I know it's a couple of weeks late, Supervisors here is your chance to give feed back to our CIM managers. I hope you all ask those difficult questions!
Mandatory Warden's Forum scheduled for 1st Watch Custody Supervisors on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 2300 hours.
Location is the IST training rooms in class rooms A/B.
PROTECTED ACTIVITY The state and the union shall not impose or threaten to impose reprisals on employees, to discriminate or threaten to discriminate against employees, or otherwise to interfere with, restrain or coerce employees because of their exercise of rights guaranteed by the Ralph C. Dills ACT MOU 5.03 section A
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
KVSP C/O charged with Petty Theft
A Kern Valley State Prison correctional officer is charged with petty theft for reportedly stealing electronic cigarettes from a Bakersfield store last week.
Gilbert Najera, 37, was cited and released on the night of May 22 at the Ramco Express in the 2200 block of F Street, according to Bakersfield Police Department Sgt. Mary DeGeare.
Vice unit officers were wrapping up a shoulder tap operation when a store clerk reported that he suspected Najera had taken electronic cigarettes, DeGeare said. They contacted Najera and found him in possession of the cigarettes, police reported. Najera had identification so he was cited and released for petty theft, which is a misdemeanor, DeGeare said.
Kern Valley State Prison spokesman Lt. Jeff Smith confirmed that Najera is employed as a correctional officer at the prison. Smith said any "negative" effect to Najera's job will be decided after the case goes through the court system.
"If (Najera's) guilt is determined, then he will have a negative impact as far as his work," Smith said.
Najera is scheduled to appear in court June 14, according to Kern County Superior Court records, which list his full name as Jesse Gilbert Najera.
Gilbert Najera, 37, was cited and released on the night of May 22 at the Ramco Express in the 2200 block of F Street, according to Bakersfield Police Department Sgt. Mary DeGeare.
Vice unit officers were wrapping up a shoulder tap operation when a store clerk reported that he suspected Najera had taken electronic cigarettes, DeGeare said. They contacted Najera and found him in possession of the cigarettes, police reported. Najera had identification so he was cited and released for petty theft, which is a misdemeanor, DeGeare said.
Kern Valley State Prison spokesman Lt. Jeff Smith confirmed that Najera is employed as a correctional officer at the prison. Smith said any "negative" effect to Najera's job will be decided after the case goes through the court system.
"If (Najera's) guilt is determined, then he will have a negative impact as far as his work," Smith said.
Najera is scheduled to appear in court June 14, according to Kern County Superior Court records, which list his full name as Jesse Gilbert Najera.
Death row inmate found hanging in his cell
(CNN) -- A 68-year-old California inmate on death row in San Quentin State Prison was found dead hanging in his cell, authorities said Tuesday.
Authorities are investigating the suicide of condemned inmate James Lee Crummel and declined to provide the circumstances of the hanging, which happened Sunday afternoon in the rear of his single-occupant cell, said Lt. Sam Robinson of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
A corrections officer had last observed Crummel 15 minutes before he was found dead, Robinson said. The officer was doing an inmate count before dinner when he found Crummel's body, Robinson said.
Crummel had not been under suicide watch, Robinson said. An autopsy will be conducted, he said.
Crummel went to death row shortly after being sentenced to death on July 9, 2004, by a Riverside County jury for the April 13, 1979, kidnapping, sexual abuse and murder of 13-year-old James Wilfred Trotter, who disappeared on his way to school, authorities said.
The boy's remains were found in 1990, and the identity of the body was not confirmed until 1996, authorities said.
California reinstated capital punishment in 1978, and since then, 57 condemned inmates have died from natural causes, 20 have committed suicide, 13 have been executed in California, one was executed in Missouri and six died from other causes, authorities said. California has 723 convicts on California's death row.
Authorities are investigating the suicide of condemned inmate James Lee Crummel and declined to provide the circumstances of the hanging, which happened Sunday afternoon in the rear of his single-occupant cell, said Lt. Sam Robinson of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
A corrections officer had last observed Crummel 15 minutes before he was found dead, Robinson said. The officer was doing an inmate count before dinner when he found Crummel's body, Robinson said.
Crummel had not been under suicide watch, Robinson said. An autopsy will be conducted, he said.
Crummel went to death row shortly after being sentenced to death on July 9, 2004, by a Riverside County jury for the April 13, 1979, kidnapping, sexual abuse and murder of 13-year-old James Wilfred Trotter, who disappeared on his way to school, authorities said.
The boy's remains were found in 1990, and the identity of the body was not confirmed until 1996, authorities said.
California reinstated capital punishment in 1978, and since then, 57 condemned inmates have died from natural causes, 20 have committed suicide, 13 have been executed in California, one was executed in Missouri and six died from other causes, authorities said. California has 723 convicts on California's death row.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
LA Times report on Realignment
The first four times Pamela Morris was released from prison, she would go to her state parole officers or they would occasionally make unannounced solo visits to make sure she wasn't committing new crimes.
But after Morris completed a state sentence for shoplifting earlier this year, she reported to Los Angeles County probation officers under a new cost-cutting state program known as realignment and checked into a group home for newly released female ex-convicts.
Things were going well, Morris said, until the afternoon three LAPD officers showed up at her door, handcuffed her and searched her room.
"They scared the living mess out of me," said Morris, who added that she takes medicine for schizophrenia. "Nobody would tell me what was going on."
Rather than keeping her on the right track, Morris said the incident was so unnerving that she briefly went back to living on the streets before returning to the group home. "It kind of set me back," she said.
The encounter at Morris' home highlights one of the new friction points created by a recent shift of responsibility for thousands of prisoners and ex-convicts from state to local authorities. Realignment was intended to relieve California's overcrowded prison system by keeping more low-level offenders in local jails rather than transferring them to state custody. And by giving local agencies more responsibility for monitoring prisoners freed on probation, the state can save hundreds of millions of dollars.
But city and county efforts to keep tabs on nearly 6,000 felons released in L.A. County alone have also prompted confusion and anger, jockeying among agencies for millions in public money and warnings that public safety employees are facing new dangers.
Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies and LAPD officers have expanded duties for periodic "compliance checks" on the reassigned former inmates, who served time for nonviolent crimes. The volume of checks means that probation officers, who may already know the ex-convicts and be better positioned to defuse situations that can become confrontational, often aren't available to go along.
In many cases, like Morris', police or deputies working in teams roll up in multiple squad cars..................
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-adv-realignment-cops-20120526,0,6304152.story
But after Morris completed a state sentence for shoplifting earlier this year, she reported to Los Angeles County probation officers under a new cost-cutting state program known as realignment and checked into a group home for newly released female ex-convicts.
Things were going well, Morris said, until the afternoon three LAPD officers showed up at her door, handcuffed her and searched her room.
"They scared the living mess out of me," said Morris, who added that she takes medicine for schizophrenia. "Nobody would tell me what was going on."
Rather than keeping her on the right track, Morris said the incident was so unnerving that she briefly went back to living on the streets before returning to the group home. "It kind of set me back," she said.
The encounter at Morris' home highlights one of the new friction points created by a recent shift of responsibility for thousands of prisoners and ex-convicts from state to local authorities. Realignment was intended to relieve California's overcrowded prison system by keeping more low-level offenders in local jails rather than transferring them to state custody. And by giving local agencies more responsibility for monitoring prisoners freed on probation, the state can save hundreds of millions of dollars.
But city and county efforts to keep tabs on nearly 6,000 felons released in L.A. County alone have also prompted confusion and anger, jockeying among agencies for millions in public money and warnings that public safety employees are facing new dangers.
Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies and LAPD officers have expanded duties for periodic "compliance checks" on the reassigned former inmates, who served time for nonviolent crimes. The volume of checks means that probation officers, who may already know the ex-convicts and be better positioned to defuse situations that can become confrontational, often aren't available to go along.
In many cases, like Morris', police or deputies working in teams roll up in multiple squad cars..................
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-adv-realignment-cops-20120526,0,6304152.story
LAC inmate found dead (no details yet)
LANCASTER, Calif. (AP) - An inmate has died at a prison in Southern California but the cause of death wasn't immediately known.
Los Angeles County sheriff's investigators were called early Tuesday to Antelope Valley State Prison in Lancaster. The victim, whose identity hasn't been released, was found dead at the scene.
No other details were made available
Los Angeles County sheriff's investigators were called early Tuesday to Antelope Valley State Prison in Lancaster. The victim, whose identity hasn't been released, was found dead at the scene.
No other details were made available
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Students and Prison Riot
Moundsville, W. Va. » A Corrections officer in Weber County for 11 years, Adam Strader has never known what it’s like to be an inmate.
Until now.
Standing in his red-and-white stripes, the stocky Strader defiantly refuses the special operations team’s shouted instructions to get down on the floor. When the helmeted and armed team swoops in, a roaring Strader rushes into an acrylic shield, avoiding a barrage from a pepper gun.
Strader and a dozen of his classmates from Weber State University dressed as inmates play out this scenario, or a variation of it, nearly 25 times in three days at the 16th annual Mock Prison Riot.
By the end, the 35-year-old is covered in scratches, bruises and welts. The marks win the admiration of his "foes," corrections and jail special-operations teams from throughout the United States and eight countries, who come to practice riot-quelling skills on role players such as Strader and his fellow students.
"You all deserve more than three [school] credits. Mercy!" Robert Brooks, a member of the emergency response team at the Delaware County, Indiana, sheriff’s office, tells the roughed-up Strader.
Two days earlier, Brooks’ team pelted WSU students, including Rachel Taylor, a 31-year-old mother of six, with small baby-powder-filled balls during a mock riot in the dining hall. Though the balls lack the pepper used in a real emergency, they pack a wallop and leave Taylor with baseball-sized black and blue welts.
Midway through three days of role-playing, after she has been cuffed and dragged probably 18 times, the forensic science and chemistry major is beaming. "This is the best vacation I’ve ever been on."
Ronnie Williams, the safety officer for the West Virginia Division of Corrections’ mock riot, jokes with WSU professor Bruce Bayley about his students’ bold performances. "Next year, bring some real players."
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/54154465-78/riot-inmates-team-mock.html.csp
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Update: Fight with inmate at Kern Valley State Prison
A corrections officer faces felony charges after challenging an inmate to a fight. Now, we've learned five other employees have either been punished or fired, some for trying to help cover up the incident.
The fight in February 2011 left corrections officer Christopher Cruse bloodied and battered after inmate Frances Allen got the upper hand. Even though he agreed to the fight to settle a dispute, investigators say Cruse hatched an elaborate plot to frame the inmate.
Cruse resigned in lieu of being fired, but is set to be in court next week on six felony charges.
Now, five of Cruse's colleague at the Delano facility have been punished. An internal affairs investigation revealed there appeared to be a cover-up.
"It looked that way to us too, and that's why we took the adverse actions that we did with these employees," said Terry Thornton, Deputy Press Secretary, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
A sergeant ordered a corrections officer to scrub Officer Cruse's blood off the yard with a brush and bleach. And, another lieutenant said her report of the incident was erased from the prison computer.
"When you falsify records or are untruthful, it just goes against what being a sworn peace officer is all about," added Thornton.
Now, we've learned in the fallout, a correctional sergeant and two corrections officers were fired. But, after an appeal one of the officer's termination was modified to a two-year suspension without pay.
"The CDCR does no tolerate this type of behavior," said Thornton. One correctional lieutenant and another officer had their salaries reduced.
Thornton declined to identify them, citing the peace officer's bill of rights. But, she did stress employees are given code of silence training. "Code of silence is something we do not tolerate because it can really lead to ridiculously stupid behavior like we saw here
Monday, May 21, 2012
Kevin Raymond CCPOA Supervisory
From: CCPOA Supervisory Vice President,
Kevin Raymond
Subject: CCSO Memo Regarding HDSP, CCC and PBSP Recruitment Incentive
Dear Board Member,
A member recently forwarded me a memorandum authored by CCSO (attached) regarding the recruitment incentive currently being afforded to rank and file members at HDSP, CCC and PBSP. Most of the rhetoric from these guys I let pass. But I feel this little missive needs to be addressed. As a recruitment tool for membership, if that is what it is supposed to be, I believe it falls a little short.
