Corrections Connections

Welcome to Weekly Connections. Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of June 30th.

• Starting with project updates, the Orange County, California, Youth Transition Center is ahead of schedule. The project team, including Lionakis, Vanir, DLR Group, and Balfour Beatty, recently marked the demolition of the final building in phase one.
• In Wisconsin, juvenile justice projects in Milwaukee County are moving forward, with a new $30 million youth facility and the replacement for the Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake schools both scheduled to open in 2026.
• The Arkansas State Corrections Board has authorized $50,000 to drill and test new wells at the site of the proposed state prison to ensure an adequate water supply for construction and future operations.
• Moving to legislation and funding, the San Diego Board of Supervisors has approved an $8.63 billion budget. This includes $29 million for upgrades to the Sheriff's Office jails, such as new alarm and security systems.
• A new law in Louisiana now allows law enforcement to take down drones that pose a threat. The law gives agencies the ability to use measures like jamming, hacking, or physical capture.
• In Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a bill officially transferring ownership of the Detroit Detention Center from the state's Department of Corrections to the City of Detroit.
• In people news, DLR Group has welcomed Jim Miller as a Principal in its Justice and Civic Group, based in Phoenix.
• Josh Colter has been confirmed as the warden of the Jess Dunn Correctional Center in Taft, Oklahoma.
• Corrections Technology Group has brought on Chris Nieber as a new project engineer.
• New York City is currently recruiting for an Executive Director to lead its new borough-based jail system, which will replace Rikers Island.
• A new training opportunity is available from the National Institute of Corrections and Justice System Partners: a nine-month "Community Supervision Leadership Learning Lab."
• Regarding construction reports, several RFPs with upcoming deadlines are available:
• Maricopa County, AZ: Seeking architectural services for the Southwest Regional Justice Center expansion.
• Suwanee, GA: Seeking design and construction administration services for a new police headquarters.
• Eagle County, CO: Seeking architectural design for the Eagle County Justice Center expansion.
• Catoosa County, GA: Seeking a general contractor for the Catoosa County Jail expansion.
• And for events, the Correctional Technology Association's annual technology summit is currently taking place in Orlando, Florida. Looking ahead, the Correctional Leaders Association's Western Region meeting will kick off in Napa, California, from July 7th to July 10th.

For more details or to access the links mentioned: correctionalnews.com/podcast

Welcome to Weekly Connections. Here's your June 23rd update on key developments in the justice industry.

• Starting in Nebraska, there's progress on their new 1,512-bed multi-custody prison. An intent to award the contract has been signed with Hausman Construction for the DLR Group-designed facility. We'll continue to follow this.
• In South Dakota, the $600 million prison project is experiencing further delays. The initially selected site in Lincoln County is no longer under consideration, and a special legislative meeting may be rescheduled. More information on the site reassessment is available in these podcast notes.
• Pennsylvania's Lancaster County Commissioners have approved $9.26 million for the planning phase of their new jail, part of an estimated $400 million project.
• The Oklahoma Department of Corrections has entered into a $74 million, two-year agreement with Trinity Services Group to privatize food services across its state prison system. Full implementation is anticipated by mid-December.
• Georgia lawmakers have approved a $434 million budget for prison improvements, which will fund higher staff salaries, 700 new hires, and $50 million for contraband detection.
• Wisconsin's Department of Corrections is slated to receive an additional $136 million, following approval from the state's Joint Finance Committee. The legislature needs to give final approval by June 30th.
• Arizona legislators are considering a bill for an independent oversight body for the state's prison system. The bill did not pass the House budget, and its success now largely depends on the State Senate's budget.
• In Georgia, the Department of Corrections has appointed Louis DeBro III to oversee research, strategic planning, and government relations.
• Arizona's Department of Corrections has named Thomas Arba as Deputy Assistant Director, with a focus on holistic rehabilitation.
• Marshall Clement has been appointed as the new director of the Council of State Governments' Justice Center.
• The National Sheriffs' Association announced Justin Smith as its new Executive Director and CEO. He brings 36 years of experience to the position.
• Willow Products has introduced the "Latch Guard" for their wedge locking system, designed to enhance security by preventing tampering when cell doors are open. A link to their site is included in these show notes.
• Registration is open for ICPA's 27th annual conference in Istanbul, Turkey, this October. The theme is "Wellbeing in Corrections," and early bird rates end August 15th. Details and the registration link are provided in these notes.
• Ohio DRC Director Annette Chambers-Smith will now chair the Correctional Leaders Association's Healthcare Committee.
• Regarding construction opportunities: RFPs are open for Buchanan County, MO (Juvenile Detention CM@R); Robeson County, NC (Detention Center Medical Addition, subs sought by Metcon); and Carson City, NV (Courthouse Remodel CM@R). Qualification documents are linked on our website's podcast page, accessible from these notes.
• Event Update: The National Sheriffs' Association annual conference is underway in Fort Lauderdale. A notable moment was the special swearing-in for DJ Daniel, a young man battling cancer, who aims to be sworn in by as many law enforcement agencies as possible.
• The CLA on the Hill event is also taking place in D.C. this week. Looking forward, the CLA Western Directors' Event will be in Napa from July 7th.

