JAILCON23 Southern Region Corrections Professionals Awards

The National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO) is pleased to announce that several individuals were recently recognized for their commitment and dedication to the corrections profession. NIJO Executive Director, Tate McCotter, presented the Southern Region Corrections Professionals Awards at an Awards Luncheon held in conjunction with JAILCON23 Southern Regional Conference, on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, in Gulf Shores, Alabama. In addition to these awards, McCotter also recognized agencies and individuals who had earned NIJO National Accreditation and Professional Certification.

NIJO wishes to extend our congratulations to the following award recipients.

2023 SOUTHERN REGION CORRECTIONS PROFESSIONALS AWARDS

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD

Christy Miller, Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, AL

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Christy Miller is responsible for assessing the mental health status of inmates confined in the Mobile County Metro Jail. She studies relevant health history, performs comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, and identifies risks to diagnose the inmate’s mental illness and then treat that illness. With her knowledge she is able to put inmates on therapy and prescription medication regimens to improve their mental health. She provides support and education to families in the community. Her responsibilities are both emotionally and mentally demanding. It requires a broad set of professional skills mastered over the course of their careers that allow these NPs to manage their stress and workload while providing a high-level of care. NP Miller deisplays professionalism, shows respect, tact, and sensitivity while communicating with inmates and their families. Her way of establishing trust with inmates enables them to confide in her while maintaining organizational values and acting as an advocate for those coping with mental illness. Determining the scope and specifics of mental illness can be difficult because signs are not always clear. NP Miller is able to synthesize diverse data and with patience research adapt for inmate care. She comes expeditiously when called upon and labors with inmates during their crisis and has a way of calming down the most emotionally unstable inmate. She goes above and beyond to make the inmates feel worthy and essential.

JAILCON23 Southern Region Corrections Professionals Awards

DETENTION OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Dell Kubler, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, GA

Deputy First Class Dell Kubler serves as the Grievance Officer for the Forsyth County Jail. He recognizes the importance of maintaining a formal process for inmates to address complaints and other concerns while incarcerated. Along with the duties of Grievance Officer, Deputy Kubler has taken on the responsibility of assisting the agency accreditation manager with maintaining the highly coveted National Institute of Jail Operations Level One Accreditation. He works extra hours without complaint and with the goal of maintaining 100% compliance with all applicable standards. The duties of Grievance Officer and Accreditation Management require daily attention to detail and consistent communication with staff and Senior Command. Deputy Kubler’s demeanor is very calm, informative, and reassuring even when the topic at hand may be extremely important to maintaining compliance with policies and accreditation standards. He is excellent at accomplishing the task at hand in a stress-free manner which is always appreciated by staff. Said his captain, “When you meet and work with Deputy Dell Kubler you will see professionalism, calm, confidence and a genuine concern for the efficient, safe and orderly operation of the Forsyth County Jail.”

DETENTION SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Earl Leonard, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, MS

Lieutenant Leonard retired from the Army in 1999 and became a corrections officer in January 2003. He worked his way up the chain of command and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on February 15, 2007. He is highly regarded and respected by Deputies and inmates. He encourages and instructs subordinates and inmates alike. He recently was the 1st Lieutenant to start working extra hours to help with the staff shortage of Deputies, leading by example. He returned to the trenches as if he was starting over as a Deputy. He works beside them and supports them all professionally and personally, which means a lot to them. Lieutenant Leonard is an example to other Supervisors in understanding exactly what it means to care and be a leader for subordinates. He is a hard worker willing to do anything to make the jail run smoothly. He is very dedicated to the mission of care, custody, and control of staff, inmates, and public.

DETENTION ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Randall Denzer, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, AR

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DETENTION FACILITY INNOVATION AWARD

LaFourche Parish Correctional Complex Programming & Re-Entry Services, LA

After decades of using an older, outdated facility, Sheriff Craig Webre and his team brought a sales tax proposal before the public in 2014 to fund a new correctional facility. The voters overwhelmingly supported the proposal as it passed with nearly 70% of the vote. Over 95% of all those incarcerated are eventually released, and the mission of the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex is to return better, more productive citizens to society. In addition to the re-entry programming, the following have occurred within the facility:

