Corrections_Today_Spring_2026_Vol.88_No.1

Taking Care of Yourself | Lone Worker Initiative | Solving Idaho’s Staffing Crisis Corrections Spring 2026 | Vol. 88, No. 1 THE AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE Advance. Connect. Achieve. Today

ACA’s Leadership Role in Passing the

Safeguarding our Nation’s Airspace and Facilities p.5

Share Your Stories and Photos from National Correctional Officers and Employees Week! National Correctional Officers and Employees Week is May 3-9, 2026 C orrections Today is looking for articles, stories, and photos to feature in our Fall 2026 issue. Highlight the dedication, achievements, and impact of correctional professionals in your facility

Submission Guidelines: – ARTICLES: Should be between 800-2,000 words. Please include a brief bio and a photo of the author(s) and any relevant affiliations. – PHOTOS: Submit high-resolution images (300 dpi or higher) with appropriate captions and credits. Include a brief description of the photo’s context and significance. – FORMAT: All submissions should be in MSWord format for articles, and JPEG format for photos (as individual attachments, not pasted into MSWord). – DEADLINE: Please submit your articles and photos by May 29, 2026. – HOW TO SUBMIT: Email your submissions to submissions@aca.org with the subject line “NCOEW 2025”. or community. Whether it’s a profile of an exceptional employee, a behind-the-scenes story, or a creative way you’re marking the week, we’d love to showcase it. For any questions or further information, please contact Kirk Raymond, Director of Communications and Publications, at (703) 224-0193.

Submit your #NCOEW2025 articles and photos by May 29, 2026 to submissions@aca.org

Photo courtesy Florida Department of Corrections

Corrections Today Spring 2026 | Vol. 88, No. 1 THE AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Features

24 Taking care of yourself By Ruby Joyner

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Florida Community Corrections and the Lone Worker Initiative By Joe Winkler How a high-performing team solved Idaho’s correctional officer staffing crisis By Bree Derrick and Whitney Ascuena-Bolt Smartphones in community corrections Balancing accountability and opportunity By Daniel Prusinski

“The first step to total physical, spiritual, and emotional freedom is acceptance — acceptance that what has happened has happened,

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and no amount of guilt or regret will reverse it.”

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From the archives: Edward R. Cass The passing of an era by Roberts J. Wright

WOMEN’S HISTORY

MONTH MARCH 2026

On the Cover: Safer Skies, Stronger Voice

ACA’s annual Index of Articles p. 72

ACA’s advocacy for the Safer Skies Act shows the power of corrections professionals speaking with one informed, ethical voice — making facilities and the skies above them safer for all. Cover illustration by Carla DeCarlo. Imagery: Adobe Stock. Dark skies: Raul; Blue skies: lovelyday12; Drone: diy13

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

News&Views

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From Rob’s Desk

EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Robert L. Green, robg@aca.org MANAGING EDITOR Kirk Raymond, kraymond@aca.org GRAPHICS AND PRODUCTION STAFF GRAPHIC DESIGNER Carla DeCarlo, carlad@aca.org ADVERTISING AND MARKETING STAFF DIRECTOR, CONVENTIONS, ADVERTISING AND CORPORATE RELATIONS Kelli McAfee, kellim@aca.org DIRECTOR, SALES & MARKETING Da’Shawn Burnette, dashawnb@aca.org MULTIMEDIA DESIGNER Kierra Khan, kierrak@aca.org Robert L. Green, robg@aca.org CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Ben Nalette, CPA, benn@aca.org COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR Kirk Raymond, kraymond@aca.org CONVENTIONS, ADVERTISING AND CORPORATE RELATIONS DIRECTOR Kelli McAfee, kellim@aca.org INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACTING DIRECTOR Ben Nalette, CPA, benn@aca.org INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES Robert L. Green, robg@aca.org MEMBERSHIP SERVICES & ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR Hester Zorn Serrano, hesterzs@aca.org OFFICE OF CORRECTIONAL HEALTH DIRECTOR Dr. Mariel Marlow, marielm @aca.org Dr. Dean Aufderheide — Director of Mental Health, daufderheide@aca.org OPERATIONS MANAGER STANDARDS & ACCREDITATION AND MEMBERSHIP SERVICES & ENGAGEMENT India Vargas, indiav@aca.org ACA EXECUTIVE OFFICE AND DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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In Memoriam

10 14 20

Correctional Chaplain Perspectives

View From the Line

Washington Watch/BBM

ACA Departments

56 64 68 76 84 86 94 96

ACA Benchmarks/New Members

Committees

C ommunications & Publications

Executive Office

Membership & Engagement Standards & Accreditation

Corrections Calendar

Advertiser/Product Index

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Dr. Valorie L. Sanders, LBBP, valories@aca.org SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR Da’Shawn Burnette, dashawnb@aca.org STANDARDS AND ACCREDITATION DIRECTOR David Haasenritter, davidh@aca.org