For more details or to access the links mentioned:

• Please subscribe to Weekly Connections.
• Links for the South Dakota site reassessment info, Willow Products' Latch Guard, ICPA conference registration, and RFP qualification documents are accessible via our website's podcast page: correctionalnews.com/podcast

Hey there and welcome back to Weekly Connections! It's time for your June 16th update on all the buzz in the justice world – your essential news, quick and easy!

• First up, Bibb County, Georgia, is looking for some top-notch architects and engineers for a big expansion at their main jail in Macon – we've got the scoop on what they're planning and when proposals are due! (And yes, we’ll drop that info link for you).
• Over in Richmond, Virginia, they just got the green light for a brand-new downtown courthouse design – hear about this multi-story project that’s set to house some high courts.
• Montana's Department of Corrections is scouting locations for a new women's prison. Find out which areas are being explored and the big bucks earmarked for this effort.
• Big moves in Utah! A cool new partnership is offering housing and construction training for folks re-entering society – a village with a real purpose.
• Ohio is putting lottery funds to good use, investing millions to expand mindfulness programs in state prisons after a successful pilot.
• Iowa's taking a fresh look at probation policy, with a research initiative already showing some promising results in reducing recidivism.
• Big legislative news out of New York, where the State Senate just passed a major reform package for correctional facilities – find out what changes are coming to transparency and oversight.
• And speaking of New York, we'll hear what the State DOCS Commissioner has to say about the situation in an upcoming Correctional News edition.
• Some familiar names are on the move! Ben Moler's joined Falcon, and the Georgia DOC has a new Statewide Mental Health Director in Dr. Catherine Haynes Owen.
• The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is on the hunt for its next Executive Director – a big role to fill! (We'll point you to where you can find those job details).
• Partner News Roundup: Don't miss early bird rates for the Correctional Mental Health Conference in San Francisco, ICPA has released research presentations, and there's still time to register for the National Sheriffs' Association conference!
• And a big congrats to Vermont DOC Commissioner Nick Deml, elected to the Council on Criminal Justice!
• Calling all construction pros! We’ve got open RFPs from Fayetteville, GA (new municipal facility), Butte County, CA (probation building), Cole County, MO (jail surveillance), and Collin County, TX (kitchen relocation). Links and deadlines coming at ya!
• And in company news, Axon wants your input! They've launched a survey on AI in correctional security – and there might be prizes! (Survey link will be in our notes!)

Want to dig into those details or find those links?

• Make sure you're subscribed to Weekly Connections!
• We'll have links for the Bibb County Q&P info, the Texas Exec. Director job description, the NCCHC conference registration, ICPA presentations, and the Axon survey available at www.correctionalnews.com/podcast

Welcome to Weekly Connections! We're back with your June 9th rundown of all the must-know happenings in the justice industry – your quick hit of news in under 10!

