August 1996 CONTENTS

Hurricane Bertha Brings Out The Troops

Freeman Announces SECC Goal

Reese Retires: First African-American Hired by Department

Heading Off Volatile Situations

EEO Corner: A Matter of Respect

New Enterprise Assistant Director of Operations

Crawford New Goldsboro Superintendent

Ralph Stamey Heads Two Prisons

Mail

News Briefs

Recognitions

Hurricane Bertha Brings Out The Troops

Department of Correction pitches in with clean-up

In the aftermath of Hurricane Bertha's mighty winds came the largest team of correction workers ever assembled to help restore coastal areas damaged by the big blow. For one solid week, more than 700 inmates and correctional staff worked each day clearing debris from the beaches and the islands' secondary roads and shoring up tobacco at hard-hit farms.

Carteret Superintendent Charlie Meeks and Pasquotank Lt. Cleave Jordan watch a crew of inmates picking up debris at Surf City following Hurricane Bertha.
"The praise has been mightier than Hurricane Bertha," Correction Secretary Franklin Freeman said about the public response to seeing inmates helping out following the storm. "I commend every employee who participated in this massive effort, and all the inmates who were willing to work hard in the hot and muggy weather."

Geographic Command Manager Boyd Bennett and Assistant Command Manager David Osborne were responsible for coordinating the Hurricane Bertha clean-up efforts for the Division of Prisons. Carteret Correctional Center served as their command post with a helpful Superintendent Charlie Meeks to aid the pair. They spent the entire week of July 15 traveling to the devastated areas and making arrangements with local emergency management operations and prison units.

Prison crews came from as far away as Wilkes Correctional Center. Others included Gates, Bladen, New Hanover, Neuse, Robeson, Carteret, Montgomery, Greene, Duplin, Sandhills, Nash, Pasquotank, Anson, Tillery, Sanford, Fountain, Orange, Durham, Umstead, Halifax, Wake, Goldsboro, and Martin correctional centers. DOC inmates from the Wilson County Jail were also used to shore up tobacco in Wayne County.

Prison Geographic Command Manager Boyd Bennet worked tirelessly cooridnating the inmate work crews on the beaches and in the tobacco fields. He stands here with two Pasquotank correctional officers, Kevin Worster and Michael Martin.

Because Gov. Hunt declared a state of emergency following the hurricane, inmates were able to work on private property clearing debris and standing up tobacco plants blown over by the strong winds. Gov. Hunt observed inmates working on the beaches at Emerald Isle and in the tobacco fields in Wayne County. He commended the staff and inmates for their hard work.

The IMPACT boot camp trainees made an impressive showing, working long and hard cleaning debris from the beaches. Trainees worked at a 4-H Camp in Swansboro that had been hit hard. Instructors used chain saws to chop up dozens of fallen trees and the trainees stacked the wood and piled the limbs. Three instructors who knew how to roof showed the trainees how to re-shingle the cabins. Other crews worked in the tobacco fields, pounding the dirt around the stalks to keep the plants upright. Staff and inmates continued working into the weekend and resumed the following Monday, July 21. "We'll keep working until the job is done," Freeman said. "The impact of the efforts made by staff and inmates has gone further than realized, helping shore up the coastal tourist industry while sustaining the economic effects of the state's top crop. I am well pleased with the results of our hard-working crews."

Several prisons in the eastern area, Carteret, Duplin, New Hanover and Neuse, played host to dozens of extra inmates, putting mattresses in dayrooms and cooking extra meals. Many prison staff members worked additional hours to support the hurricane clean-up efforts. IMPACT trainees were housed at the 4-H Camp in Swansboro where they were cleaning and the Salvation Army did a fantastic job of feeding them at the Emerald Isle fire station.

Gov. Jim Hunt surveys Jerry West's Wayne county tobacco farm as inmates tand up the state's top crop blown over by Hurricane Bertha. gov. Hunt directed the Department of Correction to supply inmates to farm fields to help save the $1 billion crop.

