Winter 2017 MCO Report by MCO Report

MCOReport

Winter 2017

Inside this issue A day in the life at Bellamy Creek and RGC 4

Officer Dignity Initiative sheds light on corrections work, takes a stand for officers Law enforcement community says ‘we’ve got your back’

Fallen Officers Memorial Dedication and Open House 8

Congratulations to Officers of the Year! 11

Welcome to the corrections family, MDOC recruits! 12 Being a CO and a mom

TISM news

Member giveaways

Legislature again talks closures

KCF riot update

Corrections news: reform and safe staffing debated 17

Corrections staff serve communities, vets

32-hour rule arbitration 20 RUO status

It’s a simple idea: streamline the handling of dress out assaults around the state. But the Officer Dignity Initiative grew into something more. It became a deeply symbolic, multi-faceted message to corrections officers, in which the Michigan law enforcement community came together to lift up and take a stand for corrections staff. “The Officer Dignity Initiative shows corrections officers that someone has their backs and that what happens to them behind the walls matters,” said Andy Potter, MCO Vice President and Chief of Staff. The idea came about in fall 2015. In multiple forums – like the state’s employee engagement survey and MCO’s member listening tours – union leaders and staff heard members say they don’t feel like a valued part of the MDOC or the law enforcement community. A few MCO staff members chewed this over. They looked for a way to raise morale and align MCO members more closely with the broader law enforcement community, without dipping into the MDOC’s limited budget. MCO staffers Jeremy Tripp, Director of Government and Political Affairs, and Jeff Foldie, Legal Director, realized seldom-discussed dress outs and inmate sexual exposures were an issue all law enforcement could get behind. “Our thinking was, people aren’t allowed to throw feces at police officers,

See Dignity on pg. 2

Dignity continued A or expose themselves sexually to them, without serious consequences,” Foldie said. “As a society, we don’t accept this behavior, ever. The same mindset should apply to corrections officers behind the walls.” Foldie and Tripp reached out to the Michigan State Police, the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan (PAAM), and the MDOC. Each agency agreed to take a firm stand against dress outs and sexual exposures – what MCO is now calling dignity assaults. Together, these agencies formed the Officer Dignity Coalition. The coalition explored roadblocks to prosecution and solutions. PAAM confirmed that prosecutions for dress outs and sexual exposures are spotty. “They told us that the likelihood of prosecution for dress outs and sexual exposures varies greatly by prison and county,” Tripp said. “The first level where this can be addressed is at the facility. Is evidence being collected, or are clear, color photographs being taken? Prosecutions can be derailed for something as simple as a blurry photo.” Dignity assaults were covered as part of a three-day inspectors’ conference last fall. Inspectors learned how to collect evidence, process a crime scene, write a solid report, and compile documentation that will enable prosecutors to file criminal charges when appropriate. “I’m pleased that, as a result of the Officer Dignity Initiative, MDOC has tightened up the handling of dignity assaults around the state,” MCO President Tom Tylutki said. “Already, we have seen signs that these assaults will be more closely examined.” MCO produced a short film that sheds light on the impact of these assaults on staff and the co2 MCO Report Winter 2017

alition’s work. The film was unveiled at a screening in Ionia Jan. 11. COs and their families said it captured the gravity of dignity assaults. “I really liked it,” Iantha Fyolek, wife of ICF Officer Paul Jensen, said of the video. “I thought it was very well done. The way the effects of these types of assaults were portrayed was true to form. These assaults do affect officers and their families.” Officers Eric Mathisen, RMI, and Daniel Barnett, IBC, just graduated from the academy in December and learned more about corrections work at the premiere. “I don’t think people outside the department really know what happens to us,” Barnett said. Sandy Rikkers, wife of ICF Officer Todd Rikkers, said she didn’t realize how frequently these assaults happen. “It seems like it’s important for officers to talk to each other for support and their spouses,” she said. Todd Rikkers said he’s glad to hear these cases will be handled with uniformity around the state. To watch the video, click here now. (Video contains some adult language. Click here to see a censored version.) The Officer Dignity Initiative is just one of the new programs MCO has launched to engage and serve members in bold new ways. Others include PTSD research and awareness; member listening tours; convening a military members’ committee; delivering water to members in Flint; and more. Leaders and staff understand they must build good will and trust with all members. That means expanding our service model to touch the lives of as many members and their families as possible. If you have suggestions or comments about MCO’s engagement programs, call MCO at (517)485-3310 and ask for someone in Member Engagement.

Here’s what the Officer Dignity Initiative, through the coalition, has accomplished: • Prison facility inspectors and state police detectives who respond to dignity assaults received comprehensive training last fall. The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan and MSP conducted the training. Inspectors learned how to manage a crime scene, gather and document evidence, and write a report for police. They were told to document feces or urine on staff members with clear full-color photographs of the entire impacted area, before the officer cleans up or changes clothes. A medical professional should assess the staff member and provide medication to protect against communicable disease if needed. • Increased public awareness of the unique dangers and challenges of corrections work. COs often feel like the public doesn’t understand what they face behind the walls. The work of this coalition shed light on this seldom-discussed aspect of corrections work. The Lansing State Journal, WDIV (Detroit), WLUC (Marquette), the Ionia Sentinel-Standard, and corrections.com are just a few of the media outlets that reported on the Dignity Initiative. • Signage will be placed in all housing units with an abbreviated version of the law that speaks to these types of assaults.

In the News MCO debuts Officer Dignity video - WLUC Law agencies unite against shame assaults in prisons - Ionia Sentinel-Standard Michigan inmates will face 5-year felony if they throw food, bodily fluids at prison staff members - WDIV Corrections launches â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Officer Dignity Initiativeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; - Lansing State Journal 1

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2 Photos clockwise from top: 1.

Signs with this language will be placed in housing units to warn inmates of the repercussions of dressing out staff. 2. A screen grab from the Officer Dignity Initiative video. Thank you WCC Officer Roy Doades for telling your story for the video. 3. The Officer Dignity Initiative coalition. From left: Ionia County Prosecuting Attorney Kyle Butler; MSP Detective Sergeant Chris Clute; Bellamy Creek Inspector Christine Wakefield; MCO Legal Director Jeff Foldie; MCO Director of Government and Political Affairs Jeremy Tripp. 4. The coalition meets at the MCO office.

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A day in the life: MCO staff lift up members and their work to keep the public safe At MCO, we’re working hard at changing the way we do things. We’re trying to change the narrative on corrections officers and engage with more members face-to-face. We’re thinking outside the box about ways we can do even more to advocate for corrections officers and show your dedication and professionalism. To that end, MCO staff has long wanted to feature members at work in our publications. We’re proud of the hard work you do, and we’d like to lift up members and their workplace experiences. That’s why we are pleased to announce that MCO staff has been allowed to take a camera inside the facilities to take photos of members at work. These four pages feature members working at Bellamy Creek and Egeler correctional facilities. Check them out to get a glimpse of what it’s like to work at these prisons. Of course, MCO will not take photos of members who don’t want to be photographed, and we won’t publish sensitive photos that could affect safety and security. Thank you, MDOC administration, facility administration, and members, for being open to this idea and for helping MCO staff make it happen.