• Big news out of Harrison County, Ohio! They've just cut the ribbon on a major jail upgrade – find out what this new multi-million dollar facility means for the county.
• Headed to Montana, Flathead County is moving ahead with plans for a new jail. We’ll tell you how they're engaging the community and what's next on the ballot.
• The Oklahoma Department of Corrections is making a significant purchase that will reshape its system – hear about the facility and their big plans for state-run operations.
• In South Dakota, "Project Prison Reset" is making headway. Discover which sites are still in the running for a new men's prison and the budget they're working with.
• Nebraska's got a major state prison construction project underway. We'll share the latest on its progress, budget, and when they're hoping to break ground.
• Conference season is in full swing! Find out what's happening at major events for Sheriffs in California, JailCon in Arizona, and Jailers in Kentucky.
• For those focused on Juvenile Justice, the CJJA has just released a vital new report on community partnerships – a must-read for anyone in the field.
• We're thrilled to welcome some new powerhouses to the Correctional News Editorial Advisory Board – get to know Mark Levin and Todd Ishee!
• Some big goodbyes and new beginnings in People News: A major leader in Texas is retiring, the FBOP has a new Deputy Director, and Maryland’s DJS has a new Inspector General.
• Looking for your next big career move? HDR has a key Justice Principal role open in Ohio – we’ll tell you how to find out more.
• And from us at Correctional News, don't forget about our Industry Awards! It's time to nominate those outstanding leaders – find out how before the deadline!

Want to dive deeper or nominate a trailblazer?

• Tune in and subscribe to Weekly Connections so you never miss an update!
• Visit correctionalnews.com for full stories and award nomination details.
• And remember, for the Flathead County engagement survey link, head to correctionalnews.com/podcast and find this week's episode update!

Welcome to Weekly Connections! We're diving into the big justice news for the week of June 2nd – all the key updates you need in under 10.

• Big news out of Ohio as significant funding is announced for local jail improvements – find out which county is getting a boost for a new female facility.
• Duval County, Florida, is taking the next steps on its new jail project – hear about their P3 team and what’s next in the procurement process.
• The Federal Bureau of Prisons made an important announcement regarding home confinement – we’ll tell you what it means for those under the First Step and Second Chance Acts.
• Virginia's Department of Corrections is celebrating a significant achievement in rehabilitation – their latest recidivism numbers are impressive.
• Updates on the new Arkansas State Prison: the design team is in place, but what's the latest on full project funding?
• Erie County, New York, is weighing options for its jail facilities. We’ll discuss their comprehensive needs assessment and what might be next.
• Looking for project opportunities? We’ve got the scoop on active bids in Oregon, Maryland, and Nevada – don’t miss these deadlines!
• Some familiar faces are making moves and getting recognized! We’re congratulating Dr. Leron Myrick and highlighting new roles for Christy Glenn and Art Drost.
• Exciting developments in the industry as ModCore expands its precast capabilities and two well-known names join forces under a new umbrella.
• Heads up, architects! The AIA Conference on Architecture is just around the corner in Boston, featuring a key symposium on justice design.
• Also, Correctional News’ June Newswire hits inboxes on June 4, and we’re looking into some hot topics shaping the future of projects. 

Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to Weekly Connections today. 

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Have a story we should cover? Drop us a line at [email protected] and you might hear it on the airwaves. 

