Aundre Green’s Post

In a recent and compelling announcement by the Justice Department, the spotlight has been cast on the dire conditions within three Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) facilities. This revelation, stemming from a meticulous 60-page report, underscores a troubling reality: the systemic violation of the 8th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, impacting approximately 7,200 incarcerated individuals. The findings from the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility, South Mississippi Correctional Institution, and Wilkinson County Correctional Facility paint a grim picture of neglect and abuse. The report details how the MDOC has consistently failed to safeguard those under its care from rampant physical violence, inadequate supervision, and the unchecked flow of contraband. Furthermore, it highlights the deplorable living conditions and the excessive use of restrictive housing under harsh conditions, posing significant risks of serious physical and psychological harm. This situation is exacerbated by chronic understaffing, which has inadvertently empowered gang influence within these institutions. Such conditions not only violate the constitutional rights of the incarcerated but also raise profound ethical and legal questions about the state's duty of care. The Justice Department's findings serve as a critical reminder of the constitutional guarantee to safe and adequate living conditions for all individuals, irrespective of their incarceration status. The systemic deficiencies identified are not isolated incidents but are indicative of a broader, entrenched problem within Mississippi's prison system. This situation demands immediate and sustained action to rectify the violations and ensure compliance with constitutional obligations. The commitment expressed by U.S. Attorneys Clay Joyner and Todd W. Gee to work alongside the Mississippi Department of Corrections is a step in the right direction. However, this collaboration must lead to tangible reforms. The outlined minimum remedial measures provide a framework for improvement, but the real test will be their effective implementation. As legal professionals and advocates for justice, we must ponder the broader implications of these findings. They not only reflect on the state of Mississippi but also prompt us to examine the conditions within correctional facilities nationwide. This report should act as a catalyst for a national dialogue on prison reform, urging us to reconsider how we treat the incarcerated and ensure their rights and dignity are upheld. The Justice Department's investigation into Mississippi's correctional facilities is a stark reminder of the work ahead. It challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths and work towards a justice system that truly embodies the principles of fairness and humanity. #PrisonReform #ConstitutionalRights https://lnkd.in/erQYJQZG

Director of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, President of CLA Leaders and Director of the Board of the International Corrections and Prisons Association, Rob Jeffreys in his interview to the JUSTICE TRENDS Magazine, on the importance of research and data to inform decision-making as a means to improve outcomes and enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of corrections. “The principles of using data to make informed decisions, to understand the underlying causes and to identify success metrics have been ingrained into every position I’ve ever held. I used those methodologies when I was a warden, to measure success at the facility level; I used it as a regional director, where I expected each warden whom I worked with to do the same; and, I use it as a director, starting every meeting with data: incoming and outgoing population, programme completions, indicators of success, violence rates, and opportunities for improvement. In my role as chair of the Racial Disparity Committee for the Correctional Leaders Association, we use data to understand population dynamics and disparities within agencies, and partner with national entities to address racial disparities on a broader scale. Research and data analysis in population and facility management are paramount moving forward, as they allow us to explain our actions, establish metrics for success, and identify the underlying causes of many issues. Once we understand the “why”, we find the opportunities for putting action steps in place. For instance, consider the use of restrictive housing. By examining violence indicators at the facility level – such as fights, assaults, deaths, or the need for protective custody – we can delve into the data to understand when incidents occur, and who is being affected. When we understand that these assaults are happening on this particular set of population, at this particular unit, by these particular individuals, then we start addressing the root cause of a problem, as opposed to its symptom. We can apply this to metrics for staffing – how many people are being recruited and how long they’re staying – and then delve into the reasons behind employee turnover. Often, issues can be traced back to frontline supervisors, workplace environments, or differences in shifts. Sometimes, the job simply isn’t the right fit for some people. By applying research, we can better understand our challenges and find a common thread to individual stories.” Don’t miss this interview! #justice #prisons #jails #corrections #probation

One of the major benefits of partnering with MaxxContent is the access to proven educational programs for incarcerated students of all ages that can create a positive economic impact upon re-entry. According to the RAND Corporation Policy Impact, "The evidence shows that correctional education programs have the potential to decrease crime, save money, and change lives." Click the link below to discover how "...high-quality correctional education has become one of the most effective crime-prevention tools at our disposal." https://bit.ly/3NjIfdG #reducerecidivism #prisoneducation #justicesystem #elearningsolutions #learningtechnologies #skillsforlife #maxxlms #maxxcontent