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MCO staff toured and took photos at IBC Nov. 8, 2016. Thank you, members, for letting us photograph you at work. 1. CO Rubley prepares for his shift in the yard shack. “Ever since I was a kid, I knew I wanted to be in law enforcement. At age 11, I was in a car accident caused by a drunk driver and took away both of my parents. Myself and my sister were injured but we survived. From that point on, I knew I wanted to be in law enforcement to make a difference in someone’s life and maybe prevent something like that from happening to someone else... “Corrections has pretty much been a big family. I love my work every day. I’m trying to make a difference in these inmates’ lives, trying to learn why they’re here and prevent them from

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coming back.” CO Partain making rounds in the 300 building, which includes the school, rec area, and main OPMH treatment area. IBC is a large facility. The Housing Units are clearly marked so officers and outside emergency responders can quickly answer calls for help. CO J. Simon talks with IBC Chapter President Lorraine Emery and MCO President Tom Tylutki. CO VanderHeuvel works in unit 8, the detention unit. “I just show up and do my job and make sure everyone goes home safely,” VanderHeuvel said. COs Maxey (left) and Echtinaw (center) talk to Emery in Housing Unit 1.

7. CO L. Davis looks out into Housing Unit 4, a Level IV. Davis has about three years in. He gave some advice to recruits on things he had to learn on the job. “Know who you are and be self-aware. You need to know who you are because there’s a lot of violence and manipulation inside prisons. You need to have character and remain in control of your emotions at all times on duty. “This job can take a toll on your relationships. It’s important to take time to destress, for them and for you. Taking time to destress makes you more resilient when you need to be.” 8. Big yard at IBC.

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MCO staff toured and took photos at RGC Dec. 12, 2016. Thank you, members, for letting us photograph you at work.

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Officers (left to right) Hartman, Pulido and Miers. CO Grames speaks with a medic at the Duane Waters Hospital. A unit at RGC. RGC Chapter President Paul Jones with CO Altenberndt. Altenberndt has 33 years with the MDOC, making him one of the longest-serving corrections officers in the Department. He rarely misses a day – he has about 2,400 hours of sick time accrued. “It was always there if I needed it. I’m very grateful that I’ve been healthy, my kids have been healthy, and I’ve never needed it. I was blessed,” Altenberndt said.

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3 “It’s been a good career. I have no regrets for staying this long.” Altenbrandt offered this advice for new recruits. “Make sure you’re up on your policies and procedures. Listen to your supervisors, especially the ones who’ve been around a while. Show up for work every day and try to do the right thing.” 5. CO Rice explains the RGC intake board, which records all MDOC intakes since RGC opened as the intake center in 2002. The board shows numbers mostly declining as the Michigan legislature looks for less expensive alternatives to incarceration. In 2003, RGC’s first full year, there were 13,190 admissions, versus 9,606 in 2015. 6. CO D. Gaines works in the chowhall. He offered these words of wisdom

for new recruits: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Take your job seriously because these are prisoners. They have 24 hours a day, seven days a week to get one over on you, and you only have eight hours to stop them.â&#x20AC;? 7. CO Coolbaugh, the 142 building rover, watches med lines. Outside of work, Coolbaugh is the East Jackson varsity football coach. He also coaches track. A few of his athletes have grown up to be COs themselves. 8. CO L. Foster in an intake processing office. Foster photographs inmates for IDs and for identifying features, like scars and tattoos. 9. CO Oliva making rounds in the Duane Waters Hospital.

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You’re invited: Fallen Officers Memorial Dedication and Open House honors slain COs and welcomes members to experience the new MCO The Fallen Officers Memorial will be unveiled Sunday, May 7, 2017, on the first day of Correctional Officers Week. “MCO will set the tone for Correctional Officers Week by dedicating this beautiful memorial honoring those officers, and their families, who made the ultimate sacrifice An early mock-up of the Fallen Officers Memorial. The memorial design will be unveiled at the Fallen Officers Memorial in public service to keep Dedication Ceremony and Open House May 7. others safe,” said Andy on dynamic initiatives to engage all you for your support throughout these Potter, MCO Vice President/Chief members. changes. of Staff. “Through this memorial, we We have launched many new proAlso, the central office staff has are sending a powerful message to grams, including a state-wide member been realigned to carry out this new the fallen officers’ families and to all listening tour; a work and engage members officers: your union understands and military members’ in new ways. Grievance appreciates the dangerous nature of Honoring our committee; PTSD handling used to be the bulk your job. We won’t forget about you Fallen Officers: research and of the work at the MCO and we won’t stop fighting for you.” awareness; and central office. Grievances, George Haight The dedication ceremony will be the Officer Digwhile an important and End of Watch: at 1 p.m. May 7 at Michigan Correcnity Initiative, to necessary part of unions, March 27, 1893 tions Organization, 421 W. Kalamensure members are only filed by a small perazoo, Lansing, centage of members. Many Earl DeMarse MI. All MCO members who haven’t filed End of Watch: ! members and w o a grievance have had little Sept. 25, 1973 n retirees are invit- RSVP interaction with MCO. We ed. The families are trying to change that. Josephine McCallum of fallen MichiAll members should feel a End of Watch: gan corrections connection with their union March 24, 1987 officers, MDOC and be proud to belong. administrators, A memorial had been Jack Budd legislators, and discussed several times over End of Watch: state union leadthe years but never came to Dec. 27, 1987 Invitations will be emailed to all member home ers will also be fruition. Then, in 2015, a email addresses soon. Or, RSVP online now. All invited. group of corrections officers MCO members and retirees are welcome. Immediately and retirees led by retirees Pamela after the dedicaare treated with respect in dress outs Drew and Rod Denley approached the tion of the memorial, MCO will host and inmate sexual exposures. We came MCO Executive Board with a detailed a reception and open house, where together to deliver water to members plan for a memorial. The Board apmembers can get acquainted with the in Flint, and raised officers’ collective proved a committee to research a new MCO and the union’s new way voice after the Kinross riot. Many of memorial and turn this long-standing of working. Over the past two years, you have taken a part in these new dream into a reality. union leaders and staff have taken programs and initiatives. We thank The Fallen Officers Committee

To be revealed May 7...

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See Memorial on pg. 10

MCO Memorial Coin created to recognize the dedication and tenacity of COs ment, putting their safety on the line in service to our communities and the state of Michigan. The coin also represents the loyalty, strength, and tireless dedication required of all corrections A special commemorative coin staff. To those doing the job every will be given to all members and day, we thank you and honor you guests in attendance at the memowith this coin. rial dedication May 7. For memThis coin was bers who are Don’t miss any specially designed unable to for the dedication announcements on the attend the ceremony and memorial dedication and unveiling, you serves as a small open house! All updates can receive a reminder of those will be posted in the coin by coming who have made the Fallen Officers Memorial to the MCO ultimate sacrifice central office and Open House and acknowledges and viewing Information Center at those currently the memorial mco-seiu.org/memorial. working behind the in person after walls. the ceremony. Whenever you The MCO cenlook at your coin, we hope you take tral office is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. time to reflect on the corrections Monday through Friday, excluding officers working at that very mostate holidays.