Poetry contests and art competitions for inmates
Partnerships with colleges and universities to provide opportunities for offenders to complete their college degree/certificate and participate in unique programs such as Inside/Out
Regular reentry classes such as Thinking for a Change, Anger Management, and Prerelease, special voluntary impact classes have been created to include Creative Writing, Understanding Depression, Dealing with Anxiety, and Surviving Trauma and PTSD.
A Medically Assisted Treatment program to address opioid addiction
LPSO caught national attention with its “White Flag Project’’ for National Victims Awareness Week and Second Change Month. Each inmate created a white flag and wrote heartfelt messages of remorse and sorrow for their past acts. The inmates planted the hundreds of flags across the front lawn of the correctional complex to signify their willingness to renounce their past and strive for a new future.

DEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE AWARD

Most of the nominations this year discussed their nominee’s loss of overtime earned due to pulling extra shifts. Understanding these dynamics, we recognize there are many that qualify for this award. Because of this, two recipients were selected for this award in 2023.

Major Robert Sowell, Spalding County Sheriff's Office, GA

Major Robert Sowell began the position of Spalding County Jail Administrator on January 1, 2017. Major Sowell was selected by Sheriff Dix because of his reputation for excellence. While working for the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, Major Sowell has revised the Detention S.O.P.s to be current and comprehensive. He updated the inmate handbook and inmate orientation to help create order for the inmates and staff. Major Sowell recognizes the importance of training and has created training opportunities for Detention Deputies to have a career path in Detention or other divisions of the Sheriff’s Office. Major Sowell has partnered with National Institute for Jail Operations to have training available for all deputies on a multitude of topics. Obtaining the NIJO Professional Certification will not only create a better trained Deputy, but will prepare them for promotion while reducing agency liability. In addition to Deputy training, Major Sowell recognizes the need for offering education opportunities to inmates and he found a vendor to provide the education and training. This training has resulted in many inmates participating and leaving our facility to find employment or continue their education. We are certain this will have an effect on recidivism. Per Sheriff Dix, “Major Sowell’s character and work ethic is a valuable asset to the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office.”

William Randolph, White County Sheriff's Office, TN

Capatin Will Randolph is the Assistant Jail Administrator for the White County Sheriff's Office in Sparta, NT. He is certified in CIT, Defensive Tactics and is an OC Instructor. William Randolph is known for always serving others and wanting to help everyone around him. Since October 2022 he has been working on a project to get mental health treatment inside the White County Jail. Through countless hours of work by him the county was awarded a grant to bring this treatment to the inmates. This grant allows White County Jail to partner with South Central Tennessee Work Alliance and gets a counselor and case manager to give the treatment that has been in dire need for a long time given that county jails and facilities all across the state are in fact turning into "mental treatment facilities". This type of grant partnership with SCTWA is the first of it's kind within the 13th Judicial District. Major Kevin Benton, Jail Administrator for White County Jail said this of Captain Randolph: "Knowing Will is a pleasure--we are very lucky and fortunate to have him on staff here. He is a selfless man that loves his job and would tell you that he wouldn't be in the position he is without me. Honestly though, I wouldn't be in the position I am without people like Will. His hard work and dedication to the field of corrections is second to none."

NIJO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S AWARD

Dr. Stephen Sampson
Psychologist, Sampson Testing & Training

Dr. Steve Sampson has been teaching social intelligence, and leadership skills for over 45 years. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts (1970) and a Masters (1976) and Doctoral Degree (1981) in Counseling Psychology from Georgia State University. He is a nationally recognized Master Trainer in Interpersonal Communication Skills since 1977, and has presented that training to over 300 agencies and organizations in 40 states. He is a former Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Georgia State University from 1979 to 1985. In 2004, he retired from his position as a Clinical Professor in the Counseling Psychology at Georgia State University (1995-2004). He recently retired as Executive-in-Residence Professor at the College of Justice and Safety at Eastern Kentucky University (2009-2016) where he developed an Institute for Social Intelligence and Leadership.

NIJO PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION

The National Institute for Jail Operations developed the Professional Certification Program in response to the need to provide a respected national certification for individuals looking for a process that involved legal-based curriculum by an organization which supports and defends their agencies’ worthy goals and objectives. NIJO Professional Certification is a professional designation - earned not issued - for jail and detention officers, supervisors, administrators and sheriffs who have demonstrated to possess the requisite understanding, knowledge, skills, experience and abilities to function to a specific level. Achieving NIJO Certification is a significant accomplishment and reflects intense training, effort, experience and comprehension proving that an individual confidently knows and can follow clearly established laws and procedures in fulfilling his or her duties within a correctional facility.

