On August 29, 2024, several individuals who have demonstrated dedication and excellence in the corrections profession throughout their careers were recognized during an Awards Luncheon held in conjunction with JAILCON24 Southern Regional Conference at the Renaissance Riverview Hotel in Mobile, Alabama.
Tate McCotter, Executive Director for the National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO), presented the awards and 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.
JAILCON24 Southern Region
Corrections Professionals Awards
CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE OF THE THE YEAR AWARD
April Jackson
Program Manager, Chatham County Sheriff's Office, GA
April and her team play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of inmates through comprehensive management of rehabilitative, therapeutic, and educational programs. She and her team manage more than 17 diverse programs funded by the Inmate Welfare Fund. These programs range from various therapies, life skills, religious connections, and recreation.
Beyond her work with inmates, April is proactive in exploring creative opportunities to support the broader Chatham County Sheriff’s Office community. She spearheads innovative initiatives that bolster not only inmate rehabilitation, but also internal employee initiatives aimed at enhancing staff morale and success. Her efforts ensure that the environment throughout the Sheriff’s Office is not only safe but also supportive and conducive to personal and professional growth for all.
April’s leadership and unwavering dedication to enhancing inmate lives through these programs demonstrate why she is an exemplary candidate for this award. Her comprehensive approach and the impactful outcomes of her programs make her a standout candidate for this prestigious honor.
Congratulations to April Jackson!
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL OF THE THE YEAR AWARD
Taylor Wilburn, RN
Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, TN
Unfortunately Taylor could not attend due to their facility’s understaffing.
Taylor is Sullivan county’s medical department’s supervising RN. They have experienced an exceptionally challenging year within our jail due to several factors including staff shortages and major overcrowding. They fluctuate between 900-1,000 inmates in a facility designed for 619 inmates. Currently they operate this facility with two shift nurses, 2 sick call nurses, 1 mental health coordinator, 1 FNP, a clinical supervisor, and a health administrator.
Late last year, the Health Administrator and one sick call nurse were diagnosed with some serious health concerns. The health administrator has been out for 6 months leaving all duties to fall to Taylor along with arranging coverage for the sick call nurse who has been out for the last 3 months. Taylor has gone above and beyond in her duties to make sure the jail medical department runs to the best of its ability. She is on call 24/7 while also maintaining her home life and raising 4 children at home. She has taken on the duties of 2 positions, takes calls throughout the night, and shows up for work the next day. She has been playing the role of 3 positions with no complaints and is always available to her staff despite the added workload. She is a hero every day but has been a superhero these last 6 months with the unexpected medical leave of the Health Administrator. She has stepped up to the plate with grace and asked for nothing extra in return.
From the health administrator, “In January of this year, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Taylor’s outstanding dedication to our medical unit has been pivotal to not only our medical division, but to me personally allowing me to concentrate on medical needs. On countless occasions, I have witnessed Taylor be the help needed when someone was at their lowest. When it is announced she is the recipient of this award, please make sure and let the other agencies know they can’t have her! LOL”
Congratulations Taylor Wilburn!
DETENTION OFFICER OF THE THE YEAR AWARD
Sharlette Brown
Officer, Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office (LA)
On a regular basis, Officer Sharlette Brown, performs her daily duties with professionalism, integrity, skill, and efficiency. Officer Brown has logged in over 1,200 hours of overtime. However, it is her dedication to her fellow officers that makes her stand out from the rest.
Sharlette is committed to the overall well-being of her law enforcement team and it is evident by her above-and-beyond actions that she displays year-round. Sharlette never misses an opportunity to bring joy to the workplace by making each employee feel valued and special. She organizes birthday celebrations and holiday festivities to keep morale going in an often-stressful environment. Reaching into her own pocketbook and funding events herself, she does not let an opportunity go by to recognize her fellow team members. Sharlette, a talented cook, prepares full buffet meals to feed her fellow officers and decorates the workplace to suit. If it’s your birthday, you’re getting a cake! Sharlette has served as Employee of the month and was nominated for Employee of the Year. Sharlette is valued and appreciated by all and is deserving of recognition herself for her many selfless acts of kindness.
