Issue 1: January - March 2018 IN THIS ISSUE: Top Dogs................................ 1 Leading The Way For A Safer COUNTRY .............................. 2 STOP for a “Thank You”..... 3
TOP DOGS
On Tuesday, March 13th, a crowd gathered at Countryside High School to celebrate Pinellas County’s eight newest K9 teams’ graduation from Basic Patrol K9 Operations School. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri presented diplomas to the graduates, which included three PCSO teams: Corporal Paul Martin & K9 Guinness, Deputy Wyeth Whitehurst & K9 Devon, and Deputy Johnathan Harr & K9 Tyson. The new teams showed off their new tricks alongside K9 Unit veterans in a series of demonstrations, including a car bomb search, agility, attack, and recall scenarios, a helicopter deployment, and a parade of K9 cruisers.
Benefits Corner.................... 3 Award Winners ................... 4-5 Transitions: Changes in the Troops..................................... 6-7 PCS “Ole” Days...................... 8 Take a Bite out of Grime... 9 .A Picnic For Praise ............. 10-11 Department Spotlight: Law Library ........................... 12
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What PCSO section made more than 450,000 photocopies in 2016 and 2017? The answer is on page 12.
Issue 1: January - March 2018
Leading The Way For A Safer COUNTRY Florida sheriff’s offices have finally been released from the tight spot between a rock and a hard place in which they have been trapped for too long in regards to the holding of criminal illegal immigrants. For more than 25 years, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued immigration detainers requesting county sheriff’s offices hold illegal immigrants who had been arrested for local crimes so that ICE could pick them up upon completion of their state charges. However, because immigration is a federal responsibility, in 2014, federal courts ruled that these detainers did not provide lawful authority to sheriffs, exposing them to potential civil liability should they continue to hold illegal immigrants for ICE. “We had to choose between releasing criminals from our jails to commit more crimes and victimize our communities, or hold these illegal aliens and risk being sued and having to pay six-figure judgments for civil rights violations,” Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said. At a news conference Wednesday, January 17th, Sheriff Gualtieri joined representatives from ICE, the National Sheriffs’ Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, and several Florida sheriff’s offices to announce that this will no longer be the case in 17 Florida jurisdictions. These groups have developed a new process based on a Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) model. Although not a
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contract, a BOA is a set of terms negotiated between an agency and a service provider that provides a description of services to be executed, terms applicable to future orders between the parties, and a method for pricing, issuing, and delivering on future orders. “To be clear, there is plenty of room for broad discussion and debate on the complex illegal immigration topic. But what we are discussing today is not about people who are simply here illegally, and it’s not about the politics of illegal immigration,” Sheriff Gualtieri said. “It’s entirely about public safety and law enforcement working together so that those we are sworn to protect do not unnecessarily become crime victims at the hands of the estimated 1 million criminal illegal aliens in the United States.” On the day of the news conference, ICE representatives hosted a brief training about the new agreement and how it would be implemented for attending sheriffs and command staff members. The 17 partner jurisdictions, including Pinellas, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, and Sarasota counties, will participate in the BOA process roll-out to ensure a smooth transition, but ICE plans to gradually expand implementation with willing law enforcement offices throughout the year. “Immigration enforcement is solely the responsibility of the federal government,” Sheriff Gualtieri said, “but public safety is the responsibility of all law enforcement officers.”
for a “Thank You” On Friday, February 2nd, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri thanked a group of Pinellas County school crossing guards in front of their peers and several community safety advocates at the Annual School Crossing Guard Appreciation Breakfast and Awards Ceremony. After he acknowledged their importance in the community and recognized their dedication to their duties, he dispersed Length of Service awards and Perfect Attendance and Special Recognition certificates. “We know your work encompasses more than just stopping traffic for the kids. Yes, you provide for their safety, but you also develop relationships with the kids - you may be the first familiar face they see each morning,” the sheriff said to crossing guards at the ceremony. “Know that we appreciate your work and your dedication. We know you are well trained and well prepared for the task and remind you to exercise caution and stay safe out there.”
