Prison Gangs

In June, Vera held hone calls with CO Duran to prepare for a conference call the following week and also to provide strategic support for reform efforts. There was a conference call with NDOC Deputy Director Harold Wickham and DD Kim Thomas regarding the current updates on implementation of reforms, and strategizing for next steps. Vera learned about plans for convening wardens and leadership together to work on reforms to the Behavior Modification Units at various facilities.

In June, there was frequent email communications between Vera and MNDOC throughout the month. Vera held its regular conference call with MNDOC to learn about site updates, progress, and to confirm and plan upcoming site visit. There was email communications to confirm meeting agendas, logistics, and strategies for site visit. Next, Vera emaileda draft version of findings and recommendations to MNDOC; Between, 6/25-6/27, Vera presented findings and recommendations to MNDOC leadership and staff. Vera facilitated the first implementation meeting and workshop.

In May, there were ongoing emails between Vera and NDOC offering TA and support in their efforts to finalize their implementation plan. There was a phone meeting to discuss implementation goal priority areas, provide support to NDOC and set agenda for upcoming implementation meeting. Next there was a logistics review phone call with NDOC in preparation for implementation meeting in Nevada. NDOC delivered an implementation plan to Vera. Lastly, Vera conducted a site visit (5/23-5/25) to NDOC for implementation planning with the Director and leadership.

In May, Vera held a conference call for MNDOC to provide updates on staff concerns about restrictive housing reforms, and for Vera to continue telegraphing the forthcoming findings and recommendations. There was another conference call with MNDOC to propose possibility of and need to evaluate the Step-Down Management Program now and going forward. Vera continued email communications with MNDOC in the interim between conference calls for regular updates and support surrounding reform efforts.

In April, Vera revised and emailed updated performance measures to NDOC in anticipation of an upcoming call with NDOC research staff. Vera held a phone conversation with AW Garcia from Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center where Vera learned about potential reforms for that facility. Vera also emailed NDOC regarding implementation needs and planning. Vera is working to support NDOC's implementation efforts through addressing next steps and requirements of implementation process.

In April, Vera held a conference call with MNDOC learning about technical assistance needs around examples of agencies making reforms while dealing with recent staff assaults. 4/17/18 Emailed Vera prepared memo on step-down programs in order to support the reforms that MNDOC is putting in place. 4/17/18 Conference call with MNDOC to discuss data analysis from 2016 to compare with previously delivered 2017 data analysis; and to review Vera memo on step-down programs.

In April, Vera conducted its first implementation visit with the LADOC focusing on the restructuring and design opportunities for Camp J at Angola prison with the nonprofit architectural organization, MASS Design Group. Vera also planned for the next implementation trip in May that will focus on another priority for LADOC: updating and working to finalize a disciplinary matrix. Vera will continue to engage the department in its strategic priorities regarding which recommendations it wants to implement during the remainder of its partnership in this initiative.

In March, Vera held a conference call with NDOC staff laying the groundwork for implementation planning and identification of priority areas. Vera emailed NDOC with implementation planning tools, suggested priority areas, and outline for next steps and implementation. Later Vera emailed NDOC specific outcome measures and data slides in preparation for an upcoming conference call with research staff. Lastly Vera held a conference call with NDOC research staff for initial meeting on development of outcome measures for tracking.

In March, Vera held a conference call with MNDOC to review data request, policy change language, and advisory council meeting attendance/planning. 3/20/18 Conference call with MNDOC to review data analysis response, begin preparing for implementation and outcome measures, and discuss responses to press coverage about MNDOC. 3/28/18 Emails and phone call regarding staff assaults at MNDOC facilities, and discussion of strategies moving forward.

In March, Vera revised and edited responses to questionnaire from select UDC external stakeholders (ACLU, DLC,). The goal is to use responses in upcoming Vera blog post.