We have never, and will never, hold anything against our rank and file members for what they’re able to accomplish at the bargaining table. After all everything and I mean everything we have as supervisors began with CCPOA bargaining on behalf of the rank and file. We are all Correctional Peace Officers and should never forget that. Vilifying the rank and file, our co-workers, our partners and in many cases our friends is not the way to go. Never forget where you came from.
The truth of the matter is without the rank and file agreeing to these provisions what exactly would CCSO be complaining about???? They would never even of had the possibility of attaining the benefit without CCPOA, as usual.
CCPOA made the argument on behalf of our supervisory members from day one to have them included in the distribution of these funds. The state refused, claiming the vacancies that existed at these institutions were rank and file vacancies not supervisory. We also have entire divisions of labor, legislative and legal employees to get ahead of these matters at the onset. We don’t act simply as an attorney referral service. As for meeting with DPA and the upper management of CDCR as is their claim to fame, well again we have done that since day one.
Now we understand being upset because you were wrong regarding the law. We can understand the frustration that must come with promising your membership something you can’t deliver. And I suppose some things, if you say them fast enough and often enough almost sound good. Seriously let other supervisors know that – “belonging to a labor association that has rank and file employees, and possesses collective bargaining rights is not in the best interest for them.” I changed my mind; you can’t say that fast enough for it to sound good. It just makes no sense at all.
As usual the exact opposite is true. Until all of us, as Correctional Peace Officers, regardless of classification, get on the same page under one flag these inequities will continue. It seems to me that if you want the same benefits that are bargained for by the rank and file, you would want to be part of the association that bargains for them in the first place. It would make obtaining those benefits a lot easier.
So what can you really do? Ask your fellow supervisors if they are good with where we are and what we have coming under these current conditions? If they are good with it we wish them well. They can continue to save forty dollars a month, and get an occasional attorney referral, and hope and pray they never end up on the wrong end of a case like the one Correctional Officer McGowan and his family is currently living through. It should be fine - after all it always happens to the other guy - right?
Kevin Raymond
Subject: CCSO Memo Regarding HDSP, CCC and PBSP Recruitment Incentive
Dear Board Member,
A member recently forwarded me a memorandum authored by CCSO (attached) regarding the recruitment incentive currently being afforded to rank and file members at HDSP, CCC and PBSP. Most of the rhetoric from these guys I let pass. But I feel this little missive needs to be addressed. As a recruitment tool for membership, if that is what it is supposed to be, I believe it falls a little short.
We have never, and will never, hold anything against our rank and file members for what they’re able to accomplish at the bargaining table. After all everything and I mean everything we have as supervisors began with CCPOA bargaining on behalf of the rank and file. We are all Correctional Peace Officers and should never forget that. Vilifying the rank and file, our co-workers, our partners and in many cases our friends is not the way to go. Never forget where you came from.
The truth of the matter is without the rank and file agreeing to these provisions what exactly would CCSO be complaining about???? They would never even of had the possibility of attaining the benefit without CCPOA, as usual.
CCPOA made the argument on behalf of our supervisory members from day one to have them included in the distribution of these funds. The state refused, claiming the vacancies that existed at these institutions were rank and file vacancies not supervisory. We also have entire divisions of labor, legislative and legal employees to get ahead of these matters at the onset. We don’t act simply as an attorney referral service. As for meeting with DPA and the upper management of CDCR as is their claim to fame, well again we have done that since day one.
Now we understand being upset because you were wrong regarding the law. We can understand the frustration that must come with promising your membership something you can’t deliver. And I suppose some things, if you say them fast enough and often enough almost sound good. Seriously let other supervisors know that – “belonging to a labor association that has rank and file employees, and possesses collective bargaining rights is not in the best interest for them.” I changed my mind; you can’t say that fast enough for it to sound good. It just makes no sense at all.
As usual the exact opposite is true. Until all of us, as Correctional Peace Officers, regardless of classification, get on the same page under one flag these inequities will continue. It seems to me that if you want the same benefits that are bargained for by the rank and file, you would want to be part of the association that bargains for them in the first place. It would make obtaining those benefits a lot easier.
So what can you really do? Ask your fellow supervisors if they are good with where we are and what we have coming under these current conditions? If they are good with it we wish them well. They can continue to save forty dollars a month, and get an occasional attorney referral, and hope and pray they never end up on the wrong end of a case like the one Correctional Officer McGowan and his family is currently living through. It should be fine - after all it always happens to the other guy - right?
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Officer Killed in Private Prison disturbance
NATCHEZ, Miss. (AP) - A Officer at a southwest Mississippi prison died Sunday and several other employees were injured during a disturbance involving hundreds of inmates that continued into the evening, authorities and the prison's operator said.
Emily Ham, a spokeswoman for the Adams County Sheriff's Office, confirmed Sunday evening that the Officer died while being transported to a hospital. She said Corrections Corp. of America, the prison's private operator, was working Sunday night with law-enforcement authorities to bring the disturbance under control.
CCA said in a news release that the disturbance began at around 2:40 p.m. CDT. The news release said five employees were transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries and one was taken offsite. It said "the disturbance is contained within the secure perimeter of the facility, with no threat to public safety."
State and local law-enforcement officers are providing outside perimeter security, the news release said.
The company said the cause of disturbance is pending investigation. The 2,567-bed prison houses adult male criminal aliens for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the news release said.
CCA spokesman Steve Owen confirmed in an email "there has been one employee death" but he said he could not provide more details immediately.
"Efforts by facility staff and law enforcement officials to quell the incident are ongoing," Owens said in an email late Sunday to The Associated Press. Ham said no inmates had escaped the facility.
Adams County Sheriff Chuck Mayfield told the Natchez Democrat that agencies were working to release eight staffers who were still inside. He said they know where some of them are and doesn't believe any more are injured. Fifteen employees were freed at once by opening a fence and protecting the route with guns, he told the newspaper.