Construction Reports and RFPs: 

• Ohio governor announces $50 million for construction and renovation projects at local jails 
• Clackamas County Jail in Oregon is seeking bids for upgrades to camera, intercom and security controls systems 
• Administrative Office of the Courts for the State of Maryland is seeking bids to demolish, replace, and expand its video surveillance and access control systems 
• Dayton Government Complex in Dayton, Nev., is seeking a construction manager at-risk for a new 38,000-square-foot facility 

Industry News: 

• HOK/Ajax/Sustainability Partners proposes P3 approach to Duval County, Fla., for Jacksonville jail project 
• FBOP released a statement on May 28 to expand the use of home confinement under the First Step Act (FSA) and Second Chance Act (SCA) 
• Virginia Department of Corrections announces a recidivism rate of 17.6% 
• The Arkansas Board of Corrections selects HDR/Cromwell Architects and JE Dunn/Nabholz for the Arkansas State Prison project 
• Erie County, N.Y., Comprehensive Facility and Operational Needs Assessment completed by DLR Group and Azar Design Co. 

People: 

• Congratulations to Larome Myrick, Ph.D., for his Marion Mattingly Lifetime Achievement Award 
• Cheers to Cristi Glenn for her new vice president role at NELSON Worldwide 
• Marathon Engineering Corporation announced the appointment of Art Droste as its new pre-construction manager 

Company Announcements: 

• ModCorr has acquired ACM, and precast services are now under the ModCorr PreCast name 
• Mike Artman was also brought on board as the chief operating officer for the ModCorr PreCast division 
• SteelCell, PSG and CareAffirm united under the VITALSpace umbrella, where Mike Smith will continue to serve as CEO 

Events: 

• AIA AAJ Symposium: Restorative Justice, Equity & Renewal on June 4 in Boston 

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• Subscribe to Correctional News 

On this very special episode, Torrey connects with industry stalwart Tony Turpin, SVP at CGL - an organization whose fascinating 50+ year journey involves constantly adapting its model to stay ahead in the justice sector. Tony, a former warden, boasts decades of invaluable firsthand experience that exemplifies the building of trust through genuine partnership. Today, he and Torrey dive into critical topics facing correctional leaders: evolving facility needs, the trend towards mega projects, and why smart planning and maintenance are non negotiable. It’s a grounded look at corrections' past and potential future.

Tony explains how deep operational understanding underpins CGL's approach, noting that relationships are key. He discusses CGL's crucial work, from facility upkeep extending lifecycles and managing costs, to planning complex new builds or renovations despite soaring prices. Staffing emerges as a huge piece, demanding smarter facility location and design. The conversation also covers integrating vital healthcare and mental health support, plus how emerging technology might reshape operations - ultimately highlighting how blending seasoned experience with forward thinking is essential to building a more effective correctional future.

Episode Highlights:

• Building trust through decades of frontline experience
• CGL's 50 years adapting services to justice sector shifts
• Addressing mega facilities, rising costs, and new strategies
• Solving the correctional staffing crisis with strategic location
• Vital proactive maintenance for facility longevity and budgets
• Designing facilities for diverse healthcare and population needs
• Exploring emerging tech's potential and uncertainty in corrections
• Navigating the future through continuous learning and curiosity

Key Takeaways:

“Establishing and maintaining a relationship is paramount; this is fundamentally a relationship business.”

“Dealing with services is more intrinsic; it's something built on trust.”

“It's critical for the routine to be routine: when hot water is needed, it must be there; when commodes need flushing, it must happen.”

“A building uptick similar to the 90s seems likely, but it's crucial to remember, this is not the 90s.”

“Facility costs have truly soared, leading to calls for mega jails or prisons costing billions—a scary number.”

“Finding people willing to work in prisons is probably one of the key issues facing corrections today.”

“You have to take a scientific look at populations and density to strategically locate facilities; the days of building in the middle of nowhere are done.”

“Jails and prisons became the de facto hospitals for mentally ill people, which is extremely expensive.”

“If you're a stagnant company, you'll go the way of many others that couldn't survive.”

Links:

Correctional News: https://correctionalnews.com/

Tony Turpin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-turpin/

CGL Companies: https://cglcompanies.com/

Corrections Connections features New Hampshire Department of Corrections Commissioner Helen Hanks, the first woman ever to be confirmed to the role, as she and Torrey explore tech's transformative power within facilities to improve inmate rehab and staff efficiency. Their conversation examines balancing safety, rehabilitation, and community reintegration with an emphasis on the human element when making decisions, while also highlighting the challenges that tech partners can face in meeting the needs of corrections.