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Freeman Announces SECC Goal

Reprinted from SECC Connections

Secretary Franklin Freeman, chairman for the 1996 State Employees Combined Campaign, has announced a $2.75 million goal, a 13.2% increase over the state campaign total in 1995.

"The State Employees Combined Campaign has gotten off to a fine start for 1996," said Secretary Freeman. "More than 360 volunteers from across the state have attended the training sessions held in Morganton, Goldsboro and Greensboro. This is more than triple the number that attended last year and truly reflects the enthusiasm that is evident in all local advisory committees."

As we look to the fall of 1996, we are reminded of past achievements. In 1985, the first State Employees Combined Campaign was offered to state employees. Covering only a small portion of the state, the 1985 campaign raised $878,037 for 150 agencies.

Last year, more than 500 agencies participated in the campaign, and volunteers worked in every county. The campaign raised $2.45 million and showed that state employees really care about their communities.

This year, more than 1,000 agencies will benefit from the generosity of state employees who have set their sites towards the $2.75 million goal set by Secretary Freeman. "A small number of people giving can make a difference," said Freeman, "but when many people give, miracles happen and the agencies that are participating in this campaign can testify to this."

"We not only show that we care about people when we make a pledge to the State Employees Combined Campaign," said Freeman, "we also show that we are community partners working together to make a better life for everyone. That's why I believe our statewide theme for the 1996 campaign says it all, State Employees...Partners in Giving."

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Reese Retires

First African-American Hired by Department

Robert L. Reese, a solid, steady, influence of the highest professional standing in the Department of Correction for the past 35 years, retired in June. Reese was the first African-American hired by the Department of Correction.

Without knowing, Reese was on the cutting edge of the civil rights movement when he responded to an ad in the Salisbury Post in 1961. Mr. Reese was one of 80 applicants, the only African-American. He tested high on his score, and was surprised to find he was the first, not the last one called. He was told that under no uncertain terms was there a position open for him.

The Department of Correction, however, was indeed looking for minorities and Prisons Director George Randall told Mr. Reese to sit tight. Shortly thereafter, he and 14 other African-Americans were told to report to McLeansville to form an all-black staff at an all-black prison.

After surviving two weeks of brutal training at Swannanoa, Mr. Reese started working at McLeansville which had been converted to a minimum custody youthful offender prison. Mr. Reese's qualities became evident soon after he started work. Within seven months, he was promoted from correctional officer to assistant superintendent.

The McLeansville staff took a lot of pride in their job and they were strict in their appearance, shoes spit-shined, fingernails examined. That training came in handy when Mr. Reese was sent to Charlotte Correctional Center where prison officials began testing integration. Mr. Reese was the only minority at most meetings and usually no one would talk to him for two or three days. Once the ice was broken, everything was okay, he said.

Charlotte Correctional Center proved to be a challenge. Not all was in accord with prison policy at the unit. Equipment was rusting, food service stocks weren't right, there was cooking going on all night long, the lard was rank, cheese moldy, rats eating beans, bugs eating the flour, officers not spit-shined. For some reason Mr. Reese wanted to change all that. That was a mistake. Complaints about him ensued. He was called to Raleigh where K.B. Bailey, Major Turner and Lee Bounds had called him on the carpet. Once they heard the real story from Mr. Reese, however, they said heads were going to roll, and they did.

Reese was then sent to Goldsboro Correctional Center to become supervisor of custody for youthful offenders. From there he went to Umstead Correctional Center to become the first black program supervisor in the state except at Goldsboro. When he became director, he established an off-site educational program at Umstead Hospital, and that program is still in operation today.

In 1973, Mr. Reese returned to Charlotte Correctional Center, this time as superintendent. Jack Ward was his assistant superintendent, and he said Jack supported him 120% Although the average length of stay for superintendents at the Charlotte prison was two years, Mr. Reese stayed 13.

Reese knew to deal with inmates, one had to be fair and firm, with a good ear. He detested harsh treatment and instead organized fireside chats with the inmates. That good communication was invaluable to the well-run prison. One night, robbers broke into the prison to steal the work release payroll. The robbers left the doors unlocked and the gates open, but no inmate left and the inmates called to report the robbery.

