N.C. Department of
Correction--Correction News--May 1997
New DAPP Officers
Ready for the Challenge
By Larry Revelle
Raleigh -To many
people, spring means a new beginning. That’s especially true
for a group of 29 probation and parole officers who graduated
from basic training during a special ceremony April 16.
Accompanied by their family
and friends, the graduates shook their heads in agreement when
Assistant DAPP Director Sherry Pilkington jokingly suggested that
they all stand and sing, "O Happy Day!" The officers were just finishing a grueling and
intense four-week training session.
 |
DAPP Director
Robert Guy told the officers that they are the background
of the criminal justice system. "Its success rests on your shoulders as
probation officers," Guy said. He told the graduates that to
be effective, they must get to know and utilize community
resources. "Look at the treatment needs of the
offenders," Guy said
Guy likened the
graduates career in probation and parole to a roller
coaster ride with highs and lows. "You might make an impact on one offender
but may have to issue orders for the arrest of another," he said. "Your emotions may change one hour to the
next or one day to the next. Although there is a high
level of frustration, you must overcome it and move on."
|
| DAPP Director Robert
Guy presents Nikita Sutton with her diploma during an
April graduation ceremony in Raleigh. Sutton was one of
29 graduates who received their diplomas and officer
badges. Sutton is the daughter of Currituck Prison
Superintendent Ernest Sutton. |
"Be visible in the
community and be proud of your position," Guy advised the graduates. "You must make home visits and get to know the
families. Be aware of the victims who call and treat them with
courtesy. Tell them what you’re doing with the case."
Guy advised the officers to
get offenders to the right treatment provider if there is a
substance abuse need. "Try to prevent crime and not just react to it," Guy said. He also suggested team work saying
that officers must work together and help each other out. "The Lone Ranger attitude won’t make it," Guy said. "You must be accountable for the job you do
because you’re on the taxpayers’ payroll."
"DAPP is poised to accept a tremendous
challenge," said Guy. "We’re ready. We’ve hired more than 500
officers in the last two years." Guy wished the graduates good luck before
presenting them with their badges and diplomas.
The new officers include
Gregory A. Biddix, Johnny F. Billings, Ruby Boiser, James O. Cox,
Alton R. Crisp, Anita R. Culbreth, Jeffrey Dunmire, Robert T.
Ferguson, Richard E. Fields, James R. Greer, Benjamin D. Krise,
John R. Mattocks, Ryan C. Maxwell, Todd Meadows, Martin A.
Piscitello.
Also included are Johnny
Pratt, Tangi S. Price, Donyele P. Proctor, Audrey M. Rodgers,
Jeffrey L. Settle, Wanda L. Sharpe, Pamela R. Sturdivant, Nikita
C. Sutton, Rodney B. Taylor, Eric V. Tilley, Angela Warner,
Lindwood D. Williams, Darryl Wilson, and Michael D. Wilson.
NC
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