Mayfield estimated that 200 to 300 inmates were causing the problems, including lighting a campfire. At one point, flames and smoke were visible from outside the prison. These inmates causing the troubles were not armed with traditional weapons, the sheriff said. Mayfield said the scene was calming down
Emily Ham, a spokeswoman for the Adams County Sheriff's Office, confirmed Sunday evening that the Officer died while being transported to a hospital. She said Corrections Corp. of America, the prison's private operator, was working Sunday night with law-enforcement authorities to bring the disturbance under control.
CCA said in a news release that the disturbance began at around 2:40 p.m. CDT. The news release said five employees were transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries and one was taken offsite. It said "the disturbance is contained within the secure perimeter of the facility, with no threat to public safety."
State and local law-enforcement officers are providing outside perimeter security, the news release said.
The company said the cause of disturbance is pending investigation. The 2,567-bed prison houses adult male criminal aliens for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the news release said.
CCA spokesman Steve Owen confirmed in an email "there has been one employee death" but he said he could not provide more details immediately.
"Efforts by facility staff and law enforcement officials to quell the incident are ongoing," Owens said in an email late Sunday to The Associated Press. Ham said no inmates had escaped the facility.
Adams County Sheriff Chuck Mayfield told the Natchez Democrat that agencies were working to release eight staffers who were still inside. He said they know where some of them are and doesn't believe any more are injured. Fifteen employees were freed at once by opening a fence and protecting the route with guns, he told the newspaper.
Mayfield estimated that 200 to 300 inmates were causing the problems, including lighting a campfire. At one point, flames and smoke were visible from outside the prison. These inmates causing the troubles were not armed with traditional weapons, the sheriff said. Mayfield said the scene was calming down
Friday, May 18, 2012
California Department of Corrections officers present colors during the Memorial Garden dedication on Thursday honoring four employees killed in the line of duty during at Soledad State Prison. Between Jan. 16, 1970, and May 19, 1971, a series of violent incidents at Correctional Training Facility resulted in the deaths of four employees. It took years of fundraisng and donations to make the garden a reality.
The Fallen honored
Merced Sun-Star
Corporal Armando Echevarria, a member of the Atwater Police Department Honor Guard, carries the flag during the flag salute ceremony during the Merced County Peace Officer Memorial Service Wed. morning, May 16, 2012 in Merced, Calif.
From Game Warden George Rudolph in 1914 to Correctional Officer Jose Rivera in 2008, the names of 16 law enforcement officers are etched on an 8-foot-tall stone memorial outside the Merced County Administration Building.
The names engraved in the monument represent sacrifices that are never forgotten -- officers who have been killed in the line of duty.
"The law enforcement community has been entrusted to ensure that family and friends know, unequivocally, that the law enforcement family in Merced County will always remember, embrace and hold forever sacred in our hearts, our minds and our souls those persons etched on this memorial wall," Sheriff Mark Pazin said Wednesday.
Pazin, government officials and others from law enforcement gathered at the monument for this year's Peace Officers' Memorial observance.
The event was also a time to remember other officers killed across the state during the past year, Pazin said.
Some of the incidents date back nearly a century, but many are still vivid memories for families left behind by the fallen officers.
The freshest name on the memorial is Jose Rivera, a correctional officer killed at USP Atwater in 2008 by two drunken inmates. His mother, Terry Rivera, and sister, Teresa Contreras were on hand for the ceremony. After its conclusion, the two knelt down by the memorial and helped 3-year-old Matthew Contreras, Jose Rivera's nephew, touch and kiss the engraved name that will forever memorialize his uncle.
Similar to Rivera and Contreras, Elyce Taylor, the daughter of California Highway Patrol officer Roger Gore, became emotional when remembering her father, who she lost when she was a child. Gore was killed in 1970 along with three other CHP officers in Santa Clarita after trying to arrest two men accused of reckless driving and brandishing a weapon.
The CHP has been supportive of Taylor and her family, but she said that she'll never be able to forget the episode.
Several police chiefs from throughout Merced County attended Wednesday's event, as well as Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims.
"This is a time of reflection -- a time to remember the officers as human beings, not statistics
Corporal Armando Echevarria, a member of the Atwater Police Department Honor Guard, carries the flag during the flag salute ceremony during the Merced County Peace Officer Memorial Service Wed. morning, May 16, 2012 in Merced, Calif.
From Game Warden George Rudolph in 1914 to Correctional Officer Jose Rivera in 2008, the names of 16 law enforcement officers are etched on an 8-foot-tall stone memorial outside the Merced County Administration Building.
The names engraved in the monument represent sacrifices that are never forgotten -- officers who have been killed in the line of duty.
"The law enforcement community has been entrusted to ensure that family and friends know, unequivocally, that the law enforcement family in Merced County will always remember, embrace and hold forever sacred in our hearts, our minds and our souls those persons etched on this memorial wall," Sheriff Mark Pazin said Wednesday.
Pazin, government officials and others from law enforcement gathered at the monument for this year's Peace Officers' Memorial observance.
The event was also a time to remember other officers killed across the state during the past year, Pazin said.
Some of the incidents date back nearly a century, but many are still vivid memories for families left behind by the fallen officers.
The freshest name on the memorial is Jose Rivera, a correctional officer killed at USP Atwater in 2008 by two drunken inmates. His mother, Terry Rivera, and sister, Teresa Contreras were on hand for the ceremony. After its conclusion, the two knelt down by the memorial and helped 3-year-old Matthew Contreras, Jose Rivera's nephew, touch and kiss the engraved name that will forever memorialize his uncle.
Similar to Rivera and Contreras, Elyce Taylor, the daughter of California Highway Patrol officer Roger Gore, became emotional when remembering her father, who she lost when she was a child. Gore was killed in 1970 along with three other CHP officers in Santa Clarita after trying to arrest two men accused of reckless driving and brandishing a weapon.
The CHP has been supportive of Taylor and her family, but she said that she'll never be able to forget the episode.
Several police chiefs from throughout Merced County attended Wednesday's event, as well as Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims.