After working in the South Piedmont Area Office for five years, Mr. Reese accepted the opportunity to go to Iredell Correctional Center as superintendent. The old chain gang philosophy was present there as shown in the number of use-of-force reports. Those reports diminished under his leadership.

Mr. Reese has felt the sting of discrimination, yet, he valiantly rose above the many slights and performed his job with great dignity and professionalism. Mr. Reese is a man to be admired for his quiet strength and numerous accomplishments. In May, Mr. Reese was named Correctional Supervisor of the Year by the International Association of Correctional Officers.

Correction Secretary Franklin Freeman said, "As the first black correctional officer hired in the state prison system, Mr. Reese paved the way for hundreds of other African-Americans who have in turn made solid contributions to the Department of Correction. Correction personnel statewide will miss his quiet, steady and strong influence in the prison system."

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Heading Off Volatile Situations

By Richard Pallazza, Ph.D.
Psychological Program Manager
North Piedmont Area Office

Seething with anger, an inmate at Davie Correctional Center stormed into a group psychotherapy meeting this past spring. He just had an argument with another inmate which escalated into an agreement to meet behind the woodshed and fight it out. The announcement that the group meeting was about to begin caused a postponement of the confrontation.

Shaking with rage, the inmate described his bitter feelings during the meeting. As he spoke, his anger increased. An earlier fight had ruined his chances for promotion to minimum custody and sent him to segregation instead. Now, a year later, he was again being considered for promotion, and this fight could wreck his chances. The group members were quiet as the inmate continued to vent his rage.

The past few group counseling sessions had focused on ways to relieve anger and reduce violence by changing the thought process. The group had never had an opportunity to witness firsthand the skills they had been taught in these sessions.

North Piedmont Area Staff Psychologist Dan Crandell asked the inmate to describe the cause of the conflict. The inmate next wrote down his first thoughts which included, "that sorry S.O.B.," and "he's worthless." The inmate acknowledged that in his momentary annoyance he was distorting and magnifying a single incident, jumping to conclusions and using a mental filter to dwell on the negatives.

Crandell was able to walk the inmate through more positive alternatives in handling the situation. As the inmate's anger subsided, he said, "I didn't really want to fight him anyway", and, "You know, Charlie is a pretty good fellow most of the time," and "It would have ruined a good friendship." The inmate could not have come this far if Crandell had not taken the time to develop a therapeutic alliance with the inmate and create a group culture supportive of the inmate as he worked through his problem.

The intervention was successful. The inmate was not as angry and was in control. The group paid attention. They saw that the survival skills do work and may improve their adjustment when returned to the community.

The angry inmate was promoted to minimum custody, and as of this writing, remains infraction-free.

Violent confrontations by inmates have a ripple effect that goes well beyond the prison yard. Assaultive infractions can be expensive to state government in the forms of inmate litigation and medical costs to staff and inmates. In those prisons which have an active Psychological Services staff, group participants maintain a zero level of infractions.

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EEO CORNER: A Matter of Respect

by Al Fullwood
N.C. DOC EEO Manager

There is a new term tossed around in the world of work. Well, it's really not new in the sense of unfamiliarity. It's just that the word has gained added significance and respectability. Its value has increased. The world of work(labor force) has placed a higher premium on it. Employers have invested this term with such worth that it has become a valuable commodity item, having substantial returns. What's so special about this term that is becoming the theme song of many employers? What is it? What does it mean? Why is it so important?

Take a look at the rainbow in its arching conspicuous position across the surface of the sky. Clearly visible to see are many colors of grandeur. My mother was known for her flower bed, a reputation that has remained constant even at age 77. She planted a variety of flowers having assorted colors. There were daises, there were lilies, there were daffodils and there were roses. All growing in the same soil, under the same radiant sunlight, tasting the same drops of rain. Different in size, different in shapes and different in colors. Her flower bed depicted in the most simplest manner true diversity. Diversity is about differences (period!). Differences that are appreciated, celebrated and valued.

