Acts of Heroism

Staff Earn Award of Valor, Lifesaver Award

Jefferson City Correctional Center Honor Guard.

Courageous members of the Jefferson City Correctional Center team were honored last month for acts of bravery, earning the Director’s Award of Valor or the Lifesaver Award

Director's Award of Valor

Correctional Officers Morris Holt (left), Nicole Ellzey (right) and Brittany Odum (not pictured) courageously put themselves in harm’s way to protect a fellow officer who had been attacked and rendered unconscious while escorting an offender. Despite being assaulted in the course of protecting their colleague, the officers persisted in their efforts to control the offender, pursuing him and securing him as he attempted to flee. Their quick action not only prevented their teammate from being more seriously injured but also helped protect other staff and offenders. They were presented with the Director's Award of Valor for their act of bravery.

Sergeants Douglas Lammers (pictured) and Jason Shaeffer and Correctional Officer I Joyce Bales intervened in and stopped a dining room fight involving three offenders and a prison-made weapon. During the incident, Lammers sustained punches to his body, while Shaeffer and Bales prevented an offender from retrieving the weapon and causing further injury to other offenders or staff. In recognition of their heroic act, Lammers, Shaeffer and Bales earned the Director's Award of Valor.

Lifesaver Award - JCCC

A team of a dozen custody and medical staff members at JCCC worked together to save an offender who had sustained life-threatening injuries during an altercation. These Lifesaver Award recipients include Beth Clad, Brandy Sheehan, Keith Segall, Martha Nolt, Sommer Heidle, Susan Hodges, Terri Stone, Lonni Earnest, Nathan Falter, Shelby Marsh and Patsy Redburn. For his role in responding to the incident, Jeffrey Gabelman earned the Warden's Coin of Excellence.

Officer Christina Baldwin, left, saved the life of an offender attempting suicide. Officer Patsy Redburn recognized signs of a stroke in a colleague’s voice during a phone call and notified emergency services and family. Also recognized was Distinguished Service Award recipient James Taylor.

Lifesaver Award - MECC

Sergeants Kurtis Winegardner and Brittany Mandagaran and Officers Andrew Peacock, Scott Teaney, Joshua Scruggs and Kyle Gilliland from Missouri Eastern Correctional Center (MECC) earned the Missouri Department of Corrections Lifesaver Award. These heroes worked in sync taking measures that saved the life of an offender. Throughout the critical incident, they never lost focus.

In Memoriam

Former Director George Lombardi

George Lombardi, former director of the Missouri Department of Corrections, died April 21, 2022, in Jefferson City. He was 75 years old. Lombardi joined the department in January 1974 as a clinical psychologist. He served as corrections superintendent and as both assistant director and director of the Division of Adult Institutions before retiring in 2005. He returned to the department in 2009 and served as director until 2017. Lombardi's legacy of corrections innovations includes integrating capital punishment offenders into the general population and establishing the Puppies for Parole program in Missouri. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Houser-Millard Funeral Directors in Jefferson City.

Moms of Corrections

In some Missouri households, service is a way of life, and corrections is the family business. This Mother's Day, we're honoring the corrections moms who not only have built careers to support their families but also have instilled in their kids a commitment to their communities and pride in their work. Meet some moms and kids who have made their families stronger by becoming part of the corrections family.

Audrey Cafourek, Purchasing Senior Office Support Assistant, Central Office
Dana Plunkett Cafourek, Prison Research Innovation Network Manager, Moberly Correctional Center
Millie Plunkett, Accounting Clerk, Algoa Correctional Center

"I could go on and on about how impressive Dana Cafourek is. She is capable of standing tall and shining through all darkness that comes with this career. She continues to be positive and understanding. She has a ton of great qualities, but the best one to describe her is stalwart; she is loyal, reliable and hardworking. I decided to be a part of the department for two main reasons: obviously to work with my mother but also to be able to learn from her. Dana has been my mother for seven years now, and there has not been a time when I have not wanted to be like her."