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is happy to announce a new benefit for sworn members: basic membership in the Florida Deputy Sheriff’s Association (FDSA), including an accidental death and dismemberment policy.
packet and completed a beneficiary form for the policy. To see a copy of the insurance policy, visit the FDSA website: www.fldeputysheriffs.org.
Enhanced benefits are also available to sworn members through the FDSA directly. If you are interested in the Accidental death and dismemberment is a sudden, enhanced benefits, contact the FDSA at 1-844-890-0412. unforeseeable external event that results directly and independently of all other causes, i.e., an accident. Any It is very important to keep your beneficiary forms updated. bodily harm that results directly and independently To access the FDSA brochure and beneficiary form, go to from a covered accident is covered. SONET, hover over Quick Links, select Agency Forms, and search “FL Deputy Sheriff Death and Dismemberment The Sheriff’s Office pays 100 percent of the basic Beneficiary Form.” membership, meaning there is no cost to members. The policy is equal to the member’s annual salary and Please take this opportunity to review and update all includes survivor benefits of childcare up to $3,000 beneficiary forms. Unless specified differently, send per year, education benefits for up to $2,500 per child, updated forms to the Human Resources Benefits team at and up to $3,000 for a spouse for up to four years. insurancebenefits@pcsonet.com or fax them to 727-5825893. If you have any questions, call the Human Resources This new policy became effective for full-time and Benefits team at 727-582-2835. part-time sworn members February 28, 2018. Each sworn member should have received a membership
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Issue 1: January - March 2018
Congratulations to the members who were recognized by community groups.
Deputy Damon Laney, Governor’s Medal of Heroism On Thursday, February 8th, Governor Rick Scott presented the “Governor’s Medal of Heroism” to Deputy Damon Laney at a governor-cabinet meeting at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Damon received the award for his quick, resourceful thinking on his way to an off-duty detail. As he drove over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, he saw a car parked alongside the road with its hazard lights on, and he noticed a woman trying to climb over the wall. Recognizing that he would not have time to park and rush to stop the woman before she jumped, Damon carefully trapped her legs between his cruiser’s push bumper and the wall. When he exited his vehicle to help her, it shifted backward, and the woman continued to try to jump. Damon grabbed her by the waist and pulled her to safety so she could be taken into custody and given the care she needed. Deputy Roscoe Dobson, Commissioner John Morroni’s Law Enforcement Award Deputy Roscoe Dobson was recognized Saturday, February 17th, at Commissioner John Morroni’s 23rd Annual First Responder Appreciation Dinner, which he hosts to thank various law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel for their dedication to keeping citizens safe. This year, Roscoe was selected for his part in locating and apprehending a violent, armed fugitive. In September 2017, as the PCSO representative on the U.S. Marshal Regional Fugitive Task Force (USMRFTF), Roscoe and other Task Force members waited in the driveway of a fugitive who was wanted on multiple warrants for capital sexual battery of a child: his daughter. When the fugitive tried to flee, Roscoe and team followed until he finally pulled over. However, as USMRFTF members approached his vehicle, he began shooting at them. Fearing for his life and his team members’ lives, Roscoe returned fire and subdued the suspect. He was recognized for his heroic action under extreme pressure.