"This is a time of reflection -- a time to remember the officers as human beings, not statistics
Thursday, May 17, 2012
KVSP Officer Charged with fighting an Inmate
A corrections officer at Kern Valley State Prison, who was left battered and bruised by an inmate, now faces criminal charges. That's because state investigators say he actually agreed to the fight, then tried to frame the inmate to avoid getting in trouble. But, that inmate refused to go down alone, saying he could remain in prison for life for a third strike conviction. 41-year-old Christopher Cruse pleaded not guilty late last month to six felony charges, including filing a false peace officer's report.
Prosecutors are also charging Cruse with filing false insurance claims after he went out on stress leave following the fight. As Delano Judge Robert Tafoya read off a laundry list of charges, Cruse scribbled copious notes and then entered his plea... not guilty.
Cruse, once charged with protecting and serving those at Kern Valley State Prison, could soon himself serve time behind bars on charges he accepted a challenge to fight an inmate.
Investigators say it happened in late February 2011 in the hard yard of Facility D.
Documents indicate inmate Frances Allen argued for a short time with Cruse before the corrections officer challenged the inmate to a fight. A watch tower guard let the two into the yard, where they squared off and began throwing blows. But, the fight didn't go as the officer planned and soon he found himself on the ground being pummeled by the inmate.
A second corrections officer who is only identified in reports as "Murphy" had followed the two to the yard. Officer Murphy ordered inmate Allen to stop. But, when he didn't, Officer Murphy struck inmate Allen in the thigh with a baton and placed him in handcuffs.
All three agreed the fight was over, but the officers soon realized others had seen what had happened and knew too much. So investigators say Cruse and Murphy hatched a plot to walk Allen through a prison hallway and pretend the inmate assaulted Cruse there.
The officers tried to get Allen to go along with the story, but he refused, saying it could mean a third strike conviction for him and a life sentence......
http://www.kget.com/content/contact17/story/17-News-Investigation-Corrections-officer/01qZFU7QvUCeUaYs4MqTGA.cspx
Prosecutors are also charging Cruse with filing false insurance claims after he went out on stress leave following the fight. As Delano Judge Robert Tafoya read off a laundry list of charges, Cruse scribbled copious notes and then entered his plea... not guilty.
Cruse, once charged with protecting and serving those at Kern Valley State Prison, could soon himself serve time behind bars on charges he accepted a challenge to fight an inmate.
Investigators say it happened in late February 2011 in the hard yard of Facility D.
Documents indicate inmate Frances Allen argued for a short time with Cruse before the corrections officer challenged the inmate to a fight. A watch tower guard let the two into the yard, where they squared off and began throwing blows. But, the fight didn't go as the officer planned and soon he found himself on the ground being pummeled by the inmate.
A second corrections officer who is only identified in reports as "Murphy" had followed the two to the yard. Officer Murphy ordered inmate Allen to stop. But, when he didn't, Officer Murphy struck inmate Allen in the thigh with a baton and placed him in handcuffs.
All three agreed the fight was over, but the officers soon realized others had seen what had happened and knew too much. So investigators say Cruse and Murphy hatched a plot to walk Allen through a prison hallway and pretend the inmate assaulted Cruse there.
The officers tried to get Allen to go along with the story, but he refused, saying it could mean a third strike conviction for him and a life sentence......
http://www.kget.com/content/contact17/story/17-News-Investigation-Corrections-officer/01qZFU7QvUCeUaYs4MqTGA.cspx
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Small steps, CIM Management heard our Concerns
As you can see from the released Wardens memo, they addressed some of our concerns. I will give credit were credit is due! While its only small baby steps, its a start.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Brown once said, No Furloughs for State Workers?
Gov. Jerry Brown called Monday for additional spending cuts to health and welfare programs, as well as a 5 percent furlough for state workers, to help erase a budget deficit that has grown to $15.7 billion.
The Democratic governor relies on a patchwork of solutions to bridge the gap in a $91.4 billion general fund spending plan, including deeper cuts, his November tax initiative and taking money from a multi-state mortgage abuse settlement with banks.
Among the most unusual ideas: asking state employees to work four days a week for a total of 38 hours instead of 40, or 9.5-hour shifts. Brown suggested in the budget that the proposal would save operational costs by shutting down offices once a week in addition to 5 percent of salary. The proposal would likely have to be bargained with labor unions since Democratic lawmakers will not impose the cuts unilaterally.
http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2012/05/gov-jerry-brown-cut-state-workers-health-and-welfare-to-solve-budget.html#storylink=cpy
AND THIS TAKE FROM AUGUST 2010
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Democratic candidate for governor Jerry Brown said current California state worker furloughs are unfair, adding that employees should not suffer because the Legislature and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger have yet to hash out a budget deal.
California, which faces a budget deficit of about $19 billion, still lacks a budget for the fiscal year that began July 1.
"I don't want to rule out furloughs, because I tried them as mayor of Oakland, but at this point, this is like a bargaining move, and therefore it feels like an unfair labor practice," Brown told KCRA 3 on Thursday. "The employees didn't create the budget mess. That's up to the governor and the 120 legislators, and I believe that had they started months ago, instead of waiting until the last minute, we'd be a lot closer to a solution.
"So I don't think we should make the employees pay the burden for what the leaders are legally and morally responsible for. That is, getting a budget by June 15th," Brown added.
www.kcra.com/politics/24612178/detail.html#ixzz1urnCMDdY
The Democratic governor relies on a patchwork of solutions to bridge the gap in a $91.4 billion general fund spending plan, including deeper cuts, his November tax initiative and taking money from a multi-state mortgage abuse settlement with banks.
Among the most unusual ideas: asking state employees to work four days a week for a total of 38 hours instead of 40, or 9.5-hour shifts. Brown suggested in the budget that the proposal would save operational costs by shutting down offices once a week in addition to 5 percent of salary. The proposal would likely have to be bargained with labor unions since Democratic lawmakers will not impose the cuts unilaterally.
http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2012/05/gov-jerry-brown-cut-state-workers-health-and-welfare-to-solve-budget.html#storylink=cpy
AND THIS TAKE FROM AUGUST 2010
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Democratic candidate for governor Jerry Brown said current California state worker furloughs are unfair, adding that employees should not suffer because the Legislature and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger have yet to hash out a budget deal.
