Field Days

We've come a long way thanks to the hard work of staff across the department and there are so many great things ahead for the MDOC.Tune in to this week's episode to hear Director Heidi Washington share some highlights of the department's newest strategic plan, which will be released soon!

2018 was an amazing year for the Michigan Department of Corrections and there's so much more in store for 2019.Tune in to the very first episode of the year to hear more about some of the new programs, initiatives and efforts that will shape 2019 for the MDOC.A big shout out and thanks to all our amazing staff who are working hard and keeping us safe as we kick off the New Year. You are incredible!

It's been an eventful year for the Michigan Department of Corrections.Tune in to the final episode of the year to hear a recap of all the department accomplished in 2018.A BIG thanks to all our Field Days Podcast listeners for a great season!

Zoe Glass is a student assistant with the Parole Board and has her sights set on a spot on the 2020 U.S. Olympic Boxing team. What started out as a class for self-defense turned into competitively boxing for eight years and dreams of the Olympics. Listen to the episode of Field Days to learn more about Zoe's journey to Tokyo for the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Corrections Officer Sarah Morgan graduated in May from the Paul Klee Academy class and now works at the Central Michigan Correctional Facility, alongside who she proclaims are amazing staff. At 19-years old, CO Morgan was one of the youngest recruits in her class and notes that she is humbled by the experiences she has had thus far. In addition to graduating at the top of her class, she was selected by her peers to speak at the graduation.

Adrian Dirschell, chaplain at Charles E. Egeler Reception andGuidance Center and Duane Waters Health Center in Jackson noticed a need to improve the end of life care for prisoners. He along with the support of Warden Jeremy Bush and then warden, Director Washington, have established a hospice program focused on providing humanized care to terminally-ill prisoners. In this episode you'll learn more about the department's hospice program and why it is important to change perspectives of those moving to the transition phase of life. Read the Corrections Connection article about the program, https://www.michigan.gov/documents/corrections/CC_FebruaryNewsletter2018_615529_7.pdf

Dr. Brian Lovins, is an assistant director for the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department in Texas. The Harris County CSCD supervises roughly 50,000 individuals throughout the year making it the third largest probation department in the United States. 

Dr. Lovins talks about the future of community corrections and furthers the conversation on the role of parole and probation agents play in offender success. He encourages agents to supervise as coaches and not referees and urges the corrections system to move towards a winning model.

Darrick Alvarez, the department's veterans liaison, talks about our veterans support, recruitment and inclusion initiatives.He gives a special shout-out to Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, thanking them for their helpful resources!We have nearly 2,000 veterans working in the department, 13 who are currently deployed. We've stepped up our recognition of our veterans and we truly thank them for their service during Veterans Appreciation week. Listen to all our episodesSoundCloud: bit.ly/fielddayspodcastiTunes: bit.ly/FieldDaysiTunes

Recently, a Director's Office Memorandum (DOM) was sent to all staff stating, as of January 1, 2019, collective bargaining agreements will no longer contain Annual Leave scheduling provisions. The department has since developed a process for scheduling Annual Leave consistent with the new Civil Service Rules and Regulations.Jared Warner, labor relations manager, and Jonathan Patterson, human resources director, discuss how DOM 2018-27 Annual Leave Scheduling impacts leave scheduling.

We have several staff that wear many hats at work, but also in their communities. For a few their public servitude continues beyond their job at the department and extends to holding public office. In this special edition of  Field Days Podcast, you'll hear two interviews from department employees  Steve Gawron (Muskegon) and Scott Wittbrodt (Essexville), who are also mayors of there hometowns. Talk about doing double duty! Chris and Greg also give a few shout outs to other staff that hold public office. Let your voice be heard. Vote!