The work force today consists of race, color, age, religion and gender differences to name a few. Building and creating coalitions of interest through mutual respect will for certain reduce tension and promote unity. Recognizing our commonalities but affirming one's differences does not impede nor hinder unity. One thinks differently, one acts differently, one looks differently....one is different. This must not be viewed as a problem but as an enormous possibility. The key word is acceptance. For the benefit of this discussion, acceptance is treating others the way they want to be treated. This can be easily accomplished if one looks beyond obsolete labels, stereotypes and false impressions created by fear; ignorance and miseducation. He/she who cannot respect others, has no self respect.

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New Enterprise Assistant Director of Operations

Raleigh - Correction Secretary Franklin Freeman named Andy Artola Assistant Director of Operations for Correction Enterprises. Artola will work with Enterprise Director Les Martin and oversee the day-to-day management of Enterprise's plants where 2,000 inmates are employed in farming and manufacturing operations at prisons across the state.

Artola has 20 years of diverse management experience in manufacturing, materials, purchasing, quality and industrial engineering. He is certified in production and inventory control management. He was co-owner of Andjer Concepts of Raleigh and was a manager for Northern Telecom for nine years rising to the post of assistant vice president.

Artola has served as an instructor at Wake Technical Community College. He was a member of the Training the Triangle Work Force Information Group. He received a bachelors degree in marketing from St. Johns University in 1974 and a masters degree in management from Rollins College in 1979.

He and his wife Patsy live in North Raleigh.

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Crawford New Goldsboro Superintendent

Goldsboro -Wayne County native John Crawford was appointed superintendent of Goldsboro Correctional Center effective Aug. 1.

Crawford was assistant superintendent for operations at Wayne Correctional Center since 1991, and a Department of Correction employee since 1977. Crawford replaces Ed Banks who retired July 25.

Crawford graduated from Southern Wayne High School in 1967. He attended Mt. Olive College for two years and graduated from Atlantic Christian College in 1971 with a degree in physical education and a minor in science.

Active in the community, Crawford was captain of Grantham's volunteer rescue squad during the past two years, master of the Grantham Grange, advisor to the Grantham Jr. Rescue Squad, president of Wayne County's Parents and Professors for Handicapped Citizens, and on the executive committee for the American Correctional Association.

Crawford and his wife Erlinda have three children, Michelle, Lisa and Darian.

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Ralph Stamey Heads Two Prisons

Lumberton -In addition to running Scotland Correctional Center where he has been superintendent since 1994, Ralph Stamey now heads the 275-man Robeson Correctional Center in Lumberton. "Ralph Stamey has been with the Department of Correction a long time in a variety of significant jobs and has proven himself a capable administrator," Correction Secretary Franklin Freeman said. "This is the first time a superintendent has overseen prisons in separate counties and Mr. Stamey is well equipped to manage both prisons."

After serving several years on the Hickory Police Force, Stamey became a correctional officer in 1971 at Western Youth Institution. He was a sergeant for Cleveland and McDowell correctional centers, lieutenant at WYI, a captain at Piedmont Correctional Institution, and superintendent at McDowell Correctional Center from 1979 to 1985. Stamey has also worked at Morrison Youth Institution and Harnett Correctional Institution. He helped close the old Craggy Prison in Asheville and open the new prison. In 1990 he became associate warden for operations at Central Prison in Raleigh, and then assistant superintendent at Brown Creek Correctional Institution when it opened in Anson County.

Stamey's management of Robeson Correctional Center includes overseeing a privately-run, 75-bed drug rehabilitation center in Evergreen and 42 inmates assigned to the Cumberland County Jail on work release.

Stamey is married to the superintendent of Morrison Youth Institution, Carol Oliver Stamey.

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DOC MAIL

To: Franklin Freeman, Secretary

NC Department of Correction

Dear Franklin:

Please accept the grateful thanks of all of the Department of Cultural Resources and particularly the Division of Archives and History, Historic Sites Section, for your immediate and invaluable assistance to us as we labored to clean up after Hurricane Bertha. Without your generous and capable assistance, our sites would have been forced to close for weeks during the midst of our busiest tourist season. Thanks to you, visitation will soon be back up to the record numbers we were enjoying.