Statements contained in Corrections Today are the personal views of the authors and do not constitute ACA policy unless so indicated. ACA does not assume responsibility for the content of Corrections Today as submitted by contributors, reserves the right to edit all articles and, if necessary, condense them. The publication of any advertisement by ACA is neither an endorsement of the advertiser nor of the products or services advertised. ACA is not responsible for any claims made in advertisements. Printed in U.S.A. by Mt. Royal Printing, Baltimore, MD Vol. 88, No. 1. Copyright 2026 by the American Correctional Association

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INQUIRIES AND INFORMATION

ARTICLE AND PHOTO SUBMISSIONS: Managing Editor, 206 N. Washington St., Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314; email submissions@aca.org. Articles must be in Microsoft Word. Please include all contact information. Unless expressly requested in writing, all photos and artwork submitted become the property of ACA and may be used in future ACA publications. Articles and photos will not be returned unless expressly requested by author. ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Please direct all inquiries to DaShawn Burnette, Director of Sales & Marketing, at 703-224-0030 (Direct) or dashawnb@aca.org. MISSION STATEMENT: The American Correctional Association provides a professional organization for all individuals and groups, both public and private, that share a common goal of improving the justice system. Corrections Today (ISSN 0190-2563, USPS 019-640) is published four times a year in Summer (June/July/August), Fall (September/October/November), Winter (December/ January/February) and Spring (March/April/May) by the American Correctional Association, 206 N. Washington St., Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-224-0000. Vol. 88, No. 1. Copyright 2026 by the American Correctional Association POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Corrections Today , American Correctional Association, 206 N. Washington St., Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314. Periodicals rate postage is paid at Alexandria, VA 22314 and additional mailing offices. SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES: Subscriptions are included in annual membership dues. Nonmember subscription rates are $25 per year. You can join ACA or renew your subscription online at www. aca.org. Changes to your contact information and address can be updated through the membership portal at www.aca.org, via email at memberships@aca.org or by calling the Member Support Center at 703-224-0115 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.– 5 p.m., EST).

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Association—Maryland Criminal Justice Association— Michigan Corrections Association—Middle Atlantic States Correctional Association—Missouri Corrections Association—National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice—National Association of Probation Executives—National Association of Adult and Juvenile State Corrections Mental Health Directors—National Correctional Industries Association Inc.—National Council on Crime and Delinquency—National Council of Juvenile Correctional Administrators— National Juvenile Detention Association—National Organization of Hispanics in Criminal Justice— Nebraska Correctional Association—New Jersey Chapter Association—New Mexico Criminal Justice Association—New York Corrections and Youth Services Association—North American Association of Wardens and Superintendents—North Carolina Correctional Association—Ohio Correctional and Court Services Association—Oklahoma Correctional Association— Parole and Probation Compact Administrators Association—Prison Fellowship—Salvation Army—South Carolina Correctional Association—Southern States Correctional Association—Texas Criminal Justice Association—Virginia Correctional Association— Volunteers of America Inc.—Washington Correctional Association—Wisconsin Correctional Association— Wyoming Correctional Association

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News&Views

NEWS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

From Rob’s Desk Safeguarding our nation’s airspace — and our facilities

ACA’s leadership in passing the Safer Skies Act I n an era when emerging tech threats, the American Correctional Association (ACA) has once again demonstrated why it remains the leading voice for public safety and professional corrections. The recent passage of the Safer Skies Act — included in the President’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) — marks a historic step forward in protecting correctional facilities, their staff and the communities they serve. ACA’s advocacy was central to this achievement, providing a na tional platform for the urgent need to regulate and counter illicit drone activity around secure facilities. For years, correctional profes sionals have witnessed the rapid evolution of drone technology, and with it, the sobering reality of unmanned aircraft being used to smuggle contraband, conduct surveillance and compromise insti tutional safety and security. While nologies present both enormous promise and unprecedented

Adobe Stock/diy13

drones have become an everyday convenience for many Americans, in corrections they have repre sented a growing and sophisticated deadly threat. The Safer Skies Act confronts this challenge head on by updating federal authorities to better detect, track and mitigate dangerous drone incursions. ACA’s role in elevating this is sue to national prominence cannot

be overstated. Through sustained engagement with lawmakers, federal partners and corrections leaders across the United States, ACA helped ensure that this legislation reflected the real op erational needs of front line professionals. By bringing cor rections’ voice into the broader homeland security discussion, ACA helped lawmakers understand