- Audrey Cafourek

"My girls could have chosen any path they wanted, and they chose corrections. They see how I, personally, and we, as a family, have benefited from my career. They also understand the importance of corrections' role in society, and they want to make a difference. As a parent, I am extremely proud of my children’s heart for service. As mother to these strong women, I am honored that they chose to follow my lead. I cannot wait to see where the Department of Corrections takes them."

- Dana (Plunkett) Cafourek

"My mom spent her first few years working and going to school full time, while building an amazing life for us girls. She is truly the strongest and most dedicated person I have ever met. My mom has shown me how far this department can take you if you put your mind to it. At 19 years old, I’ve started my own career with MODOC while I get my degree. Thanks to my mom’s guidance, I’ve created new goals I plan to reach within the department. I don’t say it enough, but I appreciate my mom so much for being passionate about MODOC and bringing me along with her on this journey. Because of her, I know that I can do anything I set my mind to and reach any goals I set. Watching her career grow has been so rewarding, and I can’t wait to make her proud with my own corrections career."

- Millie Plunkett

Shona Simpson, Correctional Case Manager, Western Missouri Correctional Center
Sharyl Pollard, Office Support Assistant, Western Missouri Correctional Center
Crystal Burnett, Office Support Assistant, Western Missouri Correctional Center

"Sharyl and Crystal both have made a positive impact in my daily life at Western Missouri Correctional Center. I appreciate them tremendously. I really enjoy coming to work knowing that I get to see them on a regular basis. Recently, all three of three of us have been able to enjoy lunch and training together."

- Shona Simpson

"I have loved these girls and have watched them grow. I love having them working at the same place I do. Crystal has been a great help, and we have grown so much closer. I love seeing Shona every day and seeing both of their smiles. I am very proud to have them in my life."

- Sharyl Pollard

"I have loved working at the same place as my mom in the last year. I get to see firsthand how much she is appreciated, how she is such a positive influence, and how much she really loves the work that she does. Coming to work at WMCC with my mom has made major changes in my life, and I love that I can share those moments with her. She is a rock star, and I am so proud of her."

- Crystal Burnett

Victoria Huff, Clerk, Women's Eastern Reception, Diagnostic & Correctional Center
Peggy Huff, Licensed Practical Nurse, Women's Eastern Reception, Diagnostic & Correctional Center

"I love working with my mother! It makes me happy to get to see her every day; on the days she isn’t here, I can get a little lost. I consider her one of my best friends. She has always been a strong rock in my life when I feel like I am faltering, someone I can always rely on. My momma has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known. She can bring joy to anyone’s day with her kindness. She has shown me to always try your best and to never give up if you really want something. I would be happy to be just half the person she is one day." - Victoria Huff

Melissa Harrison, Probation and Parole Officer II, District 1
Kerry Strating, Food Service Manager, Maryville Treatment Center

"While I don’t work in the same worksite as my mother, we do share unique experiences together. My mother has always been an inspiration to me and continues to help push me to be better in my job through encouragement and her continued dedication to the DOC." - Melissa Harrison

Elizabeth Estabrook, Corrections Case Manager II, Maryville Treatment Center
Jacob Cromer, Correctional Officer I, Maryville Treatment Center

"It has been a blessing to see the progress my son has made throughout his life and in his career as a correctional officer. Working at the same institution brings a new understanding of what is really important in life. Responding to work situations in two different roles while being supportive to the team as a whole has been a rewarding learning experience for us." - Elizabeth Estabrook

Rhonda Steward, Personnel Clerk, Maryville Treatment Center
Kendra Lewis, Clinical Supervisor, Maryville Treatment Center

"My mother inspires me because of our strong relationship. I have sought her guidance and value her opinion. Not only is she my biggest supporter and No. 1 fan, but she also has instilled in me a positive work ethic. She has helped me to identify things that would be beneficial to my future, such as cooking, shopping and being nice to people. Our working paths don't cross very often, but she has worked overtime in the control center and food service and started spending a lot more time around the offenders, as I have always been used to doing. Mom is my sounding board for many things and is a listener when I need it." - Kendra Lewis