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Latent Print Examiner Duane Bunker, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General Recognition In December 2017, Latent Print Examiner Duane Bunker received a special recognition from the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General for his assistance throughout a five-year investigation. In 2012, Duane came into contact with a special agent from the Atlanta Field Division through the agent’s work with PCSO detectives on a case involving the theft of benefit checks from the U.S. mail. During those five years, Duane examined hundreds of evidence items. Thanks to his scrupulous attention to detail, they arrested not only the five known suspects, but also the previously unknown ringleaders of the operation. Duane received a plaque in appreciation for both his excellent work and his positive, eager attitude throughout the entire investigation. Deputy Aly Towne, Bright Star Law Enforcement Deputy of the Quarter Award In October 2017, Deputy Aly Towne was supervising a group of Explorers during a parking detail in Seminole when she noticed a 5-year-old boy running away from an adult and attempting to climb and jump over a chain-link fence. Afraid the child would hurt himself or run into traffic, Aly intervened and grabbed the child. Through investigation, Aly learned that the child, who was recently placed in foster care and was running away from his new foster parent, was attempting to kill himself by running into traffic on the busy road. Although the child was completely uncooperative with the foster parent, Aly spent about 45 minutes building trust with the child and was able to get the child into a patrol car and to a hospital to be treated for his psychological issues. As a result of Aly’s compassion and instincts, she was able to get a distressed child the help he needs without the use of handcuffs or psychological trauma. Aly’s professionalism was outstanding and also offered a great example to the Explorers, who are potentially our next generation of law enforcements officers. Accountant Cindy Watson, Bright Star Support Person of the Quarter Award From Spring 2016 through Summer 2017, Cindy Watson worked on implementing Odyssey Supervision software for the Misdemeanor Probation Unit’s accounting section. Cindy participated in the early meetings, analysis, and business process document preparation. As the review and feasibility of the software capabilities continued, Cindy became an expert by immersing herself in the detailed aspects of the software. She led the setup and testing of the module and successfully managed the large volume of data-entry work to go live in a timely manner. The successful implementation of this software module has significantly reduced staff time, effort, and errors and resulted in much more accurate inmate account data. Cindy’s expertise and dedication made this software implementation very successful. Deputy Shannon Roxby, City of Madeira Beach and Madeira Beach VFW Deputy of the Year Awards Deputy Shannon Roxby is a dedicated community policing deputy in the Madeira Beach area. Through her participation in community events and willingness to listen to citizens’ concerns, Shannon makes citizens feel safe and heard. She is a familiar face in the community, and her presence and commitment is greatly appreciated.
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Issue 1: January - March 2018
TRANSITIONS
Changes In The Troops
Due to the changing number of entries in this edition, we apologize for any unintended omissions. For promotions, transfers, and new hires, go to SONET, “Administration,” “Human Resources,” “Changes in the Troops.”
LENGTH OF SERVICE The Fiscal Affairs Bureau records indicate the following members have reached anniversary milestones with the Sheriff’s Office. Members with questions about their Length of Service certificates or photos, please call 582-6221.
JANUARY 2018 Corporal James Cooper. . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Years Lieutenant Vincent Gibney . . . . . . . . . 30 Years Dawn Gibney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Years Carolyn Motsch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Years Linda Scire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Years Anthony Anderson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Years Kathy Bellville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Years Brian Egnatuk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Years Kathleen Pisani. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Years Sergeant James Serrano. . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Years Deputy Kristen Spielmeyer. . . . . . . . . 25 Years Deputy Alan Clark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Kathy Durrett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years
Deputy Gary Paxson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Years Jeff Sanders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Years Deputy Shyzzam Shackelford. . . . . . . 10 Years Denise Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Years Anne Thompson, Retired . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Years Patty Winans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Years Deputy Kathleen Yeo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Years