Helen overviews New Hampshire's tech for streamlined operations, safety, and rehabilitation, discussing electronic health records and more. She reviews the role of AI/ML in perimeter security, but emphasizes the human element in the decision process. The discussion also highlights the collaborative efforts not only with the community but also between tech vendors and correctional departments to achieve seamless integration, ensuring better resource allocation. Ultimately, this episode reveals a path towards a more effective and humane correctional system, proving that innovation, compassion, and collaboration are essential for success.

Episode Highlights:

• Helen's dedication to mental health and her journey from social work to Commissioner
• New Hampshire's tech-driven approach and how it boosts safety and efficiency within its correctional facilities
• How optimization through technology elevates safety and compliance within the correctional system
• AI role in supporting security and human decision-making in corrections
• The essential human element in re-entry support that officers provide
• A community based approach to rehabilitation and re-entry
• Leveraging technology to address staffing shortages
• Integrated tech platforms and how they ensure accessibility and affordability for technology solutions
• How VR and cell phones offer inmates enhanced preparation for community re-entry

Key Takeaways:

"There's an opportunity in the correction system to really help our communities and help people who are going back to our communities really go back as the best people they can be."

"Having a mental illness is one of the primary conditions that we have to take care of while someone's incarcerated."

"If people are not well, they can't tackle those other areas of themselves to find self improvement."

"Having body-worn cameras in our correctional institutions is no different than having them on our police officers in our community."

"You have to stay progressive on what we're experiencing in corrections environments, so your technology has to be nimble."

"We don't want just one conglomerate or monopoly of a partner. We need to look at what's the best resource.”

"Our corrections officers are truly involved in monitoring and mentoring people.”

"Corrections isn’t TV dramas or ‘lock ‘em up and throw away the keys’ because we are not going to have good outcomes with those ideologies."

Links:

Correctional News: https://correctionalnews.com/

Helen Hanks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-hanks-960205102/

New Hampshire Department of Corrections: https://www.corrections.nh.gov/

Viken Detection https://www.vikendetection.com/

In this inaugural episode of Corrections Connections, Torrey sits down with Brian Endler, a seasoned Justice Architect at Gannett Fleming Transystems, to explore his 23-year journey designing correctional facilities. Brian shares his unique path into justice architecture and his passion for creating environments that are more conducive to rehabilitation and positive change. He shares the process of the recent merger with Gannett Fleming, and discusses trends shaping the future of correctional facilities. This insightful conversation also covers topics ranging from the importance of natural daylight to creating specialized units for mental health and substance abuse treatment, as well as the critical role of education in overcoming the stigma surrounding these types of projects.

Offering a wealth of insights, Brian delves into the challenges and rewards of working in the justice sector. He also shares his approach to designing facilities that prioritize safety, dignity, and a move away from the institutional feel of past facilities. Brian’s practical insights, backed by years of experience, provide invaluable takeaways for both those working in corrections and those interested in the architectural design and construction industry.

Episode Highlights:

• Brian’s journey into justice architecture and the mentorship that guided his path.
• The recent merger and evolution of Gannett Fleming Transystems in the justice market.
• Navigating the unique challenges of public perception regarding correctional projects.
• Emphasizing natural daylighting and creating a more normative environment in design.
• Current trends in justice architecture that emphasize restorative justice and rehabilitation.
• The importance of specialized units for mental health and substance abuse treatment.
• Strategies for collaborating with clients and educating the public on facility benefits.
• The role of education and collaboration in shaping the future of correctional facilities.
• The use of technology and new materials to enhance correctional facilities.

Links:

Correctional News: https://correctionalnews.com/

Gannett Fleming Transystems: https://www.gannettfleming.com/

Brian Endler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-endler-aia-419b928b

Pineapple Furniture: https://us.pineapplecontracts.com/

Guard One: https://www.guard1.com/