Sally Payne, Accounting Clerk, Central Office
Heather Hunger, Central Office

"I love being able to see my daughter every day. She is such a positive inspiration to myself and all the people she meets. I am very proud of the amazing woman and mother she has grown to be. I really hope we get to work together long into the future. Thank you, Department of Corrections, for giving us both the opportunity to work around each other and to stay close." - Sally Payne

Amanda Watts, Captain, Fulton Reception & Diagnostic Center
Monica Arce, Cook II, Fulton Reception & Diagnostic Center

"I began my career with the Department of Corrections prior to my mother and actually encouraged her to apply with the department. I enjoy working with my mother, as it allows us to motivate each other throughout our day and with our career goals. I am blessed to have such a wonderful role model in my life." - Amanda Watts

Rebecka Douglas, Cook II, Fulton Reception & Diagnostic Center
Kathe Leninsky, Correctional Officer I, Fulton Reception & Diagnostic Center

"Not only has working with my mom has been an interesting adventure, but she has inspired me to know that I can take on anything. Every day is a journey, and sometimes we need to take one step at a time on that journey. I love working with her because she can guide me through the struggles, which helps me become stronger and better at my job. I wouldn’t ask for anyone else to teach me what I know." - Rebecka Douglas

Owen Bell, Correctional Officer I, Chillicothe Correctional Center
Candice Bell, Correctional Case Manager II, Chillicothe Correctional Center

“I watched my mom work in the DOC for several years, and I was very proud of my mom for finding a career she loves. I now have a daughter I hope to make proud, and the DOC will help accomplish all of my career goals, just like my mom did.”

- Owen Bell 

“I really enjoy working with my son. I was thrilled when he decided to come to work for the DOC. I have been with the department for almost 10 years, so I know all of the opportunities that the department offers. He now has a family of his own, and I am extremely proud of him. I know with his good work ethic, his training here and all of the opportunities offered, he will go far.”

- Candice Bell

Tammie Christopher, Registered Nurse, Chillicothe Correctional Center
Tyler Lewis, Lieutenant, Chillicothe Correctional Center

“I have enjoyed working with Tyler at CCC and watching him grow and develop as a correctional officer. I am proud of his accomplishments, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him!"

- Tammie Christopher

“My mom has inspired me to be the best that I can be. She has shown me that hard work does pay off and that you can accomplish any goal if you are willing to give it your best shot. She has pushed me to be a better person and leads by example. She has accomplished so much, and that gives me inspiration to do the same!”

- Tyler Lewis

Grace Davis, Mailroom Supervisor, Chillicothe Correctional Center
Kristin Baugher, Cook II, Chillicothe Correctional Center

"I have worked for the DOC for almost nine years, and I’ve always believed we are a big family here. I was super excited when I found out my daughter was going to be working here as a Cook II. I am looking forward to seeing her excel in her career here at CCC.”

- Grace Davis

“My mom is my inspiration because she is still excited to come in every day. She's constantly pushing herself to learn new things, advance her career, and be the best person that she can be.”

- Kristin Baugher

Lori Parkey, Functional Unit Manager, Chillicothe Correctional Center
Misty Griffin, Office Support Assistant, Chillicothe Correctional Center

“When I began working for the department in 2018, I was intimidated and super nervous. Having my mom there gave me a sense of ease. I have watched my mother lead not only co-workers but also offenders, provide a positive environment, and encourage others to do great. She does this daily with a smile on her face and such grace that cannot be taught. My mother is my role model, and I only hope to be half the person she is.” - Misty Griffin “I love working with my daughter. She will try to lift your spirits if you’re having a bad day by seeing the good in every situation. Several co-workers have commented on how sweet she is and how kind she can be. It makes this mom proud to see her daughter helping others and making a difference, no matter how small or big. Misty, thank you for always being a good person and making me proud to be your mom.” - Lori Parkey