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News&Views

that maintaining the integrity of secure correctional facilities is an essential component of national safety — not a niche concern. This leadership was further amplified when ACA was featured on Good Morning America , offering millions of viewers a rare inside look at how illicit drone activity affects correctional operations. The national spotlight brought clarity to a problem often overlooked by the general public. With ACA experts explaining the risks posed by drone drops, contraband networks and the increasing sophistication of criminal tactics, the segment underscored the urgent need for federal action — reinforcing exactly why the Safer Skies Act mattered. The visibility from Good Morning America , combined with ACA’s testi mony, coalition building and direct

outreach to congressional offices, created a compelling narrative: the safety of correctional institutions is part of the safety of every commu nity. When drones bypass perimeter defenses, they don’t just deliver illicit goods — they undermine reha bilitation efforts, endanger staff and fuel criminal enterprises that extend far beyond correctional walls. Congress listened, and the resulting legislation reflects the credibility and expertise ACA brings to the national stage. The passage of the Safer Skies Act is more than a policy vic tory; it is a reaffirmation of ACA’s mission. It shows that when cor rections professionals speak with one voice — grounded in science, practice, ethics and real world ex perience — our nation is safer for it. As new technologies continue to

emerge, ACA will remain vigilant, ensuring that both the challenges and opportunities they present are met with the thoughtful, informed leadership the field has come to expect. The work is not finished, but this milestone marks a significant stride. ACA’s advocacy has made correc tional facilities—and the skies above them—safer for everyone. CT

Sincerely,

Robert L. Green ACA Executive Director

When drones bypass perimeter defenses, they don’t just deliver illicit goods — they undermine rehabilitation efforts, endanger staff and fuel criminal enterprises that extend far beyond correctional walls. Congress listened, and the resulting legislation reflects the credibility and expertise ACA brings to the national stage.

GoodMorningAmerica.com

American Correctional Association Director Robert Green appeared on Good Morning America to address the rising danger drones pose to the safety and security of correctional facilities nationwide.

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IN MEMORIAM

T he American Correctional Association (ACA), together with the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF), extends its deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of fallen correctional officers. These brave men and women, whose End of Watch marked a profound loss to our community, served with unwavering dedication and courage, often under difficult and dangerous conditions. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten as we honor their memory and stand united, remembering the ultimate price they paid in the line of duty. CT

Stephen Stewart ID Inspector Ellis Unit, TX EOW: January 7, 1994

Jeffery Blakey Correctional Officer Cook County DOC, IL EOW: January 5, 1988

Michael Serano Parole Officer Probation and Parole Services, FL EOW: January 6, 1984

Veronica “Ronnie” Stroman Lieutenant Camille Graham Correc tional Institution, SC EOW: January 6, 2021

The list of fallen correctional staff is curated, maintained by, and is the property of the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation. It is printed with the written consent of CPOF. The titles in this list depict the title of the correctional staff member at their time of death. Please send any corrections to mail@cpof.org.

OUTSTANDING FEEDBACK: “I work in corrections because ...” During recent “Membership Has Benefits” presentations, participants were invited to complete one simple sentence: “I work in corrections because…” These quotes reflect the passion, purpose and commitment of professionals attending ACA training and dual chapter conference events.

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“I pursued this career from college and love my job. There are many challenges to solve and each day is never the same.” — Alex B. “I enjoy showing compassion and care to those who do not expect to receive. Trying to improve the prison health population, lower the incidence of chronic disease. I also enjoy the benefits.” — Brittany B.

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Newly-adapted by the American Correctional Association, these are the first complete set of standards and practices for the Transportation of Inmates.

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News&Views

CORRECTIONAL CHAPLAIN PERSPECTIVES

The value of prison seminaries By Dr. Vance Drum and Burl Cain, CCE

V ery few would argue about what may be self-evident — that a huge moral deficit plagues many in our country. The short reason: humankind, left to our selfish nature, is full of strife and failure. Big challenges Walking through prisons in the U.S., as the authors have done, reveals serious challenges. 1 In many states, prisons are seriously under staffed, with programs cancelled and other posts left vacant. The impact of COVID-19 reduced correctional staffing; full recovery has not yet happened. Harmful contraband, especially life-endangering drugs, has over taken a number of prisons. Some leadership and staff may look the other way, creating a lethargic, unhealthy and even lawless popu lation. Mental illness in prisons, often associated with substance use, becomes more common as free world treatment facilities are over run or closed. Disrespect and violence among the incarcerated, as well as some

Adobe Stock/Love You Stock

Founding principles

short tempers and overuse of force by staff, contribute to a danger ous workplace. Persistent feelings of hopelessness, common in many prisons, result in a high incidence of suicidal ideation and actual suicide. Prison populations reflect free world society. They may be little different from how persons live — and die — on the outside. One may wonder: What can be done about all the dysfunction and destruction in prisons?