Congratulations Officer Brown!
DETENTION SUPERVISOR OF THE THE YEAR AWARD
Sergeant Craig Knowles-Hiller
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
In his role as Sergeant of the Corrections Emergency Response Team (CERT) at the sheriff’s office, Sergeant Knowles-Hiller has exemplified the epitome of leadership, dedication, and professionalism throughout his illustrious 40-year career — with 37 of those years serving as a sergeant. His proficiency in his role can be likened to that of a Swiss Army knife, posessing a diverse set of skills and capabilities that are indispensable to the success of his unit. One of his most remarkable attributes is his unwavering commitment to the continuous improvement and preparedness of his team. Through his leadership he has ensured that his unit remains at the forefront of excellence by providing advanced training opportunities that equip them to handle any situation they may encounter within jails or community.
Sergeant Knowles-Hiller’s dedication extends beyond the confines of his own unit and he readily extends hi expertise and support to other districts in the corrections communities. In times of need, he has demonstrated his exceptional ability to multitask and adapt seamlessly into leadership and organizational positions. From his captain, “Sergeant Knowles-Hiller epitomizes the qualities of an outstanding supervisor. His unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and commitment to excellence have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the Palm Beach CSO and beyond.”
Congratulations and come on up Sergeant Knowles-Hiller!
DETENTION ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Chief Deputy Craig Necaise
Harrison County Sheriff's Office, MS
In 2023 Craig Necaise took over the chief deputy position which includes the Harrison County Adult Detention Center. Focusing on the overcrowding of the jail with 800+ inmates, critical staff shortage due to Covid, he came in with a much needed positive attitude, and a determination to succeed and accomplish. He demonstrates strong leadership skills and is completely focused on getting the corrections area of the department under control.
He demonstrates strong leadership skills and is completely focused on getting the corrections area of the department under control.
From his nominator,
“In my 30 + years in Corrections he is the 1st Chief Deputy I have ever seen do the following: Hands on with coming downstairs to help with the shift shortage, feeding of inmates, head counts, assisting with shakedowns, etc. This has been a huge morale booster to all of our jail staff, which was at an all-time low.”
While putting in place many new policies and implementing better incentives to attract new officers, he has also provided valuable time and attention on learning more about the inmate population. So far this year he has achieved better medical oversight with care and treatment with sickness and mental health. He has prioritized improved communication with inmates, their family, and the general public which keeps this agency on track with the latest technology and software available in a corrections type setting.
Chief Deputy Craig Necaise is a true example of what this award stands for and his agency anticipates he will continue to make their Sheriff’s Office top notch in the State of Mississippi.
Congratulations Chief Deputy Necaise!
DEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE AWARD
Patrick Mitchell
Deputy Administrator, Mobile County Sheriff's Office (AL)
Deputy Administrator Mitchell made his return to the Sheriff’s Office on June 1, 2023, and has been making strides ever since. Upon arriving, DA Mitchell quickly observed the low morale of staff, the wide gap in staffing with regard to the officer/inmate ratio, and the lack of resources available to his officers that could help officers be more effective and productive in various departments.
A key example of DA Mitchell observation involved him realizing our Transportation Unit was in dire need of new transport vehicles. Within three months DA Mitchell worked closely with the finance department and was able to identify funding for three transport vehicles. DA Mitchell was also able to acquire funding for puncture resistant vests (for all officers), new tasers, and much needed equipment for the SRT Unit, training for all officers, and updated technology in all vehicles.