Help us out! Volunteers needed for several roles at dedication and open house The success of the memorial ceremony and open house relies on the dedication and commitment of MCO leaders, staff, and numerous volunteers. To make this event successful, we need volunteers to help us in welcoming our guests to our union building. Volunteers will be doing everything from explaining the various displays we will have set up inside the MCO office building; to directing parking; to seating the fam-

ilies of fallen officers. We will make an effort to place volunteers according to their interest. Can we count on you to volunteer to help make this experience memorable for all who attend? If you would like to be a part of this historic dedication, contact Tangee Laza at tangee@mco-seiu.org or Karen Mazzolini at karen@mco-seiu.org to hear more details and sign up. You can also call us at (517)485-3310.

Research on CO Charles Anderson inconclusive...so far In January, MCO leaders heard there may have been a fifth corrections officer to die in the line of duty but was forgotten over the years. So far, research by several retirees, MCO Charles Anderson. staff, and Photo credit: “One genealogists has Hundred Years at Hard Labor: A History not been able of Marquette State to confirm this Prison,” by Ike Wood death. (KA-ED Publishing Retiree Rod Co., 1985.) Denley notified MCO that he and retiree Brian Mahoney had done some research into the possible duty death of Officer Charles Anderson of Marquette Branch Prison. MCO staff immediately joined the search for information. Here’s what we know: Officer Charles Anderson was stabbed at MBP Dec. 11, 1921, in the same attack that led to the deaths of Warden T.B. Catlin and Deputy Warden Fred Menhennett. Menhennett’s son, Arthur Menhennett, was also assaulted. They were with inmates in the prison theater for a Sunday afternoon movie. With the lights dimmed, notorious inmate Arthur “Gypsy Bob” Harper sneaked to the front of the theater and stabbed Warden Catlin with a carving knife. Two other inmates jumped in on the assault. Anderson and the MenSee Anderson on pg. 10 A Winter 2017 MCO Report 9

Memorial continued A met to select the design and feel of this monument. Committee members included Chair Bill Henderson (MCO Treasurer and SRF chapter president); Brent Kowitz (MCO Recording Secretary and SMT chapter president); Pamela Drew (DRF retired); Jerry Pope (MBP retired); and Michael Wallace (SMT retired). Drew, Pope, and Wallace continued involve-

ment in the project even though they retired during the year-anda-half-long planning. MCO staff and leaders thank them for their service. Now is the time. MCO has a renewed dedication to serving our members and preserving our rich history. These are tough but exciting times for MCO members. Thanks for your continued support. See you May 7!

In Memoriam: 5 U.S. COs recently perished Around the country, several corrections officers have made the ultimate sacrifice over the last year. Steven Floyd, 47, was one of four staff members taken hostage by inmates at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Smyrna, Delaware, Feb. 1. Floyd was found dead the next day. He has been hailed as a hero. At the onset of the takeover, inmates staged a fight. Floyd called for assistance, but was then stuffed into a closet. As staff entered the building to assist, he warned them that they were walking into a trap. Kenneth Bettis, 44, died Sept. 16, 2016, two weeks after being stabbed by an inmate at the Holman Prison in Atmore, Alabama. The inmate suspected in his death was upset he didn’t get an extra food tray, according to media reports. Holman Prison has been racked by violence and short-staffing. Last March, the warden and another officer were stabbed. Mari Johnson, 55, was found unresponsive in the early morning hours of July 16 at the French Robertson Unit, a prison near Abilene, Texas. A prisoner is accused of attacking her as she entered a storage area near the 10 MCO Report Winter 2017

kitchen. Johnson had complained about low staffing, her son said at the time of her death. Kristopher Moules, 25, died July 18 after falling down an elevator shaft during an altercation with an inmate at the Luzerne County Prison in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. They were on the fifth floor when they ran into the closed elevator door. The door opened, and they fell into the shaft. The prisoner also died. David Weaver, 59, died nine days after hitting his head on a concrete wall Sept. 17 while monitoring the yard at the State Correctional Institute (SCI) in Graterford, Pennsylvania. What actually happened to Weaver is unknown. The only witnesses were inmates, and the Pennsylvania DOC says Weaver hit his head after he tripped and fell while trying to dodge a football. Weaver’s family and his union aren’t buying it. These tragic deaths remind us of the dangerous jobs corrections officers do every day. When corrections officers complain about staffing, security, or safety, it’s because they know the risks of their profession. MCO leaders and staff thank you, members, for putting your lives on the line every day to keep the public safe.

Anderson continued A hennetts were stabbed, possibly because they intervened. Anderson handed his cane to Catlin, and he struck Harper. Back then, officers carried canes that could also be used for defense if needed. According to the Marquette Branch Prison Wikipedia page, all four perished. However, the citation for this information links to a New York Times article about MBP Dr. A.W. Hornbogen’s murder about 10 years later. The article makes no mention of Catlin, Anderson, or the Menhennetts. MCO Communications Director Anita Lloyd went to the state Library of Michigan and reviewed microfilms of the Marquette Mining Journal’s coverage of the melee. A front-page article published Dec. 12, 1921 states Anderson was stabbed once. None of the articles staff reviewed indicated that Anderson died from his injuries. Staff have also reviewed “One Hundred Years at Hard Labor: A History of Marquette State Prison” by Ike Wood. The book tells the story of the movie-theater skirmish, and states that Anderson “sustained a deep stab wound in his side and was having difficulty staying on his feet.” It doesn’t state Anderson passed away. MDOC administrators have also been looking for information about Anderson. MBP Warden Robert Napel, a history buff himself, said he and a local historian weren’t able to confirm how Anderson passed away. “We would be just as interested as MCO in making sure this officer received his proper due if he was killed in the line of duty,” MDOC Spokesman Chris Gautz said. “I would encourage anyone who has information concerning Anderson’s assault to contact me at gautzc@michigan.gov.” Anyone with information on Anderson can also contact Anita Lloyd at anita@ mco-seiu.org. MCO will continue to follow leads and try to get to the bottom of what happened to Officer Charles Anderson.

Congratulations to Board Member Cary Johnson, 2017 MDOC Officer of the Year! Executive Board Member Cary Johnson has been selected as the Michigan Department of Corrections Officer of the Year! This is the first time an Executive Board member has been named department Officer of the Year. “I have worked with Cary Johnson on the MCO Executive Cary Johnson Board for many years,” MCO President Tom Tylutki said. “She is an exemplary corrections officer and union leader. Recently, she has been instrumental in MCO’s efforts to raise awareness of

PTSD among corrections staff. I commend her on her tireless service for MCO members.” The Michigan Correctional Officers’ Training Council made their selection Feb. 24 after interviewing the five finalists. Johnson has been a CO for 21 years. She is the MCO Cotton chapter Chief Steward. For 13 years, she has been a trustee on the MCO Executive Board. Over the years, she has received an MDOC Lifesaving Award and a Warden’s Coin of Excellence. Johnson is the Security Threat Group team leader at Cotton. She serves on

numerous MCO committees and has taken part in countless volunteer projects, including the Traumatic Incident Stress Management Team and MCO’s Flint water delivery. She is always willing to step up for MCO members, whether it’s helping with an arbitration or meeting with new recruits. “Johnson is involved in anything ‘corrections,’” her nominator wrote. “She has dedicated her career to ensure that her ‘brothers and sisters’ are treated fairly. She requests to be paired with new officers to ensure they have an avenue for asking questions … She insists that new female OJTs be assigned to her at least once to understand their role and the different hurdles they may face.” Johnson is married and has one son. Please join MCO leaders and staff in congratulating Cary on this achievement!