The National Prison Associa tion (NPA) was founded in 1870 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was renamed the American Correctional Associa tion (ACA) in 1954. The NPA’s 1870 Declaration of Principles asserted that “moral regeneration” must be the “great object” of inmate treat ment in prisons. 2 The ACA has continued this founding principle of redirecting the heart and mind of in carcerated individuals. Former ACA

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CORRECTIONAL CHAPLAIN PERSPECTIVES

The Prison Seminary Model (PSM)

Executive Director James A. Gon dles (served 1990-2023) developed the ACA with a global emphasis on humanity, justice and improved healthcare for the incarcerated. Current ACA Executive Director Robert Green, continuing the mis sion, revitalized the faith component of ACA’s founding with a renewed emphasis on spirituality. The Global Faith Summit, held in 2025 at the 155 th Congress of Correction in Den ver, highlighted the need for moral reform and life direction change. The Summit was informative, inspirational and well received. A second Faith Summit is planned for the ACA Winter Conference in Long Beach, California, in February 2026. In 1995, Burl Cain, currently Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, became the warden at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. Angola, once called “the bloodiest prison in America,” 3 was an out-of-control, maximum security prison of 6,000 incarcerated, with daily violence and hopelessness everywhere. Com missioner Cain often says he was not well equipped to know how to fix the problem, but he knew God could. He contacted the New Or leans Baptist Theological Seminary, and they began training inmates at Angola in 1995 in liberal arts, ministry and biblical studies. The ongoing seminary’s purpose is to train inmates to be ministers to their fellow inmate peers. Multi-year research in Loui siana, Texas and Mississippi has demonstrated outstanding results. Prison seminaries

Dr. Byron Johnson and colleagues at Baylor University expended $1.8 million of private funding to produce data-driven research on the effectiveness of prison seminar ies. After the seminary at Angola began, a 90% reduction in violence occurred between 1996 and 2004. 4 Thirty-one inmate-led houses of worship on the 18,000-acre Angola prison property accommodate the religious and moral rehabilitation needs of the incarcerated. 5 Commissioner Cain stated: “People who commit crimes have no sense of morality. They don’t care if they hurt others. They only think about themselves, so they’re only doing what makes them selves feel good. Whereas, when we brought in the seminary, they started looking outward and being aware of how others felt — think ing of other people — and how they realized it was better to give than to receive. This difference proved that the prison seminary was the agent of change.” 6 When Mr. Cain retired from Angola in 2016, he founded the Prison Seminaries Foundation (PSF). The Foundation assists the formation of prison seminaries all over the U.S., with the Prison Semi nary Model (PSM) currently in 30 prisons (23 Men’s and seven Wom en’s) in 23 states. In addition, 14 Men’s and one Women’s programs in 15 states are in development. The latest states to begin a program are California and Montana. (https://www.prisonseminaries.

The PSM includes three

elements 8 : – an accredited school with a four-year bachelor’s degree program that encourages moral change and servanthood, as professors come into the prison to teach, – private funding only (no state, federal or department of corrections funding is used; inmates are not charged) for the school’s services, and – an invitation from the depart ment of corrections that allows inmates to serve as agents of change through peer ministry. Eligible inmates have long sentences (15+ years). They attend school for four years, after which they have an expectation of ministry to their peers. Ministry assignment is not automatic, however. More important than a ministry degree is prosocial character change — moral rehabilitation — within the student. There is no religious test for admis sion into the seminary. Inmates of any faith identification may apply, be accepted and, after graduation and discernment for ministry, be come peer ministers. 9 Three transformational levels Three levels of culture transfor mation occur in the PSM l 10 : – Inmate students. Inmate The ideal student

org/find-a-prison-ministry) Internationally, The Cayman Islands are developing the program. 7

students are transformed and matured by the years of intense

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– Worship service planning and conducting – Prayer leadership – Preaching

teaching and ministry practice they receive in their schooling. At Angola, after a four-year study, Baylor University re searchers concluded: “Program participants had the prison’s highest levels of mental and emotional well-being and sta bility, positive attitudes toward staff and sense of meaning and purpose in life, even while incarcerated.” 11 – Inmate population. Seminary graduates, called peer or “Field Ministers,” influence, by their example and teaching, the inmate population. They have access to all areas of the prison. They do not coerce, but their moral life of integrity is notice able. Prison culture transforms when the example of a moral life is received, admired and emulated by peers. – Free society. Field Ministers are not easily released, due to their long sentences. Some are eventually released, after long time served. However, those they minister to are regularly released into society. As they are released, many go out as men and women of faith, changed by their positive interaction with their minis tering peers. Change for the better in prison, though not often talked about, happens for many, and is a great blessing to society. Better for society to have a former prisoner living clean, holding a job, attending a house of worship and tak ing care of their family, than one who became only a better criminal in prison. Morally

rehabilitated Field Ministers transform the prison culture, and by extension, help change the culture outside prison.

