Message from Director Anne Precythe on Return to Work

April 29, 2020

Hello, Team MODOC!

Every day I find myself telling different people or groups how proud I am of my team — every one of you! As a MODOC team member, each of you contributes to our success. We are such a diverse department with enormous responsibilities, ranging from direct care and supervision of offenders, to overseeing complex operations and thousands of staff, to providing vital office support — and everything in between.

I know you are in email overload, but I want to update you on what is going to happen in the next week:

1. The Governor is focused on getting Missouri back open! Visit the “Show Me Strong Recovery” site at showmestrong.mo.gov and check out what’s in store for reopening businesses and services. My peers in the Cabinet are doing an excellent job leading this recovery initiative, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.

2. What are we doing as a department on Monday, May 4?

• Team members on administrative leave will return to work at their assigned work locations.
• Team members working remotely or working on a flexible schedule will continue what they are currently doing.
• Team members working on site will continue what they are currently doing.
• We will evaluate telecommuting and assess our options going forward.
• We will review reduced activities to determine how to return to full capacity.
• We will evaluate how long certain activities will need to remain suspended.
• Leaders will continue to keep you informed.

3. Just like when we started this journey, there will be bumps and obstacles as we continue to figure out what the “new normal” will be. The Governor has high expectations that we continue to telecommute where feasible but not at the expense of operating at full capacity. Our department will continue to adhere to guidelines and recommendations for social distancing, rigorous sanitizing, screenings, temperature checks, face coverings, personal protective equipment, and whatever else is necessary to keep our staff and workplaces safe and healthy.

Finally, I keep trying to find a different, better or more meaningful way to say “THANK YOU,” “PLEASE KEEP DOING WHAT YOU’RE DOING,” and “I AM SO VERY PROUD OF EACH OF YOU.” Please know I say these things with inexhaustible sincerity. I wish you could see the enthusiasm I feel and the smile on my face when I talk to others about you and the pride I have in this team. It is all truly genuine and heartfelt.

Stay the course. Stay with us. Stay safe and healthy!  

Anne L. Precythe 
Director