You have helped heritage tourism, your state, and your fellow agency more than we can ever tell you and our appreciation is unbounded. We want you to know how you have inspired us and that we are and will be forever grateful. Please express our gratitude to all your staff who came to assist us and worked so hard.

Sincerely,

Betty Ray McCain, Secretary

NC Department of Cultural Resources

To: Doug Mitchell

Haywood Correctional Center

Dear Doug:

I just wanted you to know how wonderful this new Community Work Program is. On May 18, 1996 we had seven inmates from your facility to assist us with food distribution at Pleasant Balsam Church. Not only were the inmates very helpful, but they were courteous and polite to everyone involved. They showed great respect for Mr. Mark Brown who guided them through the day.

I feel the inmates went above and beyond what was expected of them. After they packaged the food, they assisted the elderly, handicapped, and disabled to their cars with their food packages. And after it was over, they cleaned the inside and outside of the building without being asked.

I look forward to working with you again on the truly wonderful Community Work Program.

Thank you and Assistant Superintendent Matt Jones for your assistance on this program. Please share this with the following inmates who participated on May 18, 1996.

Michael Berry, Henry Green, Mark King, Dallas Owensby, Ronald Putman, Johnny Sneed, Keith Waters

Sincerely,

Jacque A. Haney, Director

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program

To: Charles Collins, Superintendent

Stokes Correctional Center

Again I want to thank you for the work done at Hanging Rock State Park by the Community Prison Work Program during the weeks of June 3-14. Not only did inmates accomplish the two projects planned but also completed four other small projects. Work done was:

installed rip-rap at river accessconstructed drain system at upper sheltergraveled lower side of handicap pier traillaid stone gutter from concrete walkway to catch basin at bathhousetrimmed 2.5 miles of roadwaycompleted spreading of mulch in picnic area

All of these are labor intensive projects completed by your crew in short periods of time. It is a pleasure to work with your program and I look forward to arranging future projects.

Sincerely,

Tommy Wagoner, Superintendent

Hanging Rock State Park

To: Jacque A. Haney

Mountain Projects, Inc.

Dear Mr. Haney:

On Saturday, May 18, my wife and I had the privilege of working with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, Project Share and a group of inmates from the Hazelwood Correctional Facility. This was a new experience for us. We have been in the ministry for the past fifteen years and thought we had been involved in almost every situation possible. However, working with the inmates was new to us. I must say, it was one of the most enjoyable and rewarding days of our lives. The men were very courteous and considerate of the seniors and all others who participated on that day of sharing. They worked hard to be sure that everyone got his/her food to the cars. They carried heavy boxes of food and even cleaned the church when the days work was finished. We also enjoyed just talking with them at slow times during the day. My family would count it as a blessing to be able t o work with this group of men again on future projects.

Please convey our thanks to each of the men involved for a special day of work and sharing together.

Sincerely,

Reverend Billy R. Stiles, Pastor

Wilkesdale Baptist Church

To: Boyd Bennett

Geographic Command Manager

Dear Mr. Bennett:

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing the young men from Caldwell Correctional Center to work at William Lenoir Middle School. They were prompt, efficient and well supervised in completing their task.

I hope to have the opportunity to work with Sgt. Dale Stevens and his men again in the future. Again, thank you for providing us the ability to have some much needed work completed.

In Education,

Donna Burch, Principal

William Lenoir Middle School

To: Stephen Muller, Superintendent

Gates Correctional Center

Dear Mr. Muller:

On behalf of Buckland School, I would like to thank you, Mr. Carter, and the inmates for the excellent job that was done in cleaning our campus. The grass was trimmed, the borders were sprayed, and the ditch banks were cut. The school is a focal point in our community, and your team helped make it an attractive one.

It is rewarding to see two agencies working together to benefit the community, but I also believe that the inmates feel a sense of pride and accomplishment in their work. I hope partnerships like this will continue.