What do field ministers do? Field Ministers are trained, graduated and assigned to serve in one or more prisons. Then they min ister according to their knowledge, skills, training and assignment. Each graduate possesses different apti tudes. Their assignment, matching their skill set, provides meaningful ministry in the population. Exam ples of their work include 12 : Facility Service Ministry – Intake and orientation of newly arrived inmates – Mentoring – Reentry/pre-release programming Crisis Ministry – Grief and trauma support – Hospice and hospital care – Geriatric ministry – Funeral/memorial services for fellow inmates Counseling ministry – Tier-walking: listening and responding, in all areas of the prison

This minister, with an amazingly cheerful but gentle, uplifting countenance and manner, ministers daily to the dying on the unit. He sits with them, listens to them, talks with them a nd prays with them. No one dies alone on that unit. I (Vance Drum) visit Field Ministers regularly in my state. (Currently there are 276 Field Minister graduates ministering in 51 facilities in Texas. 13 ) Recently I visited the nine Field Ministers on a unit to encourage them in their work. I wanted to visit the hospice area, so the chaplain had a Field Minister take me there. This Field Minister is a former gang leader serving a life sentence, but now is a transformed and devout man of faith. He introduced me to the Field Minister serving inmates in hospice care. This minister, with an amaz ingly cheerful but gentle, uplifting countenance and manner, ministers daily to the dying on the unit. He Personal story

– Prosocial counseling – Conflict resolution – In-prison adjustment – Family reconciliation – Racial reconciliation – Inmate forgiveness

Spiritual Development Ministry – Teaching rehabilitative and Scripture text classes/courses

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CORRECTIONAL CHAPLAIN PERSPECTIVES

3 Shere, Dennis. 2005. Cain’s redemption: a story of hope and transformation in America’s bloodiest prison . Chicago: Northfield Publishing. 4 Hallett, Michael, Joshua Hayes, Byron Johnson, Sung Joon Jang and Grant Duwe. 2017. The Angola prison seminary: effects of faith-based ministry on identity transformation, desistance, and rehabilitation . New York: Routledge. 5 Interview with Dr. Rick Sharkey, Supervising Chaplain at Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, August 25, 2025. 6 Prison Seminaries Foundation. Changing lives through moral rehabilitation . Walker, LA: prisonseminaries.org, p. 3. 7 For information about the founding and work of Prison Seminaries Foundation, see www.prisonseminaries.org.

8 www.prisonseminaries.org

9 www.prisonseminaries.org

10 www.prisonseminaries.org.

Adobe Stock/Nola V/peopleimages.com

11 Hayes, Joshua. “Baylor researcher point of view: an innovative solution for Oklahoma’s

Keys to success

sits with them, listens to them, talks with them and prays with them. No one dies alone on that unit. He loves the ministry, and he does it well. My guide then showed me a near by classroom area. Three faith-based rehabilitative classes were being conducted in three classrooms, all by Field Ministers. The students — about fifteen in each class, all disciplinary inmates barely out of restrictive housing — were listen ing attentively and respectfully to their inmate peer teacher. They were hearing new ideas about life, them selves, God’s love and expectations, overcoming addiction, and a host of other subjects. Much of the teaching they have never heard before from parents, guardians, school teachers or in houses of worship. In prison, they are hearing new, prosocial perspectives from their peers. They listen. As they do, their thinking and behavior are transformed.

criminal justice impasse.” In www.prisonseminaries.org.

Leaders in the prison system are key to the success of the prison seminary program. Executive leadership shows the way. War dens support and instruct staff to facilitate the Field Ministers’ work. Chaplains supervise and experi ence the blessings of expanded and extended ministry. Field Ministers are not a threat to the chaplain’s job; instead, they greatly enhance the chaplain’s ministry. Wardens, at first skeptical, now ask for more Field Ministers. These Field Min isters, known to God but not to most of us, serve “under the radar” in varied ministries too valuable to fully appreciate. CT END NOTES 1 In addition to the authors’ personal experience, see Corrections1. December 10, 2024. Roundtable: How the corrections profession was challenged in 2024 . 2 aca.org: about us, our history and mission, declaration of principles

12 Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Chaplaincy Department Manual (2017 ed.) 13 Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Chaplaincy and Volunteer Services Division, August 28, 2025.

Dr. Vance Drum is Director of Peer-to-Peer Chaplaincy Training with Prison

Seminaries Foundation. He served as a chaplain for 32 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, retiring as TDCJ’s Director of Chaplaincy Operations. Burl Cain, CCE, is Commissioner of Corrections in the Mississippi

Department of Corrections, and the founder of Prison

Seminaries Foundation. Trained as an educator, he is the former warden of the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola.