Congratulations, finalists!

Emergency Response Team. He is an Assistant Scout Leader with the Boy Scouts of Michigan and participates in Shop With A Cop every year. Allen is married and has one son.

development of a special database. She serves on the EPIC Committee for Professional Development. Holden also led a girls’ group at her church and has supported women’s organizations. Holden is married.

John Klapish, Saginaw Correctional Facility Klapish has been a corrections officer for 30 years. He works in a unit with handicapped and special needs inmates. “He is well versed in policy and procedure and is often consulted by fellow staff for this reason,” according to his nomination materials. Klapish has an excellent work ethic and rarely misses a day. Klapish volunteers with his church, local high school, and civic organizations. He is married From left: CO Klapish, SRF; CO Johnson, JCF; CO Wilson, TCF; CO Holden, ECF; CMO Allen, WCC. and has two adult children. Phil Allen, Woodland Center Correctional Facility Allen, a 23-year MCO member, “has a high moral value second to none,” his nominator wrote. WCC houses mentally ill inmates, and Allen is able to de-escalate tense situations, keeping an environment of calm in his housing unit. Allen also serves on the

Karolyn Holden, Oaks Correctional Facility Holden has been an MDOC officer for 20 years. She works in a high-stress segregation unit, but is able to keep the unit calm through communication and de-escalation techniques. She is a trainer and she frequently steps up for tasks, like the

Sherlyn Wilson, Thumb Correctional Facility Wilson, a 14-year corrections officer, works in the control center. She is always positive, professional, and detail-oriented, her nominator said. She volunteers with the MDOC Honor Guard and the TCF Employee’s Club. In addition to her MDOC work, she is a driver for the Mass Transportation Authority in Flint. Wilson recently retired from the Air National Guard. She has one adult daughter. Congratulations to all finalists and all facility Officers of the Year! We look forward to seeing all of you at the Employee Awards Banquet in May. Winter 2017 MCO Report 11

Welcome to the corrections family, MDOC recruits!

About 500 new corrections officers joined MDOC in 2016, and almost 400 more are expected to join the ranks this year. “We’re glad to welcome a new generation of officers to MCO,” said Andy Potter, Vice President/Chief of Staff. “This is an exciting time to join MDOC and MCO. Corrections leaders in Michigan and around the country are rethinking the way they do things. We want corrections officers to have a voice in that, too. We look forward to meeting the needs of a new generation of corrections officers, while still holding on to the values of our long-serving members and the camaraderie that makes MCO so unique.” MDOC is keeping pace with its plan to hire 3,000 corrections officers by 2018, as reported by The Detroit News in 2015. Almost 2,400 officers

were hired from 2014-2016, according to info MDOC provided MCO. The goal of the rapid hiring is to offset the large number of retiring COs. MDOC officials said in 2015 about 70 officers were retiring every month. More than 230 COs retired in 2016. “While MCO leaders are grateful MDOC is hiring corrections officers, we still need hundreds more, given the large number of COs promoting and resigning now,” MCO President Tom Tylutki said. “Mandates are still out of control at several facilities. It’s not healthy, and it leads to even more resignations.” MCO leaders have been spreading awareness of this persistent staffing crisis for years. In January 2015, former Executive Director Mel Grieshaber pointed out that the community college training acade-

Congratulations to these recent graduating classes! Dec. 2016 Barry Davis class 66 recruits David Bergh class 155 recruits Oct. 2016 Marsha Foresman class 33 recruits July 2016 Barry Wickman class 61 recruits

May 2016 Joan Roggenbuck class 103 recruits March 2016 Millicent Warren class 34 recruits 12 MCO Report Winter 2017

mies didn’t come close to filling all vacancies. Potter described the crisis in this article and alluded to efforts to reshape MCO and its service to members. MCO leaders are thankful to have a new generation of COs joining the ranks. Soon, MCO will be launching a program to reach out to the thousands of young officers. We’ll be meeting with them in small groups to hear their thoughts and share information about how they can engage with MCO. We must have custody staff to rely on when emergency strikes. MDOC is taking advantage of new technologies, like high-definition cameras and round readers, but only staff can react to emergencies. As MCO’s old staffing tagline states, “cameras can’t respond!”

4 Photos: 1. MCO Director of Government and Political Affairs Jeremy Tripp speaks to the Millicent Warren class. This was a special class of women for WHV. Photo by Cary Johnson. 2. The David Bergh class at their graduation. 3. Barry Wickman class graduation. 4. The Millicent Warren class at their graduation. Photo by Tom Tylutki. 5. The Barry Davis class takes the oath. Photo by Jai Deagan. 6. Barry Davis class listens as MCO leaders explain the benefits of MCO membership. The class met at the old Kinross facility. 7. The Joan Roggenbuck class at graduation. 8. MCO President Tom Tylutki talks to the Joan Roggenbuck class at an OJT reception. 9. MCO Executive Board Member Ed Clements chats with Barry Wickman class recruits at an OJT reception. 10. A few Foresman class recruits with the Honor Guard and MDOC Director Heidi Washington. This was the second WHV class in 2016. Photo by Holly Kramer.

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Working With Prisoners Makes It Hard To Be a Mom about myself. At restaurants, I’d insist on taking a table in the back corner, and I’d pass up tables in the middle of the room. If we were at a park, and I lost sight of my son, I would get sweaty, and couldn’t concentrate until I found him. On my half-hour drive to work, I listened to upbeat music to psych myself up. On my way home, I sat in silence, preparing to be a good wife and mother. We try to keep these worlds separate, but sometimes you can’t. I came off a shift a few days When I finished college, before ChristI knew I wanted to do somemas, and it thing that meant something. had been a At first, I worked at a homehard shift — less shelter. A lot of mental we’d found health facilities had recently some prison been closed, and the shelters hooch, and were getting crowded, so I I’d discovwas breaking up fights and ered a man getting spit on. I was good was being Cary Johnson at dealing with that environextorted ment, and someone said I into manipcould get paid a lot better working ulating his own family members to at a prison. I thought, “Hell, let’s get them to send money to other give it a try!” I thought I’d do it for prisoners. five years and then find some other I clocked out, feeling pissed off way to save the world. at humanity. As I walked through That was 22 years ago. the parking lot, two little kids ran There is a saying in corrections, up to me, the children of another something we tell new recruits: employee. They were wearing Santa “You’re not shit to the department hats, and they were running up to until five years in, and after five all of us, saying, “Officer, officer, years you’re not shit to everyone Merry Christmas!” They offered me else.” This job changes you. And like cookies. it or not, one bleeds into the other – I broke down in tears, comhome to prison, prison to home. pletely unprepared for that flip in It took me years to learn this, humanity. Back home, I saw on and nothing helped me learn it quite Facebook that other men from the like becoming a parent. Having a shift admitted they’d been emotionson changed the way I understood ally triggered, too. my job, and my job has shaped the I know male officers who, way I raise my son. because of their work, feel an obWhen he was born seven years sessive need for control at home ago, I started to notice small things — when dinner is served, when (Editor’s note: MCO has received such great feedback on this story, we decided to republish it here. It’s Officer Cary Johnson’s first-person account of what it’s like to be a corrections officer and a mom, as told to author Maurice Chammah. Johnson is an MCO Executive Board member and CO at Cotton. The article was written by Chammah and published originally by the Marshall Project, in collaboration with Vice.)