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Paula Newton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years
JANUARY 2018
Deputy Theodore Thompson. . . . . . . 20 Years
Corporal Matthew Ackerson, Investigative Operations Bureau- Technical Operations Unit Lori Atwater, Department of Detention and Corrections- Support Services Division Lauren Ayers, Department of Detention and Corrections- Support Services Division Deputy Ronald Barbetto, Patrol Operations Bureau-Airport Unit Deputy Craig Beroshok, Patrol Operations Bureau- Central District Katherine Bordner, Patrol Operations BureauCommunity Policing Unit Sergeant Joleen Bowman, Patrol Operations Bureau- Mental Health Unit Detective Chris Brady, Investigative Operations Bureau- Narcotics Unit Deputy Miguel Echevarria, Patrol Operations Bureau- School Resource Unit Deputy Justin Fineberg, Patrol Operations Bureau- Canine Unit Lieutenant Joe Gerretz, Investigative Operations Bureau- Property Crimes Section Deputy Michael Godin, Patrol Operations Bureau- Airport Unit Deputy Derek Gregory, Patrol Operations Bureau- School Resource Unit
Tara Weschler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Deputy Shawn Atkinson. . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Corporal Iliano Caminero, Jr.. . . . . . . . 15 Years Jane Desanto-Sison. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Deputy Michael Godin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Deputy Teri Goodenough. . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Chad Hollis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Deanna Hunt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Sergeant Michael Johnson, Jr. . . . . . . 15 Years Deputy Lyndon Kirkland. . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Deputy Angela Messina . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Detective Roby Newport. . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Irene Ahonen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Years Samuel Anes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Years Arlene Aquino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Years Deputy Sharif Dorrell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Years Mary Ellis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Years Deputy Yashica Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Years Deputy Trina Landrum-Black. . . . . . . 10 Years Shannon Lockheart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Years Eileen Long. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Years Alice Marcott. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Years
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Katherine Heath, Department of Detention and Corrections- Program Services Deputy Patrick Krager, Patrol Operations BureauCommunity Policing Unit Sergeant Paul Langlais, Patrol Operations BureauNorth District Deputy William Lawson, Jr., Patrol Operations Bureau - Community Policing Unit Deputy Tony LoRusso, Patrol Operations Bureau Canine Unit Deputy Jessica Mackesy, Public Relations Bureau - Public Information Office Deputy Robert Marsh, Judicial Operations Bureau - Criminal Court Squad Jewel Murphy, Department of Detention and Corrections- Support Services Division Corporal Todd Nellenbach, Patrol Operations Bureau - Special Events Unit Sherry Nowotarski, Patrol Operations BureauCommunity Policing Unit Detective Javi Ochoa, Investigative Operations Bureau- Narcotics Division Deputy Brian Overton, Patrol Operations BureauCentral District Detective Phil Pione, Investigative Operations Bureau- Narcotics Division Deputy Scott Reid, Court Processing Unit Ramona Schaefer, Department of Detention and Corrections- Program Services Corporal Roy Swiech, Patrol Operations BureauCentral District Tara Weschler, Support Services Bureau - Records Division Manuel Wolfe, Department of Detention and Corrections - Support Services Division
The following is a list of members and their official retirement dates. Some members opted to use accrued time and leave early, but their official retirement date is listed below.
JANUARY 2018
Kathy Arnold retired1/19/2018 after 36 years of service. Deputy Scott Arnold retired 1/11/2018 after 30 years of service. Deputy Robert Burns retired1/18/2018 after 30 years of service. Sergeant Charles Bushman retired1/5/2018 after 26 years of service. Corporal Glenn Finley retired1/31/2018 after 30 years of service. Deputy Linda Johnson-Goodin retired 1/18/2018 after 18 years of service. Diane Luisi retired1/26/2018 after 12 years of service. Captain Michael Madden retired1/19/2018 after 31 years of service. Deputy Michael Metcalf retired1/18/2018 after 14 years of service. Deputy Todd Newman retired 1/19/2018 after 21 years of service. Lieutenant Jeffrey Phillips retired1/24/2018 after 41years of service. Kari R. Scott retired1/5/2018 after14 years of service. Deputy David Spielmeyer retired 1/19/2018 after 28 years of service. Deputy Robert Thorson retired 1/16/2018 after 19 years of service. Deputy Ruben Toledo retired 1/19/2018 after 27 years of service.
FEBRUARY 2018
Deputy David Bianchet retired 2/3/2018 after 29 years of service. Sergeant Serena Bennett retired 2/28/2018 after 14 years of service. Sergeant Raymond Fleming retired 2/2/2018 after 31years of service. Deputy Edward Holland retired 2/3/2018 after 29 years of service.