National Certified Corrections Executive (NCCE) Certification was awarded to the following individuals:

Phillip Barnard, St. Clair County Sheriff's Office, AL

Carl Carpenter, Walker County Sheriff's Office, AL

Larry Henry, Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL

Thalantha Jones, Clay County Sheriff's Office, FL

Tammy Peart, Crawford County Sheriff's Office, MO

Kimberly Watson, Baldwin County Sheriff's Office, AL

Justin White, Walker County Sheriff's Office, AL

Sierra Wilks, Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, AL

National Certified Corrections Supervisor (NCCS) Certification was awarded to the following individuals:

Barry Cooper Jr., Washington Parish Sheriff's Office, LA

Christina Vickers, Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, GA

National Certified Corrections Officer (NCCO) Certification was awarded to the following individuals:

Phyllis Farmer, St. Clair County Sheriff's Office, AL

**Sydney Mitchell, Fors*County Sheriff's Office, GA***

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NIJO ACCREDITATION

NIJO Accreditation is an established process for correctional administrators to verify and be recognized nationally as compliant to what the law requires to run a constitutionally safe facility. As the only such accreditation in the country, NIJO promulgates over 600 Legal-Based Guidelines^TM specific to each state, to ensure that detention and correctional facilities comply with current legal requirements applicable to each state, circuit court and federal rulings and statutes. Achieving accreditation is not a walk in the park. It requires legal-based policies and procedures, documentation and consistency on all levels.

Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, GA

Forsyth County Sheriff's Office was the first facility in Georgia to receive NIJO accreditation in 2020. They recently completed their Year 2 Accreditation Requirements in efforts to maintain Level I accreditation, the highest level achievable. Congratulations to the entire jail staff at Forsyth County!

Harrison County Sheriff's Office, MS

Harrison County Sheriff's Office was the first facility in Mississippi to receive NIJO accreditation in 2019. They recently completed their Year 2 Accreditation Requirements in efforts to maintain Level I accreditation, the highest level achievable. Congratulations to the entire team at Harrison County!

Baldwin County Sheriff's Office, AL

Baldwin County Sheriff's Office has recently completed their Year 3 Accreditation Requirements in efforts to maintain Level I accreditation, the highest level achievable. Congratulations Baldwin County for your continued efforts to be accredited!

Shelby County Sheriff's Office, AL

Shelby County Sheriff's Office was the first facility in Alabama to receive NIJO accreditation in 2016. They recently completed their Year 3 Accreditation Requirements in efforts to maintain Level I accreditation, the highest level achievable. Congratulations Shelby County! Keep up the great work!

Congratulations to all of these outstanding and dedicated professionals and their agencies. You are the unsung heroes of law enforcement. We appreciate you and are dedicated to providing legal-based training and resources for the employees of jails and detention facilities across the country.

You may also be interested in: JAILCOn23 Southern Regional Conference Summary

Grand Prize - Sponsored by Legacy Commissary Services (Platinum Sponsor)

By Expert Blog JAILCON September 7, 2023

The National Institute for Jail Operations proudly reports the success of the JAILCON23 Southern Regional Conference at The Lodge at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, AL, August 28-30, 2023, the 6th annual JAILCON Corrections Training Conference and Exhibitor Showcase for the Southern Region.

The conference sold out this year, having over 300 corrections professionals from several states including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Utah in attendance.