California, which faces a budget deficit of about $19 billion, still lacks a budget for the fiscal year that began July 1.
"I don't want to rule out furloughs, because I tried them as mayor of Oakland, but at this point, this is like a bargaining move, and therefore it feels like an unfair labor practice," Brown told KCRA 3 on Thursday. "The employees didn't create the budget mess. That's up to the governor and the 120 legislators, and I believe that had they started months ago, instead of waiting until the last minute, we'd be a lot closer to a solution.
"So I don't think we should make the employees pay the burden for what the leaders are legally and morally responsible for. That is, getting a budget by June 15th," Brown added.
www.kcra.com/politics/24612178/detail.html#ixzz1urnCMDdY
What I hate about AB109
This weekend working the Watch Office I had to say goodbye to some really good cops. While AB109 is making it less Safe to work inside the Country's most dangerous and over crowed prisons, we are also losing some really good partners.
The Institution Swap starts today, we will see some new faces around CIM, but sadly we also lost some more good staff. While I'm not trying to single anyone out, I had the pleasure of working with the Bonfills and Chad Moore. I saw these folks early on as they arrived at CIM, I saw them grow into some really good Officers. You will be missed! And the institutions that are receiving you, are very lucky!
As many of you from Facility D are aware, some numbers are being floated around the yard, Position cuts. I happen to see a proposal and from what I saw it doesn't look good. It appears that every unit will lose one Officer per dorm. The yard will be broken up into sectors, with S&E's and Yard Officers divided up into designated sector assignments. The towers will be taken down! I'm told Cedar Hall will remain a reception building but only time will tell.
I did hear that on Facility C, that they may be adding a few Yard Officers and a Yard Sergeant. Any help we get at Facility C will be welcome.
As far as Supervisors go, we keep hearing about several positions we may lose, but nothing has been confirmed.
Stay tune for more information on Position Cuts.
Have a Safe 8
The Institution Swap starts today, we will see some new faces around CIM, but sadly we also lost some more good staff. While I'm not trying to single anyone out, I had the pleasure of working with the Bonfills and Chad Moore. I saw these folks early on as they arrived at CIM, I saw them grow into some really good Officers. You will be missed! And the institutions that are receiving you, are very lucky!
As many of you from Facility D are aware, some numbers are being floated around the yard, Position cuts. I happen to see a proposal and from what I saw it doesn't look good. It appears that every unit will lose one Officer per dorm. The yard will be broken up into sectors, with S&E's and Yard Officers divided up into designated sector assignments. The towers will be taken down! I'm told Cedar Hall will remain a reception building but only time will tell.
I did hear that on Facility C, that they may be adding a few Yard Officers and a Yard Sergeant. Any help we get at Facility C will be welcome.
As far as Supervisors go, we keep hearing about several positions we may lose, but nothing has been confirmed.
Stay tune for more information on Position Cuts.
Have a Safe 8
Friday, May 11, 2012
Chuck Helton response to 5 -10% reduction
CCPOA WEEKLY UPDATE — MAY 11, 2012
CDC Update — By Chuck Helton, CDC VP
In case you missed it, the Sacramento Bee reported this week that “state workers’
compensation is back on the budget chopping block.” Administration officials who
spoke anonymously anticipated that the May Budget Revise would contain cuts to
payroll costs ranging from 5-10% — depending on the article you read. The rationale
— and this part is true — is that the state’s budget deficit has grown since the initial
budget was proposed in January, and additional cuts have to be made somewhere.
It’s that second part where we have problems —since we’ve already taken a
reduction, and know that there are other places they should be looking to make cuts
that don’t involve our members. Any reductions MUST be shared across the board —
that’s our message and we’re delivering it loudly and clearly as our discussions with
the state continue. And I’m sure they’ll heat up even more after the May Revise is
released next week, so stay tuned. In the meantime, you can read the Sacramento
Bee
CDC Update — By Chuck Helton, CDC VP
In case you missed it, the Sacramento Bee reported this week that “state workers’
compensation is back on the budget chopping block.” Administration officials who
spoke anonymously anticipated that the May Budget Revise would contain cuts to
payroll costs ranging from 5-10% — depending on the article you read. The rationale
— and this part is true — is that the state’s budget deficit has grown since the initial
budget was proposed in January, and additional cuts have to be made somewhere.
It’s that second part where we have problems —since we’ve already taken a
reduction, and know that there are other places they should be looking to make cuts
that don’t involve our members. Any reductions MUST be shared across the board —
that’s our message and we’re delivering it loudly and clearly as our discussions with
the state continue. And I’m sure they’ll heat up even more after the May Revise is
released next week, so stay tuned. In the meantime, you can read the Sacramento
Bee
Pay Cuts what are your thoughts?
Democratic governor Brown is expected to seek an unspecified cut of at least 5 percent in state employee costs in his revised budget, which is set to be released on Monday. Brown administration officials have asked state employee union leaders to come up with $750 million.
In a memo to members today, SEIU Local 1000 President Yvonne Walker said that she was consulted about Gov. Jerry Brown's plan to cut state employees' pay and that she drew a line at imposing unpaid time off on workers.
"First let me say that I have made it clear that furloughs are not on the table," Walker wrote.
The rumors floating around the yards yesterday were that many were thinking it might be as much as 10%. I want to remind everyone that we had pay cuts years ago, when Arnie first took office. And unfortunately it lead to furloughs and then PLP.
I'm hoping to hear from CCPOA President Mike Jimenez, I would like to know what kind of discussions he is having with the Brown administration. Mike now would be a great time to release a statement to our members!
What do you guys think? I know that we just started feeling our full checks again and now it can be pulled as soon as we got them back.
Have a Safe 8
In a memo to members today, SEIU Local 1000 President Yvonne Walker said that she was consulted about Gov. Jerry Brown's plan to cut state employees' pay and that she drew a line at imposing unpaid time off on workers.
"First let me say that I have made it clear that furloughs are not on the table," Walker wrote.
The rumors floating around the yards yesterday were that many were thinking it might be as much as 10%. I want to remind everyone that we had pay cuts years ago, when Arnie first took office. And unfortunately it lead to furloughs and then PLP.