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it’s time for bed, where objects go. When they can’t meet that need, they cope with alcohol and other self-destructive behavior. I’m happy to give control at home to my husband, who is not a correctional officer. But still, as my son got older, I found myself patting him down. I’d find little rocks in his pockets, and he would joke, “I can’t hide anything from you!” Having read the case files of prisoners — some of whom were child molesters — I became suspicious of men who interacted with my son. Around Christmas, I’d make sure to take him to the mall at less busy hours, so I could meet Santa and size him up, and make sure he returned eye contact, before letting my son sit on his lap. Once, we were at the park and while my son was on the swings I noticed an older man, sitting on a bench, watching him. I felt angry, irritated, wondering who this man was. So I made sure to pass him on my way to the drinking fountain. “Who are you here with?” I asked. He looked startled and replied, “Nobody.” “Don’t you think that’s weird?” I snapped. I asked him to go sit somewhere else, and he obliged. I felt good, but then later, I wondered if maybe he was just a retired man, taking a walk, sitting down to reminisce. At the same time, having a son made it harder to keep my emotional guard up at work. Shortly after he was born, I read the file of a gang leader we suspected of extorting other prisoners. I learned that he never met his dad, and his mother was on drugs. He was born with a broken arm because See Mom on pg. 20 A

Corrections officers step up to volunteer with TISM By Karen Mazzolini MCO Member Engagement Director 2016 was a very eventful year for the State of Michigan TISM (Traumatic Incident Stress Management) Team. In the beginning of the year, the TISM statewide committee worked to identify and recruit new TISM team members. We were strongly supported in this effort by the TISM department coordinators, department administrators, and the leadership at MCO and UAW. We were so successful with the recruitment that by mid-summer we had received, screened and accepted 49 new members for the TISM team. The majority of these came from the Department of Corrections. I would like to thank all of

the MCO members who have volcounseling. MCO is working on ways unteered for this very important to give COs even more skills to recundertaking. I was very proud that ognize and deal with PTSD. MCO received the most If a situation volunteers. If you are arises at your Stress on the job and PTSD are interested in volunfacility and you very real for our officers and MCO teering to be a TISM feel a TISM deintends to stand ready to assist advocate please contact briefing may be our members. me at Karen@mco-seiu. helpful, please org or call (800)451contact me at 4878 or (517)485-3310 ext. 139. MCO and I will get the process Corrections officers face traustarted. As you may be aware, matic stress on the job on a daily MCO is moving in a new direcbasis. Understanding the common tion; we are expanding services typical responses to traumatic events to all of our members. Stress can help officers cope and support on the job and PTSD are very resilient recovery. TISM services as- real for our officers and MCO sist with this process. TISM assesses intends to stand ready to assist after a traumatic situation and gives our members. resources to employees who request Karen Mazzolini is a member of them. TISM doesn’t provide actual the statewide TISM committee.

MCO engaging members with giveaways!

By Olivia Toretta In an effort to engage members MCO Member Engagement in a new and fun way, MCO’s Member Associate Benefits and Member Engagement departments have been holding contests to give away great tickets for Michigan athletic teams all across the state! Some of the contests that have been held so far include MCO trivia and call in to win. These contests have been a great way for MCO to reward members with really cool prizes! So far, members have won tickets to Pistons, Red Wings, Grand Rapids Griffins, and Port Huron Prowlers games. Thank you, members, for participating in these contests so far! Continue to frequently watch the MCO “Members Only” Facebook Group and the MCO website for more contests in the future! For any questions or comments, contact Tara Nichol, Member Benefits Associate, at Tara@mco-seiu.org.

MCO is giving away great prizes, like these seats at the Detroit Pistons v. Oklahoma City Thunder game. Photo by CO Lipka.

Congratulations to the following members that have already won! Detroit Pistons Games: CO Lipka, SAI CO M. Martin, TCF CO Fleury, LMF CO Bocek, RGC CO Emery, IBC CO Fierro, LRF CO Hardman, TCF

Port Huron Prowlers Games: CO Raleigh, MRF Detroit Red Wings Games: CO Barnett, IBC CO Rikkers, ICF CO Gainer, ECF CO Schwandt, MRF CO Welch, LRF

Grand Rapids Griffins Games: CO Houghton, DRF CO Jensen, RMI CO R. Wood, ICF CO Kelsey, IBC CO Lauber, MTF CO Ling, TCF CO Hall, LRF Winter 2017 MCO Report 15

Talk of closure continues, but none in budget recommendation For the seventh time since his election, Governor Rick Snyder presented in February an Executive Budget recommendation and detailed his plans on how best to move Michigan forward. The corrections budget recommendation, which remained relatively flat, lays out continued funding for the next fiscal year of $2 billion dollars with nearly $1.96 billion coming from the general fund. The proposal also includes one-time funding to train 177 new corrections officers, which, combined with the $9.2 million allocated in 2016-17, will give the MDOC the ability to train roughly 550 new officers in 2017-18. MDOC has worked hard to keep down its budget, Director Heidi Washington said Feb. 22 in testimony before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Corrections. She pointed out that for the next fiscal year, about 19 percent of the state’s general fund budget would go to corrections, down from a high of about 25 percent. The budget recommendation does not call for the closing of another state run correctional facility, but rumors and conversations in the House and Senate continue to swirl regarding the possibility of another closure. MDOC officials made comments against a closure on several occasions in 2016 and also said they weren’t comfortable closing a prison until they see a sustained decline in the inmate population. While the inmate population has decreased in recent years, future projections made in 2016 were flat. (Projections for this year had not been updated as of the Feb. 22 hearing). As an alternative, MDOC supports the closure of individual housing units which will lend them more flexibility as opposed to facility closures, which are costly to undo. At the Feb. 22 hearing, Director Washington defended that decision, telling the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Corrections, “as we accumulate (open) beds, we have shut down housing units, so right now we are in the process of doing that and we will continue to do that. “I know one of the things people 16 MCO Report Winter 2017

always want to talk about is closures…I can’t tell you today that we are in a position to close because we don’t have the beds today. But obviously closure is the ultimate measure of our success. When we are ready to do that, we are not afraid to do that, as I have talked to you in this committee (about) many, many times before.” Washington said there are currently about 1,000 vacant general population beds, but at least 500-700 of those beds should remain empty “to accommodate transfers, to accommodate movement within the system, and most importantly, to accommodate any spike in the population.” MCO leaders believe closings will lead to more overcrowding, understaffing and ultimately sacrifice the security of the institutions. By closing housing units, our leaders believe the MDOC is taking a practical and measured approach and should continue to advocate for responsible management of the inmate population. One overlooked aspect of this debate is the fact that some unit vacancies were artificially devised to save money. While some housing units sit empty, others are double-bunked, creating a threat to the safety and security of MDOC staff and inmates. For example, in Level II units at Kinross Correctional Facility, eight inmates are jammed in small cubes built for four. KCF was the site of a riot in September 2016. A lack of facility space was among the inmates’ complaints. Specifically, they were upset about the cramped housing units, law library, and visiting room. Officers also voiced these concerns. “It’s overcrowded,” one officer told MCO leaders days after the riot. “We keep closing prisons, but we’ve got seven and eight people in a cube, and cubes that were designed for four people. And restroom facilities that were designed for half as many inmates, kitchen facilities designed to cook for half as many inmates, recreational facilities for half as many inmates. And you’re putting in twice as many inmates, all vying for those limited amount of resources.” MCO does not believe these types of situations help the Department in their