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VIEW FROM THE LINE

MCDOC presenting the colors Red Sox By Kraig Emery A s many growing up in New England, I fell in love with the Boston Red Sox at an

An aerial view of Fenway Park.

early age. I remember being a child of around 4 or 5 and pretending I couldn’t sleep so my father would allow me to sleep on the living room couch. Of course, I conveniently hatched this plan whenever he was watching the Red Sox on TV and, although the condition was that “I kept my head under the covers.” I, with incredible stealth, naturally found a way to peak out. This led to a lifelong bond between father and son, an obsession with baseball, and a strong desire to one-day play for the Red Sox on the hallowed grounds of Fenway Park. This, alas, never came to fruition. Fast forward several decades. As a veteran member of the Merrimack County Department of Corrections Honor Guard, with nearly 19 years in the profession, I have had the distinct honor of organizing team events for the better part of my career. This includes local parades, ceremonies, civic events, law en forcement memorials and funerals. There has also been some of the fun stuff, like marching in the Christmas

Adobe Stock/Felix Mizioznikov

Parade and taking part in pre-game ceremonies for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the AA Minor League Affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Toronto Blue Jays. It took a number of years of several emails and phone calls, but in 2013 our team was invited to Fenway Park to present the ‘Colors’ before a Red Sox game,

and did so twice more before the COVID-19 pandemic. Having been several years since our last appearance, I made it a mission to get our team back out there again this year. Not any small task because, as you can imagine, every Honor/Color Guard in New England is chomping at the bit to

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VIEW FROM THE LINE

be selected for one of the 81 home games. The Sox are smart, not hav ing the contact information for the person responsible easily accessible. It took work, but in the end, it all played out. My contact with the Red Sox front office were very communi cative and hospitable. We got the call a few weeks before, requesting that our team present the ‘Colors’ before the June 11 th Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox game. After getting the green light from our Command staff, the gears were in motion to get the team lineup activated, coordinate transportation and ensure we were squared away with equipment and uniforms. Our eight-member team is for tunate to be diverse among several Corrections disciplines to include Supervisors and officers from all shifts, a Booking Officer and a Case Manager. Activated for this event were: Sergeant Christopher Tucker — American Flag, Sergeant Michael Kistner — New Hampshire State Flag, and Case Manager Elizabeth Reynolds and me, Sergeant Kraig Emery, — Rifles. After gearing up we took the roughly 90-minute drive down I-93 to Boston. With several years of tenure on the team, conversation was filled with the memories of past events and the excitement of what was to come within the next few hours. As we approached Fen way we searched for parking, which translated into a lot where they were trying to squeeze vehicles into every inch of space, essentially like Behind the scenes

stuffing 10 lbs. of potatoes into a 5lb. bag. After some haggling, we convinced the attendant to allow us to park so we had about 18 inches of space to get the gear out of the back. Thanks pal. It has to get bet ter from here. We make our way to the ballpark a few blocks away, check in, and are welcomed by ball park staff. Our Fenway Ambassadors, Tom and Rebecca, brought us onto the third base concourse where we passed by the fan-fan favorite entertainer in stilts, “Big League Brian.” Music is playing and you could feel the excitement in the air. I catch a slight glance of the field and hear the hawkers in the distance selling game programs, along with vendors yelling “Hot Dogs! Peanuts!” The smell of stale beer and grilled sausage combine as I feel the crunch of discarded roasted peanut shells with every step as we walk among hundreds of fans. This is my sanctuary. This is where everything feels right. We are brought through a high security en trance leading us below the stands where there are pallets of field dirt, turf and rolls of tarp. They lead us through the staff breakroom and into the locker rooms, which are painted red, white and blue with Red Sox logos all over. We stow our equipment and uniforms and are graciously invited to roam the Fenway concourse with a promise to return in 20 minutes. Anxious with excitement, we meet the am bassadors within ten minutes and return to the locker rooms to get in uniform and prepare for the event. Once ready, we work together on basic Drill & Ceremony training

underneath the stands. This is the big stage, but as we always say, “Whether event attendance is 30 or 300, we always put on our best per formance.” In this case, it would be over 30,000. Soon we will be doing it for real, but at the moment I feel a calm come over me that I can’t explain. I take the time to reflect on my Honor Guard experiences, and the reality that, at this stage in my career, this may be my last chance to march onto the field I dreamed of running onto as a player. With the sound of the first note of our National Anthem, we march out onto the field, in perfect unison that We are brought underneath the threshold of a garage door leading to the left field “Warning Track” in front of the left field wall, The Green Monster (or “Monstah” if you’re local). Previously, they had us march out to a spot behind 2 nd Base, so this is a new experience. To stand on the same ground as Hall of Famers Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski and Jim Rice? Is this actually happening? We get into formation as we await our cue, shaking off any last minute nerves before coming to attention. → within the team you don’t see, you feel.

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A beautiful day for baseball The public address announcer’s voice booms across the sound sys tem: “Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Welcome to Fenway Park America’s Oldest and most Beloved Ballpark. Now presenting our Na tions ‘Colors’, we’d like to welcome the Merrimack County Depart ment of Corrections Honor Guard from Boscawen, New Hampshire.” With the sound of the first note of our National Anthem, we march out onto the field, in perfect unison that within the team you don’t see, you feel. Thousands of fans are signing in unison and, when the last note is played, the eruption of cheers literally made the ground

it meant. We went as a team of four, representing our agency and profession. No friends or family ac companied us to share the moment. As for me, I thought of all we repre sent and reflected on the importance of the moment. How fortunate we are to have had the opportunity and how few get to experience it. I thought of my father, who passed on years ago, my family, and the dream of a small boy. CT

As we march off the field I ask aloud, more to myself than anyone else, “Does it get any better?”

shake. No. They weren’t cheer ing for us. They were cheering the perfect weather for a ballgame, the hometown team and for America. As we march off the field I ask aloud, more to myself than anyone else, “Does it get any better?” Throughout the experience, each had personal feelings of what

Kraig Emery is a Training Sergeant for the Merrimack County Department of Corrections.