April 2022 Employee of the Month

Jason Royle, Probation & Parole Southeast Regional Training Coordinator, understands the importance of keeping staff training up to date, even in the face of obstacles. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck Missouri, Royle, a Corrections Way ambassador, set about finding ways to keep the program’s principles at the forefront of his teammates’ minds. He not only set up weekly online training sessions to build the skills of Southeast Region supervisors but also began offering 1 a.m. sessions for night-shift staff. These sessions continue for the region and have been replicated statewide. Royle also has used video conferencing tools to build a two-hour online training course to strengthen ENGAGE 2.0 skills among frontline supervisors, and he launched web-based bridge-the-gap sessions to connect institutional probation and parole officers with field probation and parole officers, improving communication and building better relationships. Royle has represented the Division of Probation & Parole on the Training Academy Transformation & Staff Development Committee dedicated to strategic initiative planning, and he serves on the Trainer Development Committee for supporting excellence in adjunct instructors.

New Moberly Leader

Strid Named Warden

Myles Strid has been named warden of Moberly Correctional Center, effective May 10, 2022. Strid began his career with the Missouri Department of Corrections in 2009 as a Correctional Officer I at Jefferson City Correctional Center (JCCC). He worked as sergeant and lieutenant at Fulton Reception & Diagnostic Center (FRDC) and captain and major at JCCC. He then served as assistant security administrator in the Security Intelligence Unit in Central Office before returning to JCCC as a deputy warden in March 2020. Strid holds an associate's degree in criminal justice and corrections from Columbia College.

Arrest Team Training Expansion Continues

Probation & Parole Officers Certified to Apprehend Clients

In the fourth Division of Probation & Parole arrest team expansion training class, staff from Kansas City Districts 4 and 4C joined Districts 2 and 3 staff to complete certification and begin making arrests on clients assigned to their districts. Held at the Kansas City Police Department Training Academy, the class was presented by the University of Missouri Police Academy trainers. All staff who attended were certified in floor fighting, cuffing, escort techniques, transportation and tasers. With the certification of this class, 48 additional Probation & Parole officers in seven new districts (District 3, 4, 4C, 8S, 10, 24 and 42) will begin making arrests on their assigned clients. They will join the original Districts (2 and ERV) in the arrest process. Training and certifying P&P staff to make arrests helps empower officers to manage their clients while lessening the burden on local law enforcement.

ICTS Success

Program Graduates Launch New Lives

Probation & Parole District 6 in Columbia recently celebrated two Improving Community Treatment Success (ICTS) program graduates, in partnership with Compass Health.

Jerimiah entered ICTS last spring when his previous officer recognized his need for an outpatient substance use program. Initially, Jerimiah struggled to engage in the program. But with help from his peer support specialist and a 21-day inpatient stay in residential treatment, he began to make positive changes. The ICTS team has helped him stay sober, maintain a job, secure housing on his own and build a future.

Justin also entered the ICTS program last spring and faced a barrier. He previously had attended several inpatient treatments and returned to using as soon as he left. When he graduated from ICTS last month, though, things had changed: “This is the first program I have completed that I don’t have a plan to use when I walk out the door," he told his classmates. "Allow your team to support you and trust that your P.O. is part of your team.”

Spiritual Leaders

Prison Chaplains Gather for Planning & Fellowship

Prison chaplaincy in Missouri began in 1843, four years after the construction of the Missouri State Penitentiary. Since then, the chaplaincy within the Missouri Department of Corrections has evolved to support individual spiritual expression, formally accommodating more than a dozen faiths. Chaplains and chapel programs challenge offenders to address spiritual issues, questions and needs by introducing them to spiritual programming offered within a correctional environment. Spiritual services include counseling; visits from community volunteers and clergy; religious dietary accommodations; a religious advisory council; worship services and studies; a chapel library; and special programming.