Hey LinkedIn fam! Let's talk about how correctional institutions can obtain the programs and resources they need to create real change. It all starts with reaching out. During my time of incarceration, I realized that one thing that urgently needed improvement was the programming within these institutions. The recidivism rate keeps going up, yet the programs remain stagnant. So, why not bring in successful formerly incarcerated individuals to run these programs? These amazing educators who have been through it all know exactly what it takes to make a successful reentry and never return to prison. They have the answers and can guide others towards a brighter future. That's why I fight hard for them. Imagine if we could bring these inspiring individuals back into the institutions where their experiences resonate deeply with those seeking a second chance? It would create an invaluable connection, almost like mentoring from someone who has walked in their shoes. But here's the catch: it's up to correctional institutions at every level – private, state, federal – to actively seek out these incredible educators. Until they do so, we will continue seeing the same old results with outdated programs over and over again. So let's break this cycle together! Let's empower formerly incarcerated individuals by giving them opportunities to share their knowledge inside correctional facilities. Together, we can make lasting change happen! #SecondChanceOpportunities #IncarcerationReform #TransformingLives #EmpowerThroughEducation What are your thoughts on bringing successful formerly incarcerated educators back into prisons and correctional institutions? Share your insights below!

Don't miss our interview with Victoria L. Kuhn, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Corrections, USA "A continuing theme for my administration is the importance of strategic planning and ensuring that we maintain and improve our facilities.  The Department continues to invest in infrastructure that contributes to the current health and safety of staff and incarcerated persons, while also advancing projects that foster reintegration through education, vocational, and social service programmes. Similar to correctional agencies across the country, we continue to face challenges of contraband, including the uniqueness of synthetic drugs entering facilities on paper and mail. NJDOC continues to invest in technology that offers proactive, preventative, and layered approaches to prevent the infiltration of drugs into prisons. Most recently, the New Jersey Department of Corrections became the second statewide corrections agency in the country to equip and deploy body-worn cameras in all correctional facilities and specialised units. The deployment of body-worn cameras improves our accountability measures, preserves evidence, and aids in resolving investigations more quickly. These cameras help the Department protect the staff, the incarcerated population, and those who visit our institutions. We know that technological advances move quickly, and are pursuing the expansion of limited internet and Wi-Fi access in our facilities. This will allow incarcerated persons greater access to online learning, a powerful tool that can open doors to new opportunities and help them become comfortable using modern technology, instilling a sense of hope and motivation. The Department continues to explore, develop, and implement mitigation efforts to reduce violence, develop programmes that reward positive and pro-social behaviour and reinforce a zero-tolerance policy for aggressive conduct, all to promote pro-social behaviour." Read the interview at the 12th Edition of the JUSTICE TRENDS Magazine: https://lnkd.in/d4QRJrt9 #corrections #prisons #justice #probation #rehabilitation #digitaltransformation

Great to see Corrections Victoria winning on the international stage. #Pity it can't acknowledge the little people who #contribute to their #statistics. Sometimes it's good to #acknowledge the #credit where credit is #due ☹️ Some #great work going on in the #system. But what did they say in Africa? "Takes a village to raise a child". Takes more than #Corrections to make a #change. Lets also look at the title of #Corrctions. Who are they #Correcting? I think it is the individual that makes the #choice to #change their lives. I dont think #Corrections can #Correct anything??! It is called the Desistance Theory. It is the process of abstaining from crime by those with a previous pattern of offending. #choice #decide #decision #respect #NonSystemAbuse #FailureToListen #Users

Hey LinkedIn fam! Let's talk about an important topic today: how correctional institutions can obtain the right programs and resources. It's crucial for them to reach out and make a change. During my time in incarceration, one thing that stood out was the need for better programming. The recidivism rate keeps going up, but why aren't the programs changing? That's when it hit me - who better to impact successful reentry and prevent individuals from returning to prison than those who have been through it themselves? Bringing back formerly incarcerated individuals I strongly believe that bringing successful formerly incarcerated individuals back into these institutions to run programs is key. They have firsthand experience, answers, and strategies for maintaining success and transformed lives. By having them as educators within these institutions, we create a powerful connection that fosters mentorship too. It's a win-win situation! ⚫ Seeking out those educators ⚫ It is now on correctional institutions - private, state, or federal - to actively seek out these amazing educators with firsthand knowledge of rehabilitation after incarceration. Until they do so, we will keep seeing the same results with no real progress. By finding these remarkable individuals who have turned their lives around and giving them the platform they deserve within correctional facilities, we can bring about meaningful change in our criminal justice system. Let's break this cycle together! #CriminalJusticeReform #SecondChances #TransformingLives #EducationMatters