DAY 1 - August 28, 2023

As always, the conference began with our Opening Session, starting with a flag ceremony presented by the Honor Guard from the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office (AL). Also from Baldwin County was Deputy Tyler Ludke, who provided us with a wonderful rendition of our national anthem. Next Executive Director, Tate McCotter, led all in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. Welcome remarks were then given by host agency representatives: Sheriff Hoss Mack, Baldwin County (AL); Sheriff Shannon Oliver, Franklin County (AL) and President of the Alabama Sheriffs’ Association; and Aaron Dawson, Executive Director of the Alabama Jail Administrators’ Council (AJAC). After the opening session, participants attended four 1.5 hour break-out training sessions with the option of five topics during every session. Training sessions were taught by top corrections experts from across the country, including: Rob Yantis (Jail Commander, Pennington County Sheriff's Office, SD); Keith Hoskins (National Training Administrator, NIJO and Ret. Jail Administrator, Boone County Sheriff's Office, MO); Johnny Knatt (JJK Workplace, LLC); JaNan Thomas (RMS Litigation Counsel, Arkansas Association of Counties); Rachel Love (Partner, Struck Love Bojanowski & Acedo PLC); Glenn Ercanbrack (Deputy Director, Adult Probation & Parole (Ret.), Utah Department of Corrections); Joshua Arnold (Director of Operations, NIJO); Chief Deputy Mike Haley, Ph.D. (Washington Parish Sheriff's Office, LA); Megan Kennedy, RN, CCHP, (Director – Detention Health Services, Cochise County Sheriff's Office, AZ); Matt Hedrick (Deputy Chief, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, AZ); Matt Thomas (Chief Deputy/Executive Officer, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, AZ); Blake Hamilton (Partner, Dentons Durham Jones & Pinegar P.C.); and Deborah Ash R.N. (Chief Executive Officer, Correctional Medical-Legal Consulting). Sessions throughout the conference were targeted for all levels of corrections from sheriff and jail administrator to line level staff. At the conclusion of the training sessions attendees and vendors mingled together on the Dunes Terrace overlooking the gulf shore during the Welcome Reception. The Welcome Reception included hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, and lots of prize giveaways sponsored by our generous sponsors.

Baldwin County Honor Guard - JAILCON23 South

Flag Ceremony - Baldwin County Honor Guard

JAILCON23 South - Legal-Based Training for Corrections

DAY 2 - August 29, 2023

The second day of JAILCON is one that we always look forward to, because we get to hear from our keynote speaker. This year our keynote had the attendees buzzing with excitement. For the safety and security of our Keynote Speakers and their families we did not reveal their identities. After being introduced by his good friend, our first keynote speaker took the stage. He is a Retired Navy Seal and American Hero. He served on the U.S. Navy SEAL Teams for 14 years, including extensive time on SEAL Team 6. He shared inspiring stories that illustrated how to achieve the "SEAL Team Mindset." Those points included:

Teamwork;
Comfortable being uncomfortable;
Shared sense of purpose;
Prioritize and eat one bite at a time;
Be "all in, all the time";
Change, evolve, and adapt;
Relationships/trust;
3 foot world; and
Teamwork (again!).

After our first keynote finished speaking he introduced his friend, a retired as Special Operator in the United States Army after 25 years. He shared about his experience being involved in the capture of a high-profile target with ties to al-Qaeda. Following his story, both men answered attendees' questions in a Q&A. Attendees left feeling motivated and inspired to do and be better individuals and team players. We thank all of our attendees for respecting our speakers' privacy by not taking any photos of them. Following the Keynote Session, attendees gathered together in the Exhibit Hall to visit with the 49 corrections-specific vendors in attendance. Our special guests also joined us in the Exhibit Hall for a meet and greet with attendees where they could purchase a signed copy of one of their books. We'd like to express our deepest appreciation to all of our vendors and especially our sponsors, for supporting JAILCON.

Legacy Commissary Services - Platinum Sponsor JAILCON23 South

The afternoon was spent in two more 90 minute training sessions. Topics ranged from, "What You Do Matters: Lessons from the Holocaust," "What Can We Do With ‘That Inmate’ Who Pushes Disciplinary Boundaries," "PANEL: Legal Issues & Updates," "Generation Gaps," “Deliberate Indifference for Medical Providers,” “Solutions to Inmate Mail Issues,” “Supervisory Decision Making,” and “Expecting the Impossible: An Obligation to Provide Medical Care.” Training Sessions were taught by: Chris Olson (Interim Chief of Police, University of Arizona); Sheila Polk (County Attorney, Yavapai County, AZ); Glenn Ercanbrack (Deputy Director, Adult Probation & Parole (Ret.), Utah Department of Corrections); Todd Butler (Managing Partner, Phelps Dunbar LLP); Blake Hamilton (Partner, Dentons Durham Jones & Pinegar P.C.); Rachel Love (Partner, Struck Love Bojanowski & Acedo PLC); Tate McCotter, CJM (Executive Director, NIJO); Nick Morisani (Counsel, Phelps Dunbar LLP); Johnny Knatt (JJK Workplace, LLC); JaNan Thomas (RMS Litigation Counsel, Arkansas Association of Counties); Megan Kennedy, RN, CCHP, (Director – Detention Health Services, Cochise County Sheriff's Office, AZ); Rob Yantis (Jail Commander, Pennington County Sheriff's Office, SD); Aaron Dawson (Ret. Warden, Morgan County Sheriff's Office, AL); Sean Stewart (Consultant, Stewart Criminal Justice Consulting) and Deborah Ash R.N. (Chief Executive Officer, Correctional Medical-Legal Consulting).