See Political on pg. 21

KCF riot update: MDOC answers MCO’s FOIA request on costs; criteria set for ride-ins Kinross riot costs totaled $888,320, MDOC revealed in January. The Department gave the amount to MCO in response to a Freedom of Information Act request seeking the riot’s total expenses, including overtime for all staff, plus reimbursements for travel, lodging, and food; and reimbursements made to local emergency service agencies. MDOC administrators have implemented temporary standards regarding which Level II prisoners should be transferred to Kinross. Inmates who have just been reduced from a Level IV facility or those who were reduced from a Level IV in the last 12 months will not be transferred to KCF. CFA holds will be monitored for appropriate placement in an open-dorm unit. These changes also apply to URF-West and OCF. But on a recent tour, many COs said there are still problems with the quality and quantity of the food. Although there have been glitches, many KCF officers have told MCO leaders the new guidelines have helped. MCO leaders think these restrictions on ride-ins are beneficial, but they are disappointed the food and other prisoner concerns that led to the riot have not been addressed. MCO is continuing to look for ways to be part of the solution to help prevent something like the riot from happening again. MCO staff, leaders, and members are also talking to new state legislators to make sure they understand what happened, and that more changes are needed to keep staff and inmates safe. Also, Gov. Rick Snyder and MDOC Director Heidi Washington met with a few KCF staff members in February to thank them.

Pulse on Corrections: corrections reform and safe staffing in the news

MCO is working to better educate members on national corrections trends and provide deeper context for issues corrections officers should watch. Nationally, two movements are building inside corrections: safe staffing and corrections reform. We’ve seen in a few states that public outcry after a violent assault or riot forces state legislators and corrections administrators to address staffing. As the national economy improves, many states are debating raising corrections officers’ wages, which vary wildly by state, to retain staff. And, of course, there’s a nation-wide, bipartisan push to reduce inmate populations to save money. Some lawmakers also see it as a moral issue, as the U.S. has one of the highest rates of incarceration. Twenty percent of all prisoners in the world are locked up in the U.S. Corrections reform and safe staffing may seem to be in conflict — reform could mean fewer inmates, which could mean fewer staff. This doesn’t have to be the case at this time. Safe staffing levels are a must if the MDOC and other departments want to rehabilitate inmates. Broad facility movement for school, vocational programs, and From Alabama: Who’s guarding Alabama’s death row? Holman prison, the site of a deadly stabbing of an officer last year, faces a staffing catastrophe. The Alabama DOC’s notoriously poor pay and working conditions have compounded their recruitment problems, according to a report from newsite AL.com. From Florida: After long drought, governor proposes Florida corrections officers get pay raise Florida has seen a rash of riots and violence coming out of its overburdened DOC. The corrections secretary has said low staffing levels and low experience has hurt the department. From Kansas: Annual turnover of Kansas prison guards surges to 33 percent “The (Kansas) Legislature appropriated additional funding to the corrections department to boost salaries amid concerns about turnover threatening public safety,” the article states. “Increasing wages $1 an hour for uniformed officers at adult prisons costs about $1 million.” From Oklahoma: Should corrections workers get a five percent raise?

Arm yourself with information MCO has been testing out a biweekly Media Digest, that wraps up corrections news and opinion

other programing requires the oversight of professional corrections officers. The presence of attentive staff reduces violent incidents, also lending to rehabilitation and reduced recidivism. After all, corrections officers spend more time with inmates than any other staff members and know the dispositions, tendencies, and histories of the inmates. COs must stay informed as the corrections terrain changes. It’s the first step in having a voice as these changes sweep through our industry and workplaces. Below you will find links to a few articles that give examples of reform and safe staffing efforts going on around the country. NOTE: MCO does not necessarily agree with the opinions or stances in these articles. We are sharing just a few articles so our members can understand what corrections departments around the country are doing and how the corrections profession and landscape are changing. We should all be thinking about how we can forecast future trends in corrections and how corrections officers can have a voice in those changes.

The Oklahoma DOC is about 30 percent understaffed, and one in four new COs quit before their second year. From Pennsylvania: ‘New normal:’ With crime rates down, Pa. set to close 2 prisons Pennsylvania went through similar population and hiring boom as Michigan in the 1980s. Now, the population is falling, and the Pennsylvania DOC secretary said closing prisons is “the new normal.” Some, including the officers’ union, disagreed. From South Carolina: Incarceration reform helps save state $491 million in prison costs Six prisons have closed in recent years thanks to sentencing reforms passed about seven years ago. A recent report pegs savings at $491 million over the years. Around the U.S.: U.S. imprisonment rate falls to lowest since 1997: Justice Department The U.S. prison population fell by more than 2 percent from 2014 to 2015, the largest year-to-year drop in about 40 years, according to a Department of Justice report released in December.

pieces from around the country. This helps our member leaders understand public opinion, what other states are doing, and what could be in store for Michigan. MCO may expand the Media Digest distribution list so all mem-

bers can read it and better understand their profession. If this sounds like something you would like to receive, please email anita@mco-seiu.org. Winter 2017 MCO Report 17

’Twas the season: corrections staff serve others around the holidays Left: Saginaw staff raised almost $4,000 for Shop With A Hero, a program that allows kids to shop for Christmas gifts with corrections officers, police officers, and other emergency responders. Twenty-five children got to pick out gifts. Thank you to the SRF Employee Club for facilitating the fundraiser and to SRF officers for pitching in! Left: TCF staff stepped up to support the Stone Soup Food Bank in Lapeer. They donated food items, and the Employee Club chipped in with a $100 check. Nice work, Thumb staff! Here’s CO Robinson giving the donation to food bank director Steve MacCloud.

18 MCO Report Winter 2017

A few Jackson-area COs helped Blackman Township police with their Shop with a Cop program. The program was able to help about 60 children this year, Cotton CO Melvin said. Melvin’s daughter, Izzy Melvin, Ms. Great Lakes Outstanding Teen, volunteered, too. Here they are helping one of the kids wrap gifts for his family. Photo by Sheila Melvin.

This page features the holiday giving of just a few facilities. Thank you, staff, for donating your time and resources around the holidays and all the time! When your chapter volunteers, let us know. Send photos and details to mail@mco-seiu.org.

Above: Detroit Detention Center staff adopted an Angel Tree family. Here are a few staff members dropping off a mountain of gifts. Photo by Rochelle Phipps.