Our current team of chaplains:

Front row, from left: David Machon (JCCC), Jeff Anderson (ACC), Doug Worsham (MODOC Religious/Spiritual Programming Coordinator), Tristram McCormack (BCC), Lonnie Collins (SCCC), Steve Johnson (SECC), Preston Davis (FRDC); Middle row, from left: Tommy Barnhart (WERDCC), Andrew Yocum (MTC), Matt Mason (WMCC), Greg Murphy (CCC), Aaron Davis (OCC), John Essary (MECC); Back row, from left: Thom Reagan (ERDCC), Tom Brack (MCC), Marty Sykes (WRDCC), Mark Wilkinson (PCC), Mark Dean (FCC-A), Tom Estes (TCC), Murray Phillips (NECC). Not pictured: Kevin Richardson (FCC B).

Continuous Improvement

Join the Missouri Department of Corrections operational excellence team at 9 a.m. May 11 for the MODOC Show Me Excellence Virtual Summit. Show Me Excellence is all about providing the best tools, training and insight available to ensure that teams succeed in their pursuit of improvement at any level. This summit provides an opportunity to learn new tools and skills to support the growth of operational excellence leaders throughout Missouri Department of Corrections.

MODOC Show Me Excellence Virtual Summit Agenda

• 9 a.m. - Welcome and Introductions
• 9:10 a.m. - Opening Remarks: Director Anne Precythe
• 9:15 a.m. - Operational Excellence in MODOC
• 9:45 a.m. - Roundtable – Divisional OpEx Activities
• 11 a.m. - Breakout Sessions
  • OpEx Project Management
  • Quality Assurance & Quality Control in MODOC
  • Show Me Excellence Problem Solving Toolkit & White Belt Review
  • MODOC OpEx Success Stories
• 11:45 a.m. - Wrapup

Register now »

Quarterly Pulse Survey Changes

The latest quarterly pulse survey (QPS) is open through Friday, May 6. Take a moment to complete the survey and let us know how things are going. Department leaders rely on staff feedback to help the department evolve. Responses to these surveys inform department decisions and have led to tangible developments, such as improvements in training, uniforms, communication and pay. A few changes have been made to the QPS, beginning with the current survey. The quarterly pulse survey has always been completely anonymous. No IP addresses, names or email addresses are recorded or tracked, and no data is shared for any question that receives fewer than 10 responses. Nonetheless, some state team members at small worksites, concerned that a reported salary range might be tied to a particular position or person, have said they don’t feel comfortable reporting their salaries. For that reason, the state is replacing the previous salary-demographic response options with four larger categories: Annual income $85,000+ Annual income $55,000-$84,999 Annual income $45,000-$54,999 Annual income <$45,000 This change expands the number of people in each category (protecting anonymity) while still distinguishing among senior, mid-level and frontline staff (providing valuable demographic information). The second QPS change is in subdivision breakdowns. This change will ensure there are always more than 10 people per reporting category and will assist us in better understanding your feedback. The goals of this change are to: More effectively address the needs of field and office staff Reduce confusion and better reflect recent restructuring Ensure the language in the survey matches everyday office terms Your feedback is a valued part of what we do every day. Please take a few minutes to complete the next QPS survey, April 25 – May 6.

Better Questions, Better Candidates

Are you hiring or applying for an open position? Want to make a great impression? Check out the new Interviewing Tools page for Missouri state workers at interviewingtools.mo.gov.

Get tips on scheduling interviews, selecting an interview team, conducting a job analysis and more. A major highlight of the site is an interview question generator. Select qualities you want to assess, and the generator suggests relevant questions. This cool tool was part of a capstone project presented by Fulton Reception & Diagnostic Center Warden Scott Weber and his team in Class 3 of the Missouri Leadership Academy.

Training Academy Updates

Strategic Initiative Spotlight: Improving our Workforce

Trainer Development

Training for both full- and part-time members of our team is the backbone to providing all corrections staff with the skills and knowledge they need to perform their job duties confidently and professionally. Our department relies heavily on the commitment of staff at every level to take part in team member learning, whether as a field training officer, adjunct trainer or Corrections Way ambassador. It is widely recognized that having high-caliber training staff in any organization is essential, and it is the responsibility of the organization to provide routes for continued professional development to those training staff.   