Due to a heavy rainstorm, attendees and vendors joined together in the Gulfview Ballroom for our annual Corrections Appreciation Event. We had cornhole, a cash bar, and a DJ. But the highlight of the evening was when attendees and instructors entertained us all with an impromptu karaoke night! Thank you to all who participate in this fun event.

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DAY 3 - August 30, 2023

The final day of the conference offered three 1.25 hour training sessions, and each day of the conference we offered a special training block on Medical/Mental Health. The block was available for all participants to attend. Topics from our third day of training included, "Avoid Disaster: Effective Quality Control," "Progressive Discipline," "Profiling Behind Bars," "Adapting to the Mental Health Crisis: Understanding the Cause & Identifying Resources," and "Conflict Management Techniques." Trainers for our final day of classes included: Chris Olson (Interim Chief of Police, University of Arizona); Sheila Polk (County Attorney, Yavapai County, AZ); Joshua Arnold (Director of Operations, NIJO); Aaron Dawson (Ret. Warden, Morgan County Sheriff's Office, AL); Sean Stewart (Consultant, Stewart Criminal Justice Consulting); Megan Kennedy, RN, CCHP, (Director – Detention Health Services, Cochise County Sheriff's Office, AZ); Christy Heisner (Detention Lieutenant, Cochise County Sheriff's Office, AZ); Dr. Steve Sampson (Founder, Institute for Social Intelligence); Todd Butler (Managing Partner, Phelps Dunbar LLP); Nick Morisani (Counsel, Phelps Dunbar LLP); Wesley Lynch (Captain, Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office, GA); Rob Yantis (Jail Commander, Pennington County Sheriff's Office, SD); and Deborah Ash R.N. (Chief Executive Officer, Correctional Medical-Legal Consulting).

Josh Arnold instructing at JAILCON23 South

To end our conference we host our annual Awards Ceremony and Luncheon where correctional professionals and agencies from the Southern Region are recognized for their dedication and excellence in the profession throughout their careers, and especially during the past year. NIJO Executive Director Tate McCotter presented the JAILCON23 Awards on behalf of the National Institute for Jail Operations. You can read more about the awards and the recipients here.

Once again, we’d like to thank all of the attendees, vendors, sponsors, and instructors for their contributions and participation at JAILCON this year. We are pleased to report another successful conference, and look forward to seeing you again next year!

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You may also be interested in JAILCON23 Southern Region Corrections Professionals Awards Summary.

By Expert Blog JAILCON September 7, 2023

BE DEFENSIBLE:
Knowing the Differences Between National Standards, Contract Agreements and Legal-Based Guidelines

By Tate McCotter, NIJO Executive Director An April 5, 2023, headline from AP News stated “West Virginia Atheist Inmate Sues Over Christian Programming”.1 The news article details how the inmate has taken legal action against multiple officials overseeing the administration of West Virginia’s correctional facilities. He claims that the state has infringed upon his constitutional…

By Expert Blog Featured September 6, 2023 Constitution corrections Corrections Professionals CorrectionsOne Detention Expert Blog Inmate Management jail jail administrator Law Legal Legal-Based Jail Guidelines National Center for Jail Operations National Institute for Jail Operations National Sheriffs' Association NCJO NIJO NSA Police One prison Sheriff Tate McCotter

07Aug

Be Prepared for Your Deposition: The Dos and Don’ts

Is your agency getting sued? Have you been called as a witness to appear at a deposition? While a deposition may lack the formality of a courtroom, its significance in the discovery process cannot be overstated. A deposition provides an opportunity for attorneys to gather crucial facts and information that will shape their claims and defenses during the trial. As a witness, your sworn testimony can greatly impact the outcome of the case.