DA Mitchell is very humble and displays excellent leadership qualities. Upon assuming his position as DA, he implemented what he calls “LEAD” meeting that is held every Monday. This meeting consists of key members of the admin team from various areas, taking part in a round table discussion, to address issues and solutions that we are experiencing in or around the jail. The purpose is to improve communication, enhance leadership, and increase teamwork amongst decision makers. DA Mitchell often creates unorthodox training exercises for the team that aids in building bonds amongst the members and improving the leadership skill set.
DA Mitchell’s humility is reflected in the amount of time, dedication, effort, and personal resources he used this year to facilitate one of the best Corrections Weeks this facility has seen in the last decade. DA Mitchell constantly reminds the command staff that we work for the officers, not the other way round. From his nominator, “It has been a long time since this facility has seen an administrator that is this involved, who listens to the needs of his officers, and who is exceptionally generous with his time.”
Congratulations DA Mitchell!
DEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE AWARD
Lt. Lynn Eason
Twiggs County Sheriff's Office, GA
He had previously retired from Bibb County as a narcotics investigator and jail administrator and later retired again as jail administrator from Peach County. Lt. Lynn Eason started at the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office in 2019 as a transport officer and extra court security. In 2021 he transitioned to support and assistance jail administrator.
Lt Eason struggled and fought his second bout of prostate cancer during 2023. The entire time that he was on radiation and chemotherapy, he continued to work every day. From the jail admin, “I actually had to force him to go home after radiation or he would have continued to work!” Lt. Eason is a twice retired Law Enforcement officer and continues to perform like a new recruit when it comes to his dedication to the job. His Sheriff stated at the Sheriff’s Annual Dinner that he could set his watch by the time that Lt. Eason goes 10-8 every morning.
Lt. Eason not only goes all over the state of Georgia doing transports but also runs the jail in the absence of the assistant jail administrator. He goes above and beyond when it comes to his work ethic and does twice as much as any 2nd in command. From his jail admin, “Lt. Eason is not only a very dedicated Law Enforcement Office, he is also a mentor to young men and women that have chosen to make our profession their career choice, he is also a friend and a Godly man that would give you his last dime if you were in need.”
Congratulations Lieutenant Eason!
DISTINGUISHED VALOR AWARD
Lt. LeGerard Imbert
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
On February 23, 2023, Mikevius Moore was arrested in Lake Park on multiple charges and transported to the Main Detention Center to be booked. Upon arrival to the sally port, Deputy Trinidad (transporting deputy) secured his weapon and escorted Moore to the Officer Report Writing Room to wait for medical clearance before entering the jail.
As they waited for the nurse to arrive, the exterior sally port gate was opened to allow a PBSO vehicle to enter. Once the vehicle entered, the sally port door began closing. Seeing an opportunity to escape, Moore ran from the room while still handcuffed. Lieutenant Imbert, who happened to be present in the area for unrelated reasons, observed Moore running towards the closing sally port gate, with Deputy Trinidad not far behind. Without hesitation, Lieutenant Imbert gave chase, narrowly clearing the gate before it closed just seconds later. Although unarmed, Lieutenant Imbert continued chase, tackling Moore as he ran towards a canal. Once apprehended, he was returned to the Main Detention Center, charged with escape, and resisting arrest without violence.
Lieutenant Imbert consistently reminds his staff of the importance of staying alert while performing their duties in Corrections Court Security. On this day, he was able to demonstrate just how critical that guidance is. Due to Lieutenant Imbert’s keen awareness and immediate response, the escaped arrestee was captured after a brief foot pursuit, before he could harm any citizens, staff, or himself.
Congratulations Lieutenant Imbert!
DETENTION FACILITY INNOVATION AWARD
Coweta County Detention Center, GA
Coweta County has recently updated and expanded their jail. The Jail expansion is around 54,000 sqft which includes a new infirmary (with 30 2-man cells, 2 negative pressure cells, 2 padded isolation cells), kitchen and laundry (oversized for any future expansions) and 4 dayrooms (44 4-man cells that can house a potential maximum populations of 176.