Deputy John Klinect retired 2/27/2018 after 11 years of service. Charles Ogletree retired 2/8/2018 after 17 years of service. Joan Rawson retired 2/21/2018 after 20 years of service. Deputy Venus Rungeling retired 2/28/2018 after 14 years of service. Deputy Kristen Spielmeyer retired 2/22/2018 after 25 years of service. Deputy Michael Tavernier retired 2/6/2018 after 4 years of service. Anne Thompson retired 2/28/2018 after 10 years of service. Julie Upman retired 2/28/2018 after 14 years of service.
NEW HIRES JANUARY 2018
Karma Eckard, Licensed Practical Nurse hired on 1/29/2018. Andrew Hill, Deputy hired on 1/22/2018 Ashley Levesque, Forensic Science Specialist hired on 1/29/2018 . Brittnie Steffens, Court Processing Technician hired on 1/29/2018.
FEBRUARY 2018
Leslie Baker, Deputy Recruit hired on 2/19/2018. Shelly Bansberg, Administrative Assistant hired on 2/12/2018 . Tammy Barletto, Forensic Imaging Technologist hired on 2/19/2018. John Bigelow, Fleet Technician II hired on 2/5/2018. Zaheerah Bilal, Court Processing Technician hired on 2/12/2018 . Meagan Brothwell, Inmate Records Specialist I hired on 2/19/2018. Anthony Caruso, Deputy Recruit hired on 2/19/2018. Teresa Cauley, Archive Records Specialist hired on 2/12/2018 . Danielle Dixon, Forensic Science Specialist hired on 2/19/2018 . Richard Evangelista, School Crossing Guard hired on 2/19/2018 . Alexis Floras, Inmate Records Specialist I hired on 2/26/2018. Daniel Gardner, Deputy Recruit hired on 2/19/2018. Christopher Grant, Jr., Fleet Technician II hired on 2/19/2018. Linsday Hanvy, Administrative Assistant hired on 2/5/2018. Jason Jackson, Detention Deputy Recruit hired on 2/9/2018. Bill Mauro, Deputy Recruit hired on 2/19/2018.
Margaret McHenry, Court Processing Technician hired on 2/12/2018. Angela Mitchell, Criminal Justice Specialist hired on 2/5/2018. Brittany Moody, Inventory/Supply Clerk hired on 2/5/2018. Karola Murphy, Court Processing Technician hired on 2/5/2018. Pavlos Rangatsis, Fleet Technician I hired on 2/5/2018. Nelson Rodriguez, Deputy Recruit hired on 2/19/2018. Tamara Rodriguez, Deputy Recruit hired on 2/19/2018. Ryan Spencer, Deputy Recruit hired on 2/19/2018. Daniel Stachnik, Deputy Recruit hired on 2/19/2018. Maddox Stevens, Criminal Justice Specialist hired on 2/19/2018. Rebecca Storozuk, Deputy Recruit hired on 2/19/2018. Corey Studt, Deputy Recruit hired on 2/19/2018. Judson Van Worp, Jr., Deputy Recruit hired on 2/19/2018. Erik Zabik, Sergeant hired on 2/5/2018. James Vaught, Deputy Recruit hired on 2/19/2018.