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VIEW FROM THE LINE

VIEW FROM THE LINE

Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its impact to the correctional environment By Tiffany Fackler & Robin Schweikert

The information provided in this article is not a direct reflection of the agencies the authors are employed by. It is solely based on the authors’ compre hension of the ADA due to training and handling accommodation needs at their respective agencies. This article aims to provide a com prehensive overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the importance of complying with the rights under Title II. I t is a typical day at a state correctional reception facility with a bus unloading incarcer ated individuals. One deaf adult male walked off the bus into the screening area. Staff ask their typi cal questions and provide orders to all the incarcerated individuals. The deaf man follows the others and tries to focus on the lips of the staff members. Finally, a staff member addresses him directly and realizes the individual is deaf. In this situation what should the staff member do? This article will outline require ments under the ADA and a broad overview of considerations for corrections agency leadership to consume.

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What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The ADA is intended to be a broad civil rights law to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination. Correctional environments are included in the

ADA under Title II of the act which addresses state and local govern ment entities. This was confirmed on June 15, 1998, with the case Yeskey vs. Penn sylvania Department of Corrections being affirmed that, “State prisons fall squarely within the Title II’s statutory definition of “public entity”.

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The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is crucial in the cor rectional environment because it ensures incarcerated individuals with disabilities are not subjected to discrimination and have access to activities, programs and services provided in the carceral setting. While incarcerated individuals lose many rights, the right to be free from disability-based discrimina tion is a fundamental civil right they retain. A survey was conducted in 2016 by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and reported in March 2021 that 40% of state prisoners reported having a disability. Prevention of discrimination Identified staff: The ADA man dates state and local government entities, including prisons and jails, must provide an identified staff member to address disability needs of incarcerated individuals. Indi viduals with disabilities must be afforded equal opportunity to ben efit from all programs, services and activities. This includes educational, vocational, work and religious programs. Policies, Procedures and Protocols: Correctional agencies assert policies, procedures and protocols — handling the disability component is no different. In addi tion to the ADA, there is also the American Correctional Association (ACA) standard (5-ACI—3D-04) that requires written policy, procedures and practice prohibit ing discrimination based on an incarcerated individual’s disability, among other factors.

It is appropriate to review policies, procedures, practices and proto cols to address any reasonable modification that may be made to ensure there is not any disability discrimination. Self-Evaluations: An imperative part to all the components of correc tions and no different for addressing disability needs. Determining the functionality and accessibility of facilities will play a crucial part in de termining where and what needs are addressed to confidently house incar cerated individuals with disabilities. The ADA places a legal duty on the correctional system to make sure agencies are not ignoring the needs of disabled incarcerated individuals. Program Accessibility: Cor rectional facilities are required to make their programs, services and activities accessible to incarcerated individuals with disabilities. This doesn’t always mean that every building must be fully accessible, but it does mean that facilities must find ways to ensure that incarcer ated individuals with disabilities can participate. This could involve relocating a program to an acces sible area, redesigning equipment, or providing aids and services. Avoiding Segregation: The ADA requires incarcerated individuals with disabilities be housed in the

most integrated setting appropri ate to their needs. For example, they should not be placed within an infirmary or medical housing unless they require full-time medical care. Staff Training: Staff do not know what they do not know. Training in disability awareness, how the agency handles address ing disability needs and where to address any questions or concerns is imperative to becoming proactive instead of reactive. Physical accessibility Facility Design: The ADA sets specific standards for the physi cal accessibility of correctional facilities, especially for new con struction and alterations. This includes requirements for acces sible cells, bathrooms, showers and common areas. Cell Features: Accessible cells must have features that accommo date mobility disabilities, such as adequate turning space for wheel chairs, proper height for beds and grab bars. Communication Features: A certain percentage of cells must also have communication features for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, such as visible emergency alarms and telephones with volume control. Accommodation and services Auxiliary Aids: Correctional facilities must provide effective communication for incarcerated individuals with hearing, vision, or speech impairments. This may involve providing sign language

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VIEW FROM THE LINE

Conclusion

interpreters for programs, TTY devices for phone calls, Video Re lay Services (VRS), Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), or audio-taped books for incarcerated individuals who are blind, to name a few options. Medical Need vs. Accommo dation Need: The ADA ensures incarcerated individuals with dis abilities have access to medical care, medications, assistive devices (like wheelchairs or shower chairs) and assistance. It is critical to ensure collaboration between the identified ADA Coordinator and medical staff understand their part in addressing disability needs.