MCO Military Members Committee update: volunteers needed for great events By Ray Sholtz and Cindy Kogut

MCO Executive Board Member/ MCO Finance & Human Resource Coordinator

We are very excited to have our Military Member Committee up and running. The launch consisted of the introduction of our chapter military advocates and the military branch pins. We have been getting a lot of feedback from the pins. Some are saying this has been a morale booster! We have had a great start, but we need to keep going. The hope is we

will train advocates in small groups. We will expand beyond the training by having a military member link on the MCO website soon. This will be a central location to find everything about the military members committee initiatives. Our goal is also to start a Facebook group so that our military members can chat with each other about anything military in one common place. Future committee projects in-

clude a combined birthday party April 25 for all vets with April birthdays at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette. This summer, we will be helping build a ramp for a disabled veteran in Saginaw. We have a lot of things going on in 2017 and we’ll need several volunteers. We are very proud of all the hard work that we have accomplished. If you have any suggestions, please email Cindy at cindy@mco-seiu.org.

MDOC, MCO staff thank veterans for their dedicated service

Above left: Cotton employees held a cookout and raffle Nov. 10 in honor of Veterans Day. All proceeds were used for care packages for deployed troops. Staff also donated candy for the packages. Thank you Warden Brewer for buying the first 200 hotdogs!

From Left to Right: CO Gerald Nugent (Army vet); CO Juan Contero (Marine Corps vet); Warden Shawn Brewer; MCO Member Engagement Associate Olivia Toretta; CO Anthony Melvin (Marine Corps vet); Lt. Ybrra; MCO Member Engagement Associate Jim McHenry.

Left: WCC held cookouts Nov. 9 and 10 to celebrate veterans. Thank you, WCC Employee Club, for sponsoring this event. From left: Dep. Warden Lester Parish; MCO Member Engagement Associate Jim McHenry; Chapter President John Hassen; Warden Jodi DeAngelo-Kipp; MCO Member Engagement Associate Olivia Toretta.

Veteran who survived four days in shark-infested waters wins MCO iPad A veteran who survived the sinking of the USS Indianapolis won an MCO-donated iPad at a special Veterans Day meal at the VFW Post 701 in Lansing. Dick Thelen was one of only 317 survivors when the Japanese torpedoed the ship in 1945. Thelen, who was 18 at the time, and the other survivors

drifted at sea for more than four days before they were rescued. About 900 men perished. In the decades since the sinking, Thelen has told his story to reporters; testified before Congress and the Michigan Senate; spoken at schools and clubs; and taken part in a reunion committee for the USS Indianapolis survivors. Congratulations, Dick Thelen! Thank you Cindy Kogut, MCO’s staff representative on the for your service. Military Members’ Committee, with Navy vet MCO donated Dick Thelen, who won an iPad from MCO.

money for the iPad to give back to our local veterans and to network with other veterans groups in the area to find resources for members. “The MCO Military Members Committee is making connections with legislators and others here in the Capital city who are very active in veterans’ matters,” said Cindy Kogut, MCO’s staff representative on the committee. “Any information we get, we want to pass on to the vets and service men and women among MCO members.” Information Source: Faith Magazine, Dec. 2002. Winter 2017 MCO Report 19

Arbitrator splits decision on 32-hour rule violations, saying contract provides fix One of the MDOC’s apparent solutions to short staffing has been intentionally mandating officers in violation of the 32-hour rule. The 32-hour rule (Article 17, Section F.1.b.(3) ) forbids MDOC from mandating an officer more than once in a 32-hour period if they have already been mandated at least four hours, or two if they work 12-hour shifts. This rule ensures COs can spend some time destressing away from the facility, which is critical in preventing burnout and maintaining good health. MCO tried to find solutions with the MDOC but was eventually

forced to arbitrate. Our attorneys asked the arbitrator to force MDOC to stop intentionally violating the 32-hour rule. They also asked that officers receive double time for mandated overtime in violation of the rule. Meanwhile, the Department denied violating the contract because they followed the “error” provision in Article 17 F.1.f. (which states violations will be remedied by bypassing the officer for overtime the next time they come up for mandate.) MCO countered that intentional acts are not errors. The arbitrator said MDOC violated the contract but agreed with

RUO lawsuit awaiting action at Court of Appeals The RUO challenge sits at the Michigan Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals agreed to take the case in August 2016. No decision has been made. The court has no deadline in taking any action. In spring 2016, MCO won the RUO lawsuit at the Circuit Court level. The state is appealing that Mom continued A a man tried to kick him out of her womb. He was put into foster care at 10 and joined a gang at 14. Earlier in my career, I would have thought, Here I am with a cold-blooded killer. But now, with a son of my own, I couldn’t make eye contact with this man because I couldn’t stop thinking about the little boy he’d once been, and how his parents had failed him. When he was transferred, I was relieved, and decided to rethink reading files. It’s good to have sympathy, but too much compassion makes it difficult to do your job. I’m careful, whenever possible, to keep myself 20 MCO Report Winter 2017

ruling. The RUO and CMUO classifications were arbitrarily abolished in 2012. MCO has been fighting to reinstate them ever since. To see a history of MCO’s actions taken on this case over the last five years, go to our website now.

away from things I know will tug too strongly at my emotions. I don’t watch chick flicks. Some officers intentionally read or watch things to spark emotions, to remind them of their humanity. I avoid it at all costs. But with my son, I worry that I’ll be too cold to him — that I’ll treat him too much like I treat the prisoners — so I shelter and smother him. I want to baby him, to make his life easier. I know that a lack of discipline is why some people end up in prison, so I’ve got to be careful. Recently, he didn’t bring his homework to school, and I apologized for him instead of letting him own up to it, and the

the Department that the “error” provision is the remedy. The word error can be defined as “an act or instance of deviation from an accepted behavior,” she wrote. Furthermore, because MCO attempted to bargain the double-time penalty into the contract but wasn’t successful, the arbitrator wasn’t comfortable imposing it on the parties now. Going forward, members should be vigilant. If you are mandated in violation of the 32-hour rule, make sure shift command knows to skip you the next time your name is up. If you are still mandated to work, grieve it.

Looking for retirements? Recent retirements (starting with late 2016) will be in the Spring 2017 MCO Report. Congratulations to all recent retirees!

teacher asked me, “Do you want him living in your basement when he’s 22?” At first, I thought, Yes, yes I do. But I know I want him to be successful in life, and that I may need to reconsider my parenting style. I’m still learning. Cary Johnson is a corrections officer at the Cotton Correctional Facility in Jackson, Mich and is the 2017 MDOC Officer of the Year. She is on the board of the Michigan Corrections Organization, and has been involved with the union’s efforts to help researchers study post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues among officers.

mission to rehabilitate inmates and reduce recidivism. MDOC administrators have said officers are their partners in rehabilitating inmates, and they are working to foster an environment where vocational and other programming can flourish. But officers are most effective when they aren’t overworked and understaffed in an overcrowded housing unit. These problems will only grow worse,

and remove the MDOC further from its goals, if another prison is closed. MCO is sharing this information because corrections officers have a right to know what conversations are being held in our statehouse and what could possibly be on the horizon. MCO leaders don’t agree with all the MDOC administration’s comments and goals described in this article but think members should be aware. MCO will monitor these conversations and keep members updated.

