. Hazel B. Kerper Courtroom

Dr. Fahui Wang, Fred B. Kniffen Professor in the Department of Geography and Anthropology at Louisiana State University, will present “Why Police and Policing Need GIS?: An Overview.” . . .Read more. . .

Monday, March 11, 2013

University Park Hosts Criminal Justice Career Fair and Symposium

Illustration of the University Park facility.

The Criminal Justice Symposium 2013 and Career Fair will be held on March 27, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at SHSU-University Park, located at SH 249 and Louetta Road in Houston 77070.

Presentations will be given by the FBI, U.S. Attorney's Office, Secret Service, Harris County Probation Office and many other federal, state and local agencies. These agencies and many more will have representatives available to speak with students about career opportunities....Read more...

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

2013 Criminal Justice Career Fair on March 6

Wed, Mar 6, 2013
10 am - 2 pm
Lowman Student Center, Ballroom

Federal, state and local correctional agencies will participate in the 2013 Criminal Justice Career Fair for students and alumni of Sam Houston State University on March 6 in the Lowman Student Center.

Students will have the opportunity to meet employers from dozens of law enforcement, corrections, victim services and forensic science labs to learn about internship and job opportunities.

“As a whole, we have seen an uptick in the number of employers registering for our Career Fairs,” said Mitch Parker, a Career Services Marketing and Events Coordinator. “This year, Texas has a $9 billion surplus, which is trickling down to many state agencies.” . . . Read more . . .

Thursday, February 14, 2013

New Masters in Victim Services Management Available in the Fall

Women conforting a child.

To help victim service providers advance their careers, Sam Houston State University’s College of Criminal Justice will offer a new, online Master of Science degree in Victim Services Management beginning in Fall 2013.

Designed for working professionals or those who want to assist victims of crime, the Master of Science in Victim Services Management is a 36-hour program delivered entirely online. The program, which can be completed in two years, includes 24 hours of required courses, such as victimology and research methods, as well as applied courses, like crime victim services management. Students also select from 12 hours of elective courses on topics relevant to the study of victim services.

Young woman being counseled by an older woman.“With new opportunities growing in the field of victim services, this degree will help professionals in the field to be able to better manage agencies and understand the trends and challenges facing their clients and programs, “ said Dr. Leana Bouffard, Director of Victim Studies and the Crime Victims’ Institute at the College of Criminal Justice. . . . Read more. . .

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

CMIT Hosts 2nd Internet Broadcast

On February 6, 2013, the Correctional Management Institute of Texas, in collaboration with SHSU Online hosted our second live internet broadcast. The Institute brough in Dr. Michael Noyes from Dallas County CSCD.  Dr. Noyes addresses the "how" of EBP implementation by reviewing the process of evidence-based practice implementation in Dallas, Texas. While the Dallas County experience will serve as the model of "how", the presentation is generalized to any/all Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) in Texas, regardless of the size of the department.

Dr. Michael E. Noyes is the Director of the Dallas County Community Supervision and Corrections Department. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA; a Master of Arts degree and a Doctorate degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Noyes also serves as an adjunct graduate and undergraduate instructor in criminal justice/criminology at the Butler County (PA) Community College and the Justice Management Program at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Dr. Noyes has over twenty-six (26) years of leadership experience in the administration of public and private agencies (serving at different times and for different agencies as a chief juvenile probation officer and as a chief adult probation officer) providing for direct services to at-risk families, delinquent/dependent youth and to adults within a community corrections environment.

To view the recorded webinar, visit HERE!

Thursday, January 31, 2013

CMIT Hits the Road with Certification Classes

The Correctional Management Institute of Texas (CMIT) is teaming up with the Texas Jail Association to deliver advanced certification classes to detention officers who want to progress in their careers at sites across the state.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

CMIT to host 2nd Internet Broadcast on EBP

On February 6, 2013, CMIT will host its second internet broadcast. 

During this live internet broadcast titled Evidence Based Practice: An Implementation Strategy, Dr. Noyes will address the "how" of EBP implementation by reviewing the process of evidence-based practice implementation in Dallas, Texas. While the Dallas County experience will serve as the model of "how", the presentation will be generalized to any/all Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) in Texas, regardless of the size of the department.

Dr. Michael E. Noyes is the Director of the Dallas County Community Supervision and Corrections Department. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA; a Master of Arts degree and a Doctorate degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Noyes also serves as an adjunct graduate and undergraduate instructor in criminal justice/criminology at the Butler County (PA) Community College and the Justice Management Program at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Dr. Noyes has over twenty-six (26) years of leadership experience in the administration of public and private agencies (serving at different times and for different agencies as a chief juvenile probation officer and as a chief adult probation officer) providing for direct services to at-risk families, delinquent/dependent youth and to adults within a community corrections environment.

Click on the following link for registration information:link

Sam Houston State Tests Prison Education Programs

The Windham School District provides education programs for inmates in state prisons.

More than 63,000 offenders in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice participated in educational programs offered by the Windham School District during the 2011-2012 fiscal year, which have been found to decrease recidivism rates, increase employment opportunities, and result in higher wages and higher levels of educational achievement among participants, a study at Sam Houston State University found.

Faculty from the College of Criminal Justice and Correctional Management Institute of Texas at SHSU evaluated the effectiveness of education and vocational programs offered by the school district on offender outcomes. Some of the programs included were the Adult Basic Education Program, which includes literacy training and GED preparation; the Post Secondary Education Program, which provides continuing education in vocational and academic settings; Career and Technical Education, which integrates career path planning and technology training to prepare offenders for the workforce; and the Cognitive Intervention Program, which addresses thinking patterns and is designed to improve behavior.. . .Read more

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Correctional Officials Prepare for Crisis at CMIT

Correctional leaders from across the country confer during a simulation involving Texas prison during a hurricane.

Correctional officials from across the country gathered at the Correctional Management Institute of Texas at Sam Houston State University to learn incident command and emergency preparedness skills to deal with crises ranging from daily issues to large scale disasters in their institutions.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Real Talk w/CJ: Juvenile Probation Officer

Real Talk with CJ

Thu Feb 7, 2013 2:00 pm - 3:00pm Hazel B. Kerper Courtroom

Lupe Washington, Administrator for Public Affairs at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department, will discuss working with youth in the criminal justice system and jobs available in juvenile probation.

Beto Chair Lecture: Dr. Marcus Felson

Beto Chair Lecture Series

Fri, Feb 8, 2013 9:30 - 11:00 A.M. Hazel B. Kerper Courtroom

Dr. Marcus Felson, a professor at Texas State University, developed the routine activities theory, which said that crime is relatively unaffected by social cause. He will discuss "How to Be a Crime Analyst." . . . Read more . . .