MARCH 2018
Jason Crespo, Parts Clerk hired on 3/19/2018. Lori Hensel, A.R.M.S. Data Assistant hired on 3/12/2018. Samantha Hester, Administrative Assistant hired on 3/19/2018 Richard Interrante, Grant Specialist hired on 3/5/2018. Misty Korte, Public Safety Telecommunicator hired on 3/12/2018. Bryan Langevin, Inmate Property Clerk hired on 3/12/2018/ Donna Mestas, School Crossing Guard hired on 3/5/2018. Nicole Morgan, Inmate Records Specialist, III hired on 3/12/2018. Melissa Morgenthaler, Court Processing Technician hired on 3/19/2018. Brandon Nguyen, Criminal Justice Specialist hired on 3/12/2018. Yvette Oraha, School Crossing Guard hired on 3/5/2018. Kevin Ramirez, C.P.I. Investigator Trainee hired on 3/5/2018. Gwenaviere Reaves, Investigator Trainee hired on 3/5/2018. Leslie Tetro, Inmate Property Clerk hired on 3/12/2018. Andrijana Trajkovska, Inmate Records Specialist, III hired on 3/19/2018.
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RETIREMENTS
Issue 1: January - March 2018
Before 1960, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department (as the Sheriff’s Office was called at the time) did not serve a patrol function. It operated the jail, served civil process, and conducted criminal investigations when necessary.
In 1960, when the Board of County Commissioners proposed to Sheriff Donald Genung (1958-1975) merging the County Patrol and the Sheriff’s Department, he agreed, creating the agency’s first Patrol Division.
So in 1938, after a trend of citrus-related thefts threatened the county’s financial stability, the Board of County Commissioners established the “Fruit Patrol” to protect the citrus groves. The Patrol comprised five men, each selected by a commissioner from the county’s five discrete districts. After a year, when the Fruit Patrol began to take on more responsibilities, it was renamed the “County Patrol.” The men became bonded deputies with full police powers and handled all traffic investigations, including tickets and accidents.
The Sheriff’s Department obtained its first marked cruisers and uniforms and hired 18 men – including Harmon Stevenson, Walt Jacques, George McNally, Gerry Coleman, and Warren Johnson – 10 of whom joined the Patrol Division.
J.R. McMullen was one of the early County Patrol members. A descendent of the pioneer McMullen family who settled in Pinellas County during the Civil War, J.R. had served as the Clearwater Police Chief in the ‘20s and had run an unsuccessful bid for sheriff against Sheriff Ernest Cunningham (1933-1941) before joining the County Patrol, where he remained for 30 years.
To handle the influx of cruisers and personnel spurred by the consolidation, the Sheriff’s Department moved from the jail complex in Downtown Clearwater to the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport – then referred to as the Airport Office or APO – where it stayed until 1975.
Unlike the Sheriff’s Department members, County Patrol members drove marked cruisers, wore uniforms, and were supervised by a chief. Records show that the Patrol’s office was in the 100 Way area near Bay Pines.
County Patrol
George McNally
Lou Kubler, Sr.
Walt Jacques, Sr.
J.R. McMullen
Harmon Stevenson
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Information/photos provided by PCSO Archive Historian Penny Cooke.
When Pinellas Safe Harbor residents “Take a Bite out of Grime,” they don’t just nibble. On Saturday, February 3rd, about 90 volunteers participated in the fifth annual Take a Bite out of Grime clean-up event. PCSO members and volunteers from several local businesses joined residents of Safe Harbor, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office’s emergency homeless shelter and jail-diversion program, to clean up designated locations in the High Point area. Safe Harbor and the PCSO Special Services Section and Community Policing Unit transported the Safe Harbor clients and other volunteers equipped with gloves, vests, and grabbers to eight locations, where they cleaned up the streets and were able to earn community service hours if applicable. By 2 p.m., volunteers had collected more than 4,500 pounds of trash and debris. After cleaning up, Safe Harbor received lunch from Abe’s Place Tap & Grill and Jersey Mike’s Subs and were entered into a raffle for prizes including eight bicycles and locks, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and Subway gift cards, and gift baskets with snacks, hygiene items, and socks. Thank you to all of our coordinators, volunteers, and sponsors for your support and help in keeping the streets of Pinellas clean and safe!
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Issue 1: January - March 2018
A Picnic For Praise
This St. Patrick’s Day was extra “lucky” for Department of Detention and Corrections employees who got to celebrate with co-workers at the Member Appreciation Picnic in the DDC’s A-Wing sally port.