Each dayroom has 6 showers and 2 attorney / inmate consulting rooms as well as space for exercise and recreation. The dayrooms are accessed through a mini sallyport to facilitate the delivery of meals and medications to the inmates without the need for direct access. The new control room has a direct line of sight into each of the 4 dayrooms which was modelled using virtual reality software during the design stage to ensure maximum visibility and no blind spots.
One of the key design points has been the use of pre-manufactured modular steel cells. These cells come to site complete and just have to be rolled or stacked into place. This speeded up construction and ensured quality. The steel cells are light & durable units with a high performance polyurea coating. The dayrooms and infirmary were designed so that the cells can be accessed from a rear service corridor which allows for easy maintenance without having to enter the dayrooms.
The upgrades and expansion will help the Coweta County Detention Center continue to provide the highest level of professional law enforcement services to all the citizens of Coweta County and to create safe communities by building partnerships that work to prevent crime.
Our staff is also working with local organizations like, Coweta F.O.R.C.E., Goodwill Southern Rivers, and 2nd Opp, who have provided counseling, reentry assistance, and employment opportunities for incarcerated individuals.
Congratulations to Coweta County Detention Center!
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AWARD
JaNan Arnold Thomas
Risk Management Services General Counsel, Arkansas Association of Counties, AR
The Executive Director Award goes to an individual that has made a significant and profound impact upon the corrections profession that may fit outside of the scope of the other awards but deserves much recognition. As we thought about the description and this year’s award at JAILCON South, there was one name that kept coming back to mind–that was JaNan Arnold Thomas.
JaNan is General Counsel for the Association of Arkansas Counties Risk Management Fund. That means she oversees the handling and defense of all the jail liability lawsuits for the fund, which represent jails across the state of Arkansas. Like many, jails in Arkansas are hit with litigation and JaNan’s responsibility is incredible. She is the brains to try to defend jails in the most litigious environment that exists. She didn’t go to attorney school to learn correctional law. She did it the hard way – she is GREAT! She knows what she is talking about. A few years ago, she was asked how many cases she was handling at the time. She said 81. When asked how work was going this year, she smiled and shared that the number exceeded 400!
How does she impact jails beyond just being an amazing attorney who defends our jails in a courtroom? She has become a “go-to” resource for the jails in Arkansas–how many of you reading this wish you had an attorney who you felt comfortable to reach out to (and they would give you the time) and say, “Hey, can you look at my policy and tell me if its safe?”…
“I got a grievance and before I reply, what do you think?”…
“This just happened. What should I do?”
Well, that is JaNan, and that is how Arkansas jail administrators feel about her. This comes from a respected jail administrator, Major Bersi, from Benton County:
“I would like to take a moment to recognize one of the most amazing assets a jail administrator can have. JaNan Thomas is extremely knowledgeable in all areas of jail related litigation. She tirelessly assists us with litigious issues we encounter in our jails. She makes herself available day or night for discussion regarding high-risk issues and gives excellent direction to navigate the legalities involved. She is an outstanding litigator who also goes out of her way to provide proven training to our staff, helping us develop our personnel to better serve our communities. It has been an honor know her and to have worked closely with her over the last several years. I am extremely blessed to have JaNan Thomas on speed dial!”
I know many others who feel the exact same way.
In addition to jail administrators in her state, she has juggled her schedule, weddings, and you name it to when we have asked if she might be willing to train or present legal info at our various training seminars, even when it was very inconvenient. In short, JaNan genuinely wants to help the corrections profession and is all in, fully vested. She doesn’t have to. She wants to.
She is respected not just by corrections but by fellow attorneys, risk managers, and those in government roles who associate with jail issues. Says Chris Villines, the Executive Director of the Arkansas Association of Counties,
“JaNan has been an incredible leader in the arena of risk mitigation. Her role as an attorney in hundreds of our risk management cases has put her in a front row seat to see what are commonly misunderstood or misapplied standards and laws in our the enforcement and jail community. Her commitment to educate and demonstrate our way to solve problems before they occur has resulted in a more professional level in law enforcement in Arkansas, and now nationally as she offers this guidance to many. I am extremely thankful she is on our staff at the Association of Arkansas Counties, and appreciative of her pursuit of a better justice system for all parties involved.”