I'm hoping to hear from CCPOA President Mike Jimenez, I would like to know what kind of discussions he is having with the Brown administration. Mike now would be a great time to release a statement to our members!
What do you guys think? I know that we just started feeling our full checks again and now it can be pulled as soon as we got them back.
Have a Safe 8
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Wardens Meeting with Supervisors
Since the Wardens meeting, I have been contacted by many staff asking what was said? Well, as I'm trying to put it down for you guys, It wasn't really about what was said, as far as information. The meeting in my opinion was more about our concerns and what has been happening to staff at CIM. So I will try and give you some of the highlights instead of the many low lights.
Let me start off by saying the meeting was conducted and ran by Mr. Sandor and Ms Cash, most of us in attendance definitely noticed the management style differences between the two of them. One of them appears to try and one up on everyone, the other was more concerned with Staffing and Security needs.
We were told about the staff reductions that are coming our way and the concerns they had for staff safety. It was discussed about the Facility D towers coming down, and management concerns with that move. Facility C, will actually pick up a few S&E positions as well as a Yard Sergeant Position. This was followed by concerns with Alarm response.
Supervisors expressed their concerns with the lack of communication with management. With the staff reductions we wanted to change the way we run yards. On Facility D, we had an A/W that thought we should run the entire facility out to the evening yard. We expressed that there should be a night yard schedule, minimizing the number of inmates on the main yard. We expressed our concerns with the Sick Leave Policy that doesn't exist! We also vented about the new OP55 time off for supervisors, we feel that unlike the officers we were not effected by Holidays, we still receive them. A strong debate was started on the subject of Family leave Crisis. The Warden has totally different views and interpretations on these subjects, with him it seems we have to file on everything rather than have good discussion. We raised concerns about Supervisors positions being deleted and unlike the Officers, we are placing our most senior supervisors in relief positions with different RDO's and watch.
CDW Cash wanted good dialogues with Supervisors, she expressed the need to have more time for training with staff. She talked about better interaction with ISU and the need to work together. The next few months will bring changes to the way we conduct business at CIM.
I thought about how I would write this up for you all to read. I think it more appropriate to leave alot of what was said in the meeting for those that were there! I'm hoping that the Officers will have the same opportunity as we did to have an open forum with Mr. Sandor and Ms Cash. Because, I have to respect the fact that they gave us a chance to vent and show our frustration. I can tell you that it got heated at times, and both sides allowed the dialogue!
Thanks Mr. Sandor and Ms Cash, for giving us the opportunity to have this discussion, I hope that this will lead to more interaction with management.
Let me start off by saying the meeting was conducted and ran by Mr. Sandor and Ms Cash, most of us in attendance definitely noticed the management style differences between the two of them. One of them appears to try and one up on everyone, the other was more concerned with Staffing and Security needs.
We were told about the staff reductions that are coming our way and the concerns they had for staff safety. It was discussed about the Facility D towers coming down, and management concerns with that move. Facility C, will actually pick up a few S&E positions as well as a Yard Sergeant Position. This was followed by concerns with Alarm response.
Supervisors expressed their concerns with the lack of communication with management. With the staff reductions we wanted to change the way we run yards. On Facility D, we had an A/W that thought we should run the entire facility out to the evening yard. We expressed that there should be a night yard schedule, minimizing the number of inmates on the main yard. We expressed our concerns with the Sick Leave Policy that doesn't exist! We also vented about the new OP55 time off for supervisors, we feel that unlike the officers we were not effected by Holidays, we still receive them. A strong debate was started on the subject of Family leave Crisis. The Warden has totally different views and interpretations on these subjects, with him it seems we have to file on everything rather than have good discussion. We raised concerns about Supervisors positions being deleted and unlike the Officers, we are placing our most senior supervisors in relief positions with different RDO's and watch.
CDW Cash wanted good dialogues with Supervisors, she expressed the need to have more time for training with staff. She talked about better interaction with ISU and the need to work together. The next few months will bring changes to the way we conduct business at CIM.
I thought about how I would write this up for you all to read. I think it more appropriate to leave alot of what was said in the meeting for those that were there! I'm hoping that the Officers will have the same opportunity as we did to have an open forum with Mr. Sandor and Ms Cash. Because, I have to respect the fact that they gave us a chance to vent and show our frustration. I can tell you that it got heated at times, and both sides allowed the dialogue!
Thanks Mr. Sandor and Ms Cash, for giving us the opportunity to have this discussion, I hope that this will lead to more interaction with management.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Somebody better tell CIM management??
5K event open to individuals, 5-person teams
By Ashley Caldwell, Student Intern
OPEC
The California Institution for Men in Chino (CIM) is hosting a 5-kilometer Mud Run in honor of Correctional Officer Manuel Gonzalez and all fallen law enforcement officers.
The 2012 Chino Prison Mud Run is a tribute to Gonzales and all fallen law enforcement officers and is open to anyone 14 or older. The purpose of the June 2 event will be to bring members of the community together for a day of competition and camaraderie. It starts with a memorial for the fallen officers at 8 a.m. The run will begin at 9 a.m. Participants can compete as individuals or in five-person teams.
Anyone interesting in participating can register online at www.ChinoPrisonMudRun.com until May 25 or sign up the day of the race. Participants will receive a T-shirt at sign-in.
Proceeds will be donated to the “Make a Wish Foundation” for those children in Chino confronting a life-threatening disease.
(This was news to the organizers of the CIM Mud Run, as all donations were given back, flyer's and banners were ordered to be taken down. The "Make a Wish Foundation" was notified that the event was cancelled. Our Current Warden did not know anything about the event in the first place! I wrote about the cancellation on this blog. Sorry Ashley Caldwell (writer, student Intern) Unless you know something that we don't, the Mud Run was cancelled?) The many participants that signed up for the Run were also notified!
By Ashley Caldwell, Student Intern
OPEC
The California Institution for Men in Chino (CIM) is hosting a 5-kilometer Mud Run in honor of Correctional Officer Manuel Gonzalez and all fallen law enforcement officers.