Efficiency Committee back at work The MCO/MDOC joint Efficiency Committee reconvened in January. The committee hopes to funnel information from all facilities to MDOC administration. After a short period of inactivity, committee members are ready to get to work. “We just thought it was time to take a collective look at some of the issues that pop up around the state and see if there are areas we can improve upon,” said Byron Osborn, MCO’s chair on the committee. Assistant Deputy Director Lloyd Rapelje serves as the MDOC’s chair. Other committee members include Mark Dunn (ECF chapter president), Aaron Hawkins (RGC chapter chief steward), Janell Wright (OSE), Geri Smith (ORS), Jodi DeAngelo-Kipp (MDOC), and Jim McHenry (MCO

staff). Article 11, Section G of the contract addresses the Efficiency Committee: “The purpose of the Efficiency Advisory Committee shall be to exchange information and views regarding current and proposed staffing levels, mix of various custody and security classifications and levels, and the distribution of tasks and responsibilities among positions, and groups of positions, to identify situations in which staff functions and levels might be redeployed to maximize the safe and efficient delivery of state services within the Department of Corrections.” The committee hopes to meet once a quarter. Submit your efficiency ideas to the committee at http://526m.seiu.org/page/s/efficiency-suggestions

Tips and information about MCO’s facebook group

Are you in the MCO Facebook group? The group is a great way to get MCO news, other corrections news, and facility updates. The group is for MCO dues-paying members only. (Even so, you should never assume anything posted anywhere on Facebook is private). The group name is Michigan Corrections Organization (Members Only). If you submitted a request but have not been accepted, we are probably having a problem confirming your membership status. You can email mail@mco-seiu.org for help.

The Facebook group is overseen by a committee made up of union leaders. They are Byron Osborn (committee chair; URF chapter president and executive board member); Scott Waggoner (ARF chapter president and executive board member); Paul Jensen (ICF chapter president); and Will King (WCC chapter chief steward). MCO Communications Director Anita Lloyd represents staff. MCO staff are responsible for day-to-day monitoring and posting in the group. The committee will reconvene in

Statementof ofActivities Activities 2nd Quarter 2016 2016 Statement 3rd Quarter

Political continued

Revenues

Amount

Membership Dues

$982,538

Non-Member Fees

$7,137

Interest

$4,181

Miscellaneous

$765

From affiliates

$2,880

Total Revenues

$997,501

Expenses

Amount

Arbitration

$6,213

Books, dues and subscriptions

$6,215

Collective Bargaining

$2,112

Computer Expense

$4,164

Consulting

$17,413

Continuing Education

$5,297

Contributions

$25,900

Depreciation

$18,343

Insurance

$42,437

Leased Equipment

$4,909

Legal and Accounting

$21,589

MCO Report

$4,781

Meetings and Conferences

$41,634

Office and Administrative

$16,304

Organizational Unity materials

$3,264

Organizing

$756

Pension Contribution

$35,965

Postage

$2,944

Repairs and Maintenance

$10,184

Salaries

$218,984

Scholarships

$15,000

Social Activities

$24,530

Taxes - Payroll

$16,589

Taxes - Per Capita

$171,344

Taxes - General

$33,240

Telephone

$6,606

Utilities

$10,240

Total Expenses

$766,957

Change in Unrestricted Net Assets

$230,544

late March. What ideas and suggestions do you have for the committee? Send your thoughts to mail@mco-seiu. org. Thanks for joining! Winter 2017 MCO Report 21

MCO is a labor union representing more than 6,000 Corrections Officers and Forensic Security Aides who work for the state of Michigan. MCO is dedicated to serving those who have Michigan’s toughest jobs.

Larry Henley, Alger Ed Clements, Baraga Lorraine Emery, Bellamy Creek James Wexstaff, Brooks Eric Stott, Carson City Byron Osborn, Chippewa Marcus Collins, Detroit Detention Gary Smith, Detroit Reentry Rene Patino, Cotton Paul Jones, Egeler Joe Voorheis, FOA Mack Walker, Forensic Center

Tom Tylutki, President Andy Potter, Vice President Bill Henderson,Treasurer Brent Kowitz, Recording Secretary Byron Osborn, Trustee Scott Waggoner, Gus Harrison Dave Pasche, Michigan Training Unit Latese Walls, Huron Valley Womens Paul Jensen, Ionia Ricky Ries, Jackson Cooper Street Carlos Molina, Kinross Jonathan Hoath, Lakeland Ponda Esu, Macomb Edward Snively, Marquette John Bott, Central Michigan Branden TerHaar, Muskegon Teresa Nolan, Newberry

Andy Potter, Chief of Staff Tangee Laza, Member Engagement Director Karen Mazzolini, Member Engagement Director Cherelyn Dunlap, Member Benefits Director Jeff Foldie, Legal Director Shawn Davis, Legal Associate Anita Lloyd, Communications Director Tara Nichol, Member Benefits Associate Cindy Kogut, Finance and Human Resource Coordinator The MCO Report is an award-winning quarterly publication of the Michigan Corrections Organization, Service Employees International Union Local 526M. The editor reserves the right to refuse any incoming articles that are detrimental to MCO, SEIU Local 526M and its policies and the policies of the SEIU. Letters to the editor, story ideas, corrections requests, or other feedback may

22 MCO Report Winter 2017

Mark Dunn, Oaks Gabe Justinak, Ojibway Brent Kowitz, Parnall Adam Earley, Michigan Reformatory Bill Henderson, Saginaw Monoletoe McDonald, SAI Program Robert Fisher, St. Louis Patrick McGough, Thumb Angela King, West Shoreline John Hassen, Woodland

Lori Iding, Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff Stephanie Short, Grievance Coordinator Jeremy Tripp, Director of Governmental & Political Affairs Olivia Toretta, Member Engagement Associate Jim McHenry, Member Engagement Associate Valarie Mosley, Receptionist

be emailed to MCO Report Editor Anita Lloyd, anita@mco-seiu.org. All stories and photos are by the editor unless otherwise noted. MCO does not accept paid advertising in the MCO Report. No one is authorized to solicit advertising for the MCO Report in the name of MCO or SEIU Local 526M. If you have changed your email

When a critical incident occurs at your facility, contact MCO’s 24-Hour Answering Service by dialing 1-800-451-4878 and pressing 2.

MCO 421W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48933

Cary Johnson, Trustee Ed Clements, Trustee Ray Sholtz, Trustee Scott Waggoner, Trustee

Website: mco-seiu.org Email: mail@mco-seiu.org Phone: (800)451-4878 Fax: (517)485-3319

“Were it not for the labor press, the labor movement would not be what it is today, and any man who tries to injure a labor paper is a traitor to the cause.” – Samuel Gompers

address, phone number, or address please inform MCO immediately at 1-800-4514878 (phone), 1-800-327-5266 (fax), or complete the online form on our web site, mco-seiu.org. View staff contact information at mcoseiu.org or email mail@mco-seiu.org.

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MCO al:MCOPS/NSO 3/1/17