By Expert Blog August 7, 2023

06Jul

Why We Need to Defend Qualified Immunity in Jails

Sheriffs and jail administrations come to know liability in an up close and personal manner which few other professions face on a regular basis. Most every sheriff might as well adopt “D” as their middle initial – it will stand for “Defendant” soon enough! Keeping the public, staff, and inmates safe and secure is a…

By Expert Blog July 6, 2023 jail administrator National Institute for Jail Operations NIJO Qualified Immunity Sheriff

The National Institute for Jail Operations proudly reports the success of the JAILCON23 Western Regional Conference at the Gila River Resort at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, AZ, June 5-7, 2023, the 7th annual corrections training conference for the Western Region.

The conference sold out once again this year, having over 375 corrections professionals from several states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming in attendance.

DAY 1 - June 5, 2023

We began the conference with our Opening Session, starting with a flag ceremony presented by the Honor Guard from the Pinal County Sheriff's Office (AZ). Also from Pinal County were Trenton and Breanna Yardley, who provided us with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, following which, NIJO Executive Director, Tate McCotter , led all in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. Following the flag ceremony, welcome remarks were given by host agency representatives: Sheriff David Rhodes, Yavapai County (AZ) and President of the Arizona Sheriffs' Association, and Chief of Police Jesse Crabtree, Gila River Indian Community (AZ). Following the opening session, individuals attended three 1.5 hour break-out training sessions with the option of five topics during every session. Training sessions were taught by top corrections experts from across the country, including: Keith Hoskins (National TrainingAdministrator, NIJO and Ret. Jail Administrator, Boone County Sheriff's Office, MO); Johnny Knatt (JJK Workplace, LLC); Rob Yantis (Jail Commander, Pennington County Sheriff's Office, SD); Dr. Steve Sampson (Founder, Institute for Social Intelligence; Aaron Dawson (Ret. Warden, Morgan County Sheriff's Office, AL); Jim Jellison (Managing Partner, Jellison & Robens); Joshua Arnold (Director of Operations, NIJO); Rachel Love (Partner, Struck Love Bojanowski & Acedo PLC); Glen Ercanbrack (Deputy Director, Adult Probation & Parole (Ret.), Utah Department of Corrections); Chief Deputy Mike Haley, Ph.D. (Washington Parish Sheriff's Office, LA); Blake Hamilton (Partner, Dentons Durham Jones & Pinegar P.C.); Vanessa Losicco (Assistant City Attorney, City of Tempe, AZ); and Brian Hunt (Loss Control Manager, Arizona Counties Insurance Pool). Sessions throughout the conference were targeted for all levels of corrections from sheriff and jail administrator to line level staff. Following the training sessions we mingled with attendees and vendors in the Welcome Reception. The Welcome Reception included hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, pin/patch/coin trading, and lots of prize giveaways sponsored by our generous sponsors.

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DAY 2 - June 6, 2023

The second day of JAILCON had the attendees buzzing with excitement. For the safety and security of our Keynote Speaker and his family we did not reveal his identity. After being introduced by his good friend, Mark Owens took the stage. Mark is a Retired Navy Seal and American Hero. He served on the U.S. Navy SEAL Teams for 14 years, including extensive time on SEAL Team 6. He shared inspiring stories that illustrated how to achieve the "SEAL Team Mindset." Those points were teamwork; comfortable being uncomfortable; shared sense of purpose; prioritize and eat one bite at a time; be "all in, all the time;" change, evolve, and adapt; relationships/trust; 3 foot world; and teamwork (again!). Attendees left feeling motivated and inspired to do and be better individuals and team players. We thank all of our attendees for respecting Mark's privacy by not taking any photos of him.

Following the Keynote Session, attendees gathered together in the Exhibit Hall to visit with the 50 corrections-specific vendors. Mark Owens also joined us in the Exhibit Hall for a meet and greet with attendees where they could purchase a signed copy of one of his books. We'd like to express our deepest appreciation to all of our vendors and especially our sponsors, for supporting JAILCON.