A process improvement team working with the Training Advisory Committee, has received approval to implement the following tasks, aimed at identifying inconsistencies in training methods and establishing a standardized training and evaluation process:

• Revise the process for staff desiring to be adjunct trainers
• Develop minimum continuing-professional-development standards for all trainers
• Revise initial trainer skills development course, and develop boosters and opportunities for enhancement of trainer skills
• Develop guidelines for trainer development feedback and response to observations

Specifics of each initiative will be included in a new staff training policy and accompanying manual to be released soon.

Pilots are underway to help us learn what changes or improvements need to be made before launching this initiative to the entire state. Keep an eye out for flyers and more information! The department is always looking for team members who are interested in helping others develop and improve their skills.

Training Academy Newsletter

Check out Training Academy Corner, a monthly newsletter of the Missouri Department of Corrections Training Academy, to meet new trainers and stay up to date on training requirements and course offerings.

• May 2022 Training Academy Corner

First Responder Wellness Series

Taking an Internal Assessment for an Optimal Quality of Life

Join the Missouri Crisis Intervention Team Council from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. Monday, May 9, for the first session of a new wellness series designed for first responders. Daily traumas and critical incidents over the course of a first responder's career can take a toll on mental health. In this workshop, participants have the opportunity to identify areas in which they need improvement and the steps they can take to reach their optimal personal wellness. Learn the Quality of Life Triad Identify the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) eight dimensions of wellness Identify action plans for continued personal growth Identify available wellness resources Registration is required. Space is limited. Lunch is provided. No cost.  Capital Bluffs Event Center | 1616 Oilwell Road, Suite B | Jefferson City, MO 65101

Ernie & Joe

Documentary Film Explores Intersection of Law Enforcement and Mental Health

During the month of May, first responders can watch a free screening of the HBO documentary film Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops, a portrait of two Texas police officers who are helping change the way police respond to mental health calls. The film takes audiences on a personal journey, weaving together the two officers' experiences during their daily encounters with people in crisis as part of the San Antonio Police Department’s Mental Health Unit. Streaming of the Emmy-award-winning HBO documentary is now free to law enforcement and public safety agencies in the U.S. through May 2022. Register here, and enter the code EJCC-LE. More information at www.ernieandjoethefilm.com.

The NRG Challenge

Gaining More Energy Through Nutrition, Rest & Gratitude

Throughout April, Missouri Department of Corrections staff have been participating in the NRG Challenge, gaining awareness about positive coping skills and healthy habits that can improve physical wellness and give you more energy through better NUTRITION, REST and GRATITUDE.

Have you tracked the days in April when you made an effort to eat better, get higher-quality sleep and practice gratitude? Turn in your challenge form by May 8. Completed forms can be collected at each worksite by a volunteer and then emailed to wellness@doc.mo.gov or mailed to Caitlin Rudolph in Central Office. Questions? Contact Caitlin Rudolph at Caitlin.Rudolph@doc.mo.gov. Get details in the WorkWell Newsletter »

Recruiting the Future

New Competition Tests Facilities' Staff Recruitment Skills

The Missouri Department of Corrections Talent Acquisition Team is sponsoring a staff recruitment and retention contest for Division of Adult Institutions sites and Division of Probation & Parole transition centers. This competition is designed to encourage, incentivize and enhance recruitment and retention strategies, ultimately resulting in an increase in the number of new staff hired and retained.

Part One: The Recruiting Competition COMPLETED Part Two: The Retention Competition Duration: Sunday, May 1, 2022 – Saturday, October 29, 2022 How it Works: Each facility uses innovative retention strategies to retain new correctional officers and tracks the percentage of new hires acquired during the Recruiting Competition who are still employed at the end of the Retention Competition. If a tie occurs in the Retention Competition, the number of staff hired in the recruiting phase will serve as the tiebreaker. Sign Up! Each facility wishing to participate must submit an application (