The 2012 Chino Prison Mud Run is a tribute to Gonzales and all fallen law enforcement officers and is open to anyone 14 or older. The purpose of the June 2 event will be to bring members of the community together for a day of competition and camaraderie. It starts with a memorial for the fallen officers at 8 a.m. The run will begin at 9 a.m. Participants can compete as individuals or in five-person teams.
Anyone interesting in participating can register online at www.ChinoPrisonMudRun.com until May 25 or sign up the day of the race. Participants will receive a T-shirt at sign-in.
Proceeds will be donated to the “Make a Wish Foundation” for those children in Chino confronting a life-threatening disease.
(This was news to the organizers of the CIM Mud Run, as all donations were given back, flyer's and banners were ordered to be taken down. The "Make a Wish Foundation" was notified that the event was cancelled. Our Current Warden did not know anything about the event in the first place! I wrote about the cancellation on this blog. Sorry Ashley Caldwell (writer, student Intern) Unless you know something that we don't, the Mud Run was cancelled?) The many participants that signed up for the Run were also notified!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Give Back- 3 furloughs wasn't enough?!
Some disturbing news from CCPOA in Sacramento. During a State Board conference call at 5:45 today Tuesday, May 8, 2012, CCPOA passed the following information.
CCPOA was contacted by the Governors office, along with all other Bargaining Units including the CHP. The message was that revenues are down and nearly half of what was expected. The State will be coming after some type of employee compensation give back. A decision has not been made on what that will look like. As soon as CCPOA knows what it looks like or has any other information on it, they (CCPOA) will communicate it to us. CCPOA also expects to be hearing from the State on more details in the near future.
Thats it, no other information is available on this issue. The news should be out in the media within the next couple days.
CCPOA was contacted by the Governors office, along with all other Bargaining Units including the CHP. The message was that revenues are down and nearly half of what was expected. The State will be coming after some type of employee compensation give back. A decision has not been made on what that will look like. As soon as CCPOA knows what it looks like or has any other information on it, they (CCPOA) will communicate it to us. CCPOA also expects to be hearing from the State on more details in the near future.
Thats it, no other information is available on this issue. The news should be out in the media within the next couple days.
Wednesday Wardens Meeting
On Wednesday there will be a Town hall style meeting with Supervisors being conducted for 2/W and 3/W. There seems to be some disconnect with CIM Management and Rank and File Supervisors. This meeting will be welcomed by Supervisors, since the new management team started there have been many changes and no notice to Supervisors.
Thanks to CDW Cash for putting this together, we really need to hear what vision CIM has for our future.
Thanks to CDW Cash for putting this together, we really need to hear what vision CIM has for our future.
Friday, May 4, 2012
CIM Job Exchange Results
The attachment contains a list of Officers that were successful in their request for a job exchange. All of the attached Officer’s have been contacted via telephone and still need to be contacted in writing. The Watch Commander has been provided written notification for each Officer on the list. The Officers have been instructed to report to SAB to pick up their written notification. Please have the receiving Officer sign and date the written notification and them provide them with a copy. Place the signed copy under my door for proof of practice. Instruct each receiving officer to contact his or her respective Institution for reporting instructions.
Reporting instructions for staff reporting to CIM on Monday, May 14, 2012, we be as follows:
All incoming Job Exchange Officers will report to the POST of the staff member that they did the position swap with.
Example: Officer Ciani exchanged with Officer Bonfil, as such Officer Ciani will report on Monday, May 14, 2012, at 1400 hours, and be placed in position 321051 Tower 7 which was Officer Bonfil’s old position.
All of the vacated PPPA positions will be put up for continuous post and bid. The incoming staff will have no right to the positions they will initially be placed in and if eligible will be allowed to participate in the continuous and bid process.
Additional time off has not been approved for staff participating in the job exchange process, unless approved by the Warden and no additional costs are incurred by either Institution.
Reporting instructions for staff reporting to CIM on Monday, May 14, 2012, we be as follows:
All incoming Job Exchange Officers will report to the POST of the staff member that they did the position swap with.
Example: Officer Ciani exchanged with Officer Bonfil, as such Officer Ciani will report on Monday, May 14, 2012, at 1400 hours, and be placed in position 321051 Tower 7 which was Officer Bonfil’s old position.
All of the vacated PPPA positions will be put up for continuous post and bid. The incoming staff will have no right to the positions they will initially be placed in and if eligible will be allowed to participate in the continuous and bid process.
Additional time off has not been approved for staff participating in the job exchange process, unless approved by the Warden and no additional costs are incurred by either Institution.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Hidden in Religion
We have know for years the extremes inmates will go to hide and secure contraband. We know inmates will hide contraband in Bibles and will use "their" religion to sometimes hide contraband.
Now it appears that they have gone to an all time low! Using the holy cross to hide a weapon!
Now it appears that they have gone to an all time low! Using the holy cross to hide a weapon!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Status of Job Exchanges
Just as an FYI –
As many know there is a Job exchange that has been offered for Officers who would like to exchange location with other officers at different Institutions.
Currently no exchanges have been approved.
Those that submitted a request (VIA CCPOA), are being reviewed by HQ. Once a decision has been made, a list of officer who were successful and have been approved for the Exchange will be generated and forwarded to the hiring authority.
Jesse L. Cantwell
Administrative Assistant to the
Assistant Deputy Director
Division of Adult Institutions
(This was sent via State email, so as of right now there are no exchanges being approved as of this writing. I had heard the State was overwhelmed by the number of Officers that requested a voluntary transfer exchange. I know that CCPOA has a written agreement, we will have to wait and see.)
As many know there is a Job exchange that has been offered for Officers who would like to exchange location with other officers at different Institutions.
Currently no exchanges have been approved.
Those that submitted a request (VIA CCPOA), are being reviewed by HQ. Once a decision has been made, a list of officer who were successful and have been approved for the Exchange will be generated and forwarded to the hiring authority.
Jesse L. Cantwell
Administrative Assistant to the
Assistant Deputy Director
Division of Adult Institutions
(This was sent via State email, so as of right now there are no exchanges being approved as of this writing. I had heard the State was overwhelmed by the number of Officers that requested a voluntary transfer exchange. I know that CCPOA has a written agreement, we will have to wait and see.)
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