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The afternoon was spent in two more 90-minute training sessions. Topics ranged from, "A Jail Officer's Guide to Detox Protocol," "Leading the Challenging Employee," "Policy Writing," and "Supervisory Decision Making." Training Sessions were taught by: Chief Deputy Mike Haley, Ph.D. (Washington Parish Sheriff's Office, LA); Megan Kennedy, RN, CCHP, (Director – Detention Health Services, Cochise County Sheriff's Office, AZ); Aaron Dawson (Ret. Warden, Morgan County Sheriff's Office, AL); Chief Larry Hall (Police Chief, City of Buckeye, AZ); Blake Hamilton (Partner, Dentons Durham Jones & Pinegar P.C.); Rachel Love (Partner, Struck Love Bojanowski & Acedo PLC); Tate McCotter, CJM (Executive Director, NIJO); Rob Yantis (Jail Commander, Pennington County Sheriff's Office, SD); Michele Molinario (Partner, Jones, Skelton & Hochuli, P.L.C.); Derek Graffious (Associate Attorney, Jones, Skelton & Hochuli, P.L.C.); Christy Heisner (Detention Lieutenant, Cochise County Sheriff's Office, AZ); and Sean Stewart (Consultant, Stewart Criminal Justice Consulting).

That evening, attendees and vendors joined together on the hotel's event lawn for our annual Corrections Appreciation Event. We had outdoor games including giant jenga and connect four, and for the 6th year in a row our JAILCON Cornhole Tournament! Attendees additionally enjoyed ice cream bars, a cash bar, and DJ. All of the proceeds from the event went toward our fundraiser for the 100 Club of Arizona. Thank you to all who attended and donated to this great cause!

Tuesday evening all attendees and sponsors/exhibitors were invited to attend the Corrections Appreciation Event, the Heatwave Summer Party, at the Talking Stick Resort Pool and Sunwatcher Bar. Attendees enjoyed music, frozen treats, contests and prize giveaways. The biggest highlights of the night were the belly flop contest, the dance off, and, for the 5th year in a row, the highly competitive JAILCON Cornhole Tournament!

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DAY 3 - June 7, 2023

We started our final day of the conference with three 1.25 hour training sessions, with a special block of training dedicated to medical professionals. Topics from these sessions included, "Avoid Disaster: Effective Quality Control," "Progressive Discipline," "Initiating Positive Press & PR," "Classification and It's Legal Implications," and "Supervisory Liability." Trainers for our final day of classes included: Joshua Arnold (Director of Operations, NIJO); Rachel Love (Partner, Struck Love Bojanowski & Acedo PLC); Glen Ercanbrack (Deputy Director, Adult Probation & Parole (Ret.), Utah Department of Corrections); Sean Stewart (Consultant, Stewart Criminal Justice Consulting); Mark Robens (Partner, Jellison & Robens); Matt Hedrick (Deputy Chief, Pinal County Sheriff's Office, AZ); Sam Salzwedel (Public Information Office, Pinal County Sheriff's Office, AZ); Rob Yantis (Jail Commander, Pennington County Sheriff's Office, SD); Chris Olson (Chief of Police, University of Arizona); Sheila Polk (County Attorney, Yavapai County, AZ); Dr. Neil Fisher, CCHP (Assistant Chief Medical Officer & Medical Director, Wexford Health Sources, Inc.); and Ben Griego (President, Correctional Solutions).

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The final event of the conference was our annual Awards Ceremony and Luncheon where correctional professionals and agencies from the Western Region are recognized for their dedication and excellence in the profession throughout their careers, and especially during the past year. We began the luncheon with NIJO Executive Director, Tate McCotter, presenting AZ 100 Club Director, Angela Harrole, with a check for $1,016.00. The AZ 100 Club provides financial assistance to families of first responders who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty and provide resources to enhance their safety and welfare. This money was raised by attendees throughout the conference through a raffle and the cornhole competition. Thank you to our attendees for your generous donations. Commander Brent Kimbriel from the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office (AZ) then presented awards on behalf of the Arizona Sheriffs' Association and NIJO Executive Director Tate McCotter presented the JAILCON23 Western Corrections Professionals Awards on behalf of the National Institute for Jail Operations. You can read more about the awards and the recipients here.