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On Aug. 28, new laws went into effect, reforming the state employee merit system and changing the way state agencies recruit, hire and reward workers. We appreciate your patience as all departments adjust to the new policies. Check out this Office of Administration guide to merit reform to help you understand how the new system works. Still have questions? Send them to us! Email doc.media@doc.mo.gov, and we'll get answers. Read responses in the October newsletter.
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Randy Power, a
maintenance worker at Western Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center,
is the August 2018 Missouri Department of Corrections employee of the month. Randy knows
how to handle an infrastructure emergency. When a major water line broke in St. Joseph, he made three trips to a nearby fire station to collect water, working late into the night to ensure the facility
had plenty. |
In 2015, when a heart transplant saved Kraig Gresham’s life, he committed himself to becoming a champion for organ donors, transplant patients and their families. Last month he became another kind of champion. Gresham, a corrections training officer at the Western Region Training Center, competed in the Transplant Games of America in Salt Lake City, Utah. As a member of the Mo-Kan team, he won gold medals in doubles golf and racquetball. Of course, he's always been a hero in our book.
See photos from his wins » |
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Community recognition continues for the hard work staff and offenders invest in supplying low-resource Missourians with fresh fruits and vegetables. Gardens are flourishing, and reporters are sharing the news.
The latest: Billy Polansky, executive director of the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture, has launched a four-part series on the program, examining how Restorative Justice Gardens benefit the community and offenders — while helping to challenge stereotypes about corrections. New installments are published every Wednesday in the Columbia Daily Tribune.
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Shortly after he joined the Department of Corrections — and just days after his son was born — Army Reserves soldier Adam Koestner was deployed to Iraq. Though they'd known him only a few months, his new colleagues chipped in to buy and deliver Christmas presents for his baby while he was out of the country. "That was really touching," Koestner says. "You don't see that everywhere. DOC is a true family." Watch the (very sweet) video » |
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The Corrections Way, our department's own management training program specially tailored for the corrections environment, is moving into the next phase. We've already trained more than 2,000 supervisors to improve communication with staff. Now we're adding new courses and training sessions. Look for super-cool video training modules soon! |
Our trendsetting department isn't the only state agency working to improve effectiveness. The State of Missouri has launched a program, The Missouri Way, to help leaders in all departments work together to be better managers for state employees. Corrections leaders took part in the first training session in August at Runge Nature Center.
Read about plans to transform state government » |
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Take our surveys! Please! The department's research team is sending random and anonymous surveys to staff, seeking feedback on efforts to improve our work culture. If you've been selected, please participate. Your responses shape big decisions and help us make a better department.
What's happening in your unit? Tell us about success stories, new programs, triumphs, challenges and questions. Send ideas and photos to doc.media@doc.mo.gov.
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The Missouri State Employee Charitable Campaign is on. Last year, generous Missouri Department of Corrections employees pledged $130,660 during the campaign — more than any other state agency. We're prepared to keep our No.1 spot. Lets make some magic » |
MODOC is ready to learn. Through a new partnership with Rockhurst University, staff and offenders at Chillicothe Correctional Center kicked off the fall semester with free college courses taught by Rockhurst professors. College programs also are available at Missouri Eastern Correctional Center and Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center through partnerships with Washington University and St. Louis University.
Read about the Rockhurst program » |
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Thanks to the hard work of staff and the generosity of offenders, low-resource Missouri kids started the school year equipped for learning. Offender organizations throughout the state raised thousands of dollars to buy essential school supplies, new backpacks and nutritious snack foods for elementary school kids. Employees made shopping trips, organized backpack-stuffing sessions and delivered the goodies to schools. See photos from JCCC and PCC » |
On the evening of Aug. 22, offenders at Northeast Correctional Center refused to comply with staff orders while moving between housing units and the small yard during recreation time. Remaining calm and firm, NECC staff returned offenders to their housing units without incident. Offenders in some units continued disruptive behavior, and those units and were placed on lockdown and denied visiting privileges. Within a week, all units had returned to normal activity. Thank you to all NECC staff whose quick thinking and professionalism helped to avert a serious incident and keep everyone safe.
With the installation of new security doors in the Central Services Building, the step-down process is progressing quickly at Crossroads Correctional Center. Currently, limited visiting is taking place Thursday through Sunday. A second 30-minute daily out-of-cell time has been added for offenders. A hot lunch is being served daily in the chow hall, supplemented with morning and evening sack meals. For a full schedule and timeline, view the Operational Step Down Plan »
 The Department of Corrections strategic plan is focused on three major areas:
- Safer Work Environment
- Improving the Workforce
- Reducing Risk & Recidivism
As part of the plan, the department has introduced 81 initiatives in these three areas, and 55 are focused on employees. In one major category, creating safer work environments, 21.4% of the initiatives are now complete, and 39.3% are in progress. Some examples:
Safer Work Environment - Completed
- Expanded Crisis Intervention Training
- Information Sharing with Law Enforcement Officers
- Probation & Parole Offices Equipped with Narcan
Safer Work Environment - In Progress
- Improved Automation
- New Time-Keeping System
- Enhanced Training
- Staffing Pattern & Shift Analysis
- Probation & Parol Officer Safety Package
- Riot Preparation
- Hostage Negotiation Partnership with Missouri Highway Patrol
- Improved Consistency in Facility Entry Practices
- Harassment, Discrimination & Retaliation Education
- Pastoral Ministry Program
- Youthful Offender Unit
- Incentive-Based Tablet Program
See overview of the strategic plan »
Mission
Improving Lives for Safer Communities
Vision
Excellence in Corrections for a Safer Missouri
Values
We value safe work environments, a capable workforce and reduced risk and recidivism.
We value integrity and respect.
We value supportive leadership.
We value employee participation and teamwork.
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