Sincerely your,

C. Don Gregory, Principal

Buckland School

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NEWS BRIEFS

Raeford - Jim Curtis, a correctional officer at Robeson Correctional Center, is bubbling over with Olympic spirit. Curtis carried the Olympic torch from Raleigh to the Cary city limits in June. Curtis was chosen because of his significant contributions to Hoke County. Curtis is also an auxiliary Raeford police officer and helps students in special education classes at Hoke County High School.

Asheville - The North Carolina Correctional Association will hold its Annual Conference on Nov. 20 - 22, 1996 in Asheville, NC at the Radisson Hotel. The conference theme is "Building for Tomorrow; A Unified Correctional Outlook". Workshop topics include Security Threat Group, Inmates Rights and Lawsuits, Criminal Personality, Community Alternatives, Career Planning, Trends in Corrections, Interviews and Interrogations and Cultural Diversity. The keynote speaker will be Attorney Bob Byrd from Morganton, NC. Please contact Bertha Rutherford for registration information at (704) 438-6037 and Mae McClendon for vendor information at (919) 733-3226.

Hendersonville - By popular demand, a former Henderson Correctional Center inmate was the guest speaker for Henderson High School's baccalaureate service June 9. Matthew Roy Johnson, a clean-cut athletic inmate spoke to thousands of youths in schools, churches and other organizations as part of the Think Smart program. The young people related to his presentation in an extraordinary way, Correctional Programs Supervisor Fred Beddingfield said. A dynamic speaker, Matthew received quite a compliment in being asked to speak to Henderson's graduating class. He now lives in Memphis, Tenn. working with the Spirit Express, a Christian exhibition basketball team which conducts summer basketball camps for young people, plays exhibition games with ACC teams and prison teams. Beddingfield said, "This is one success story that I am happy to report."

Jackson -Officer P.K. Bowen of Odom Correctional Institution knows the importance of being prepared. On June 18, he was in Odom's tower doing inventory when a car quickly pulled up and the doors flew open. The occupants were calling for assistance and indicating that a child in the car was not breathing. Officer Bowen raced to the car and discovered a two-year-old who was neither responsive nor breathing. Officer Bowen used his DOC training and began rescue breathing while Officer Ernest M. Vaughan called for medical assistance. Odom's nursing team cared for the child until a rescue squad arrived and transported the little girl to Halifax Memorial Hospital. She is back home now and doing fine.

Hickory - Corporals Aaron Hamrick and Jerry Baird of IMPACT West were supervising trainees working near an airport when they noticed a car driving by. The driver appeared to lose control while rounding a curve and the car flipped several times, coming to rest upright in the woods near the highway. Corporals Hamrick and Baird rushed to the scene while Corporal Raymond Moses maintained security for the trainees and called 911. Corporal Baird smashed out the remaining rear glass and pulled the driver out. Corporal Hamrick was able to open the passenger's door and remove the passenger. Hamrick and Baird administered first aid to the two teenage girls. The victims were later rushed to the hospital where they were treated and released.

Raleigh - The North Carolina Correctional Association is accepting nominations for its Outstanding Journalism Award. The award is in recognition of media who have increased the public's knowledge about correction issues. Nominations and all supporting information should be submitted by Sept.1 to: Outstanding Journalism Award, NCCA Awards Committee, Box 10404, Raleigh, NC 27605-0404.

Raleigh - Mae B. McLendon, immediate past president of North Carolina Correctional Association was recently elected to a four-year term on the American Correctional Association's Board of Governors. ACA serves as the umbrella organization for all areas of corrections. It has 70 chapters and 20,000 members. McLendon is coordinator of the Office of Citizen Participation in the Division of Prisons.

Jackson - Tony Pearson, a correctional officer at Odom placed first in a bench press powerlifting meet May 25. Pearson won in the super heavy weight class with a 500 pound bench press, touch and go style.

Chapel Hill - For the third consecutive year, DOC's public information office was honored during the North Carolina Association of Government Information Officers annual seminar. The public information staff received an honorable mention for its communications package about inmates working.

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RECOGNITIONS

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