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗔𝗻 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀… My humble introductory article for the “Experts Pannel” of the latest edition the JUSTICE TRENDS Magazine (by IPS_Innovative Prison Systems). “In just a few decades, criminal justice systems, particularly prison and probation services, have undergone profound transformations. These have predominantly been driven by shifts in societal perspectives on justice and punishment; through the implementation of comprehensive policy reforms; as a result of the introduction of successful evidence-based services and interventions that support individual change; but also driven by the adoption of new technologies in prison and probation contexts. Most of these changes aim to enhance the effectiveness and humanity of correctional systems. As a correctional leader, it is imperative that you envision, embrace and guide correctional transformations. Your leadership is crucial in fostering a system that prioritises rehabilitation, public safety, and human dignity. This article, and expert panel, explores several key drivers of transformation in corrections and underscores the necessity of your proactive leadership in this field. (…)” https://lnkd.in/dzSD8dXn #prisons #corrections #leadership #justice #transformation

Big day in Maryland. This hard fought victory and step forward toward critically-needed independent oversight of the state's correctional facilities was fueled by the leadership and voices of incarcerated people and their loved ones courageously sharing their stories from institutions throughout the state. I'm reflecting back on the unfathomable inhumanity and lack of empathy apparent in what was shared throughout the testimonies. Including awful transphobic questions I fielded in committee while trying to uplift the reality of the daily horrors experienced by incarcerated trans and nonbinary people, disproportionately dragged into the system in the first place, then frequently placed in solitary (aka torture) for "protection", subjected to extreme rates of sexual violence, and denied basic protections supposedly afforded to them in the Constitution, PREA, and state law in housing decisions, healthcare access and beyond. The existence of the new Ombudsman will not solve these problems alone. But it is invaluable new lifeline, when for so long other supposed protections and processes failed, and there was no one to call. This coverage of today's announcement (below) includes a compilation of excellent recent reporting on numerous jaw-dropping ongoing issues, including deaths in custody, inhumane conditions of confinement, escalating and preventable violence, medical malpractice paid for by taxpayers, lack of access to medical care, education and vocational programming and more, all of which will need a range of solutions to address. Including the *decarceration efforts* (over correctional hiring) which will simultaneously address staffing shortages and bring people home. Today I share enormous gratitude for the countless individuals and orgs playing a role in the change. From the Baltimore Banner for its game changing reporting bringing sunlight to these issues, to Sen. Shelly Hettleman, Del. Debra M. Davis, Esq., the Maryland Alliance for Justice Reform, and many other coalition members who championed this bill. The work continues. "Heather Warnken, executive director of the Center for Criminal Justice Reform at the University of Baltimore School of Law, said that the announcement is being celebrated by the criminal justice reform advocacy groups who worked hard on lobbying for the law’s passage. She described Briley-Wilson as a “strong pick” by Gov. Wes Moore. “We have a long way to go in addressing the injustices and inhumane conditions that too often persist behind the walls, but we are hopeful this will bring needed improvements for those living, working and visiting their loved ones in these institutions."

PhD CONFIRMATION | Congratulations to Catherine Clancy who successfully completed her PhD confirmation this week. Her PhD project was titled "Examination of communication between custodial staff and women in prison: Assessment and training evaluation". Correctional officers working in women’s correctional facilities communicate daily with increasing numbers of women with diverse and complex needs, most of whom have disadvantaged and traumatic backgrounds. As the people who spend the most time with women in prison, correctional officers ought to have adequate knowledge and skills to communicate in ways that do not trigger trauma responses, show empathy, maintain women’s dignity and respect, and ultimately, foster a rehabilitative prison environment. To date, there is little academic research on communication between correctional officers and women in prison, and no recent empirically evaluated communication training for correctional officers who work in women’s correctional facilities. Related policing research on procedural justice, however, provides important insights on how best to engage with individuals involved with the criminal justice system. Thus, in three distinct, yet related studies, this PhD will use a procedural justice framework to investigate communication between correctional officers and women in prison and evaluate a communication training program for correctional officers working in women's correctional facilities. Together, these studies extend procedural justice theory to communication in the correctional context, advance knowledge on the dynamics of the communication between correctional officers and women in prison, and provide an evaluation of novel training developed specifically for correctional officers who work in women’s correctional facilities. #phd #phdstudent #universitystudent #student #examination #thesis #communication #correctionalofficer #corrections #women #prison #imprisonment #incarceration #assessment #training #evaluation #diversity #research #researcher #researchstudy #trauma #incarceratedwomen #confirmation #griffithuniversity #griffithuni #procedural #justice #criminology #criminaljustice #proceduraljustice #rehabilitation #academic #academicresearch