Tiffany Fackler is the ADA Compliance Manager for Washington State Department of Corrections. Previously, the Statewide ADA Coordinator for Pennsylvania Department

The ADA is an important basic civil rights legislation that impacts the correctional setting. It is intended to prevent dis crimination against those with disabilities, ensure access for those individuals to activities, programs, and services, and mandates assessment of existing policies, protocols and procedures to ensure reasonable modifications. The ADA places a legal duty on the correctional system to make sure agencies are not ignoring the needs of disabled incarcerated individuals. CT

of Corrections. She has worked in the law enforcement realm for the last 16 years.

Robin Schweikert is the ADA Coordinator for the Michigan Department of Corrections and has worked in the corrections environment for the last 31 years.

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WASHINGTON WATCH

FCC changes prison and jail communication rates What’s new and what’s next By BBM Staff

New interim audio rate caps (per minute) – Prisons: $0.09 – Jails 1,000+ ADP: $0.08 – Jails 350–999 ADP: $0.10 – Jails 100–349 ADP: $0.11 – Jails 50–99 ADP: $0.13 – Jails 0–49 ADP (“extremely small jails”): $0.17 New interim video rate caps (per minute) – Prisons: $0.23 – Jails 1,000+ ADP: $0.17 – Jails 350–999 ADP: $0.17 – Jails 100–349 ADP: $0.19 – Jails 50–99 ADP: $0.23 – Jails 0–49 ADP: $0.42 Facility-cost additive Facilities may recover admin istrative costs through a uniform additive of up to $0.02 per minute, applied on top of the rate caps. Other key changes – Prohibits “site commissions” or any compensation tied to contract award/renewal. – Applies rate caps to interstate and intrastate services.

Adobe Stock/wichientep

T he Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released two major actions affecting communication services used in cor rectional facilities nationwide. The Final Rule establishes new interim rate caps for audio and video ser vices and updates how correctional facilities may recover administra tive costs. The Proposed Rule seeks additional comment to shape permanent rate caps and future data collection under the Martha Wright Reed Act.

Final Rule: New Interim Rates for IPCS Final Rule (90 FR 56013)

The FCC adopted new interim rate caps after determining previ ous caps resulted in operational challenges for both providers and correctional facilities. The FCC notes the updated framework incor porates safety and security costs, uses a “billed-minutes-only” meth odology, and creates a new tier for small jails.

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WASHINGTON WATCH

– Sets an April 6, 2026 compli ance date. – Retires prior 2021 IPCS pric ing rules once the interim caps take effect.

whether the additive should vary by facility size or type. – Whether to maintain the current ban on ancillary fees, or allow limited reinstatement of automated payment fees and third-party transac tion fees. What comes next The Final Rule sets the interim rates and compliance expectations now governing IPCS providers and facilities. The Proposed Rule opens the next phase of the rulemaking: determining permanent nationwide rates and refining cost-reporting requirements under the Martha Wright-Reed Act. Stakeholders — including correc tions agencies, providers, consumer advocates, and state and local gov ernments — are encouraged to participate in the comment process as the FCC moves toward a perma nent framework. President Trump signs SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act into law President Donald Trump signed into law the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthoriza tion Act (H.R. 2483), renewing and updating federal opioid and addic tion-response programs that had expired in 2023. The law reauthorizes and updates Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) programs focused on substance use disorders, overdoses, and mental and behavioral health for

FY2026–FY2030. It restores funding for: – Substance use treatment for pregnant and postpartum women – Youth prevention and recovery programs – Housing and community-based supports for individuals in recovery – Loan repayment for provid ers treating substance use disorders – Overdose prevention programs – Treatment for children experiencing psychological trauma – Mental and behavioral health training for medical and allied health students resources to include drugs/de vices for non-opioid overdoses – Expanding employment ser vices for people in recovery, including transportation – Temporarily authorizing a regional technical assistance center to support the National Peer-Run Training and Tech nical Assistance Center for Addiction Recovery Support New HHS directives – Protect the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline from cyber security threats – Create a federal interagency work group on fentanyl con tamination of illegal drugs – Review and potentially revise scheduling of certain buprenor phine/naloxone products under the Controlled Substances Act → Key revisions included in the law – Expanding first responder

Stakeholders — including corrections agencies, providers, consumer advocates, and state and local governments — are encouraged to participate in the comment process as the FCC moves toward a permanent framework. Proposed Rule: FCC Seeks Comment on Permanent Rates Proposed Rule (90 FR 56115) Alongside the Final Rule, the FCC issued a Proposed Rule seeking additional comment and data to es tablish permanent audio and video rate caps. Key issues for comment – How to structure permanent

IPCS rate caps that are fair, reasonable, and reflective of actual costs.

– Whether the FCC should refine future IPCS data collections to ensure complete cost reporting. – How to design a permanent facility-cost additive, including

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