The St. Paddy’s Day-themed event Thursday and Friday, March 15th and 16th, featured a menu of corned beef and cabbage and other dishes, ice cream sandwiches for dessert, and a photo booth. Attendees were entered into a raffle for the chance to win a day off! Congratulations to the winners: Sergeant Rafael Albert Theresa Boyd Katherine Heath Christina McCullough Deputy Jeff Smolinski Lauren Webb
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ISSUE 4 October - December 2017
DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT
Law Library
Have you ever heard of a library that doesn’t have books? If you’ve ever been to the Department of Detention and Corrections Law Library at the Pinellas County Jail, you have. The Law Library, and the three administrative assistants who run it, helps to uphold inmates’ statute-defined right of reasonable access to the court. In other words, when inmates are incarcerated and need information about what they are being charged with or previous similar cases, Gregg Appel, Stacy Beam, and Gary Norlander provide it to them. “We don’t interpret the law, and we don’t advise them about the law,” said Stacy, who came to the library about one year ago from the Florida Department of Children and Families. “We do try to educate them about the statutes and charges they are charged with.” When the Law Library first opened more than 20 years ago, clerks scheduled and brought about eight general-population inmates at a time to the library for one-hour sessions during which they could read, take notes on, and request photocopies of pages in hard-cover legal books. However, to lessen inmate movement and enhance jail security, in August 2006, the inmate visits ceased. Admin. assistants were required to look up requested statutes and case numbers in books, make copies of pertinent information, and deliver them to inmates’ cells. As the Digital Age progressed, however, they began obtaining information using computers, floppy disks, CDs, and the Internet. In fact, all books were removed last year to prevent the dissemination of outdated information. Thanks to the efficiency of the library’s newest technological advancement in July 2017, admin. assistants receive at least double the number of requests. Most often employed in prisons, the “Ask System” places kiosks in jail pods, where inmates can send digital messages, like emails, to admin. assistants to request the information they need.
Although they have divided incoming requests amongst themselves by jail division, admin. assistants receive hundreds of requests each per day. For every request, they must process, research, print, deliver (accompanied by a deputy), and receive the requesting inmate’s receipt verification signature. “We don’t have to have a library at all,” said Gary, who has worked in the Law Library for almost 18 years. “We are one of the few counties in the state of Florida that has a library like this.” With only about five days to fulfill each request — plus various other tasks, like delivering phone cards and handling legal mail — the Law Library admin. assistants keep busy. In 2016 and 2017, Gregg alone provided 147,687 legal photocopies to inmates, which totals more than 6,000 copies per month and 295 reams of paper. Triple these numbers, and the unit provided an estimated 450,000 legal photocopies in those years — and remember, the Ask System was incorporated for only about a quarter of this timeframe. “It’s been challenging, and the challenge is trying to locate the closest information and be on point,” 17-year Law Library veteran Gregg said. “You try to find what they are searching for, you look at the scenarios, and you do the best you can to find the correct criminal statute, rules, or case law rulings. You’re not going to get it right all the time, but when you do get it right, no matter what they are alleged, you did your part in providing reasonable access to the courts.” Not to worry: While the Law Library no longer relies on books, the admin. assistants also manage the Roving Library, which houses fiction and non-fiction books and magazines that are purchased with Inmate Welfare Grant funds or donated from local churches and bookstores. The inmates’ most requested? John Grisham and James Patterson. “I think we do an important job, because we kind of help them fight for their life,” Stacy said. “Knowing that I followed the letter of the law, and I gave them what they needed — that little extra help, just by giving them that single piece of paper.”
We want to hear YOUR Please let us know what you think. Is there something you want to see? Is there something you want to share? Members are invited to submit articles and color photos for publication. Photos must be high resolution. Articles and photos are subject to editing. Please email your submissions to proud@pcsonet.com.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office PAGE
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