She is now teaching with NIJO’s General Counsel and Legal Advisors, Blake Hamilton and Rachel Love, in a new training program started specifically for attorneys and risk managers to educate, discuss and provide guidance on litigation and liability issues (ELITE Academy for Attorneys & Risk Managers). It is the only one of its kind in the country and JaNan’s participation and involvement is so appreciated and helpful. If there were more JaNans, Blake Hamiltons and Rachel Loves, it would be so beneficial for our profession–heaven knows how much we need them!
We are profoundly grateful for all JaNan has done and all that she continues to do to make our profession better, to protect us, and to support us.
Congratulations to JaNan Arnold Thomas!
Congratulations JaNan Arnold Thomas!
NIJO National Accredication Recognition
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 GuidelinesTM 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.
Baldwin County Sheriff's Office, AL
Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, AL, completed the first year of their inspection. They are the second agency in Alabama to seek National Accreditation through NIJO. Though second to join the state, Baldwin continually shows their dedication to legal-based principles and always impresses our inspectors on each and every inspection. This year they again will be achieving a Level I Accreditation, the highest level achievable.
Congratulations to Sheriff Mack, Lieutenant Klos, and the entire Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Staff for this accomplishment.
Shelby County Sheriff's Office, AL
Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, AL, was the first agency in Alabama to receive National Accreditation through NIJO. In October of 2023 they completed their first year re-accreditation inspection. This makes this their 3rd accreditation cycle, meaning they have maintained their accreditation for over 7 years. Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has shown their commitment to running a legally-defensible and sound facility by achieving a Level I Accreditation, the highest level achievable.
Congratulations to Sheriff Samaniego, Captain McCool, and the entire Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Staff for this accomplishment.
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, GA
Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, GA, completed their third year on their accreditation and are also starting their 3rd three year cycle. They are the very first agency in Georgia to become nationally accredited through NIJO and their accreditation level has been maintained at a Level I Accreditation, the highest achievable.
We would like to recognize Commander Cash, Captain Flowers, and their entire detention staff for their accomplishment.
Harrison County Sheriff's Office, MS
Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, MS, completed their third year on their accreditation and are starting their 2nd three year cycle. They are the first agency in Mississippi to become nationally accredited through NIJO and their accreditation level has been maintained at a Level I, again, the highest achievable.
Congratulations to Warden Hubbard, Captain Lege, Yvernee Washington, and their entire detention staff for their accomplishment!
NIJO Professional Certification
Professional Certification through the National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO) was created to offer a highly respected national certification to individuals seeking a curriculum rooted in legal principles. This certification is not just issued, but earned, showcasing the expertise and competency of jail and detention officers, supervisors, administrators, and sheriffs. NIJO offers three distinct levels of certification for those aiming for career growth and progression in their field.
National Certified Corrections Executive (NCCE)
Lieutenant Jessica Daves
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, GA
Major Robert Sowell
Spalding County Sheriff's Office, GA
National Certified Corrections Supervisor (NCCS)
Deputy Heather Benson
Spalding County Sheriff's Office, GA
Deputy Sheriff
William L. Brock
Spalding County Sheriff's Office, GA
Corporal
Nicholas Wimmer
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, GA
National Certified Corrections Officer (NCCO)
Deputy Wayne Bemis
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, GA
(Not pictured.)
Officer Delisa Anderson
Homewood Police Department, AL
Congratulations to all of these outstanding and dedicated professionals and their agencies. You are the unsung heroes of law enforcement. We appreciate you! As always we are dedicated to providing legal-based training and resources for the employees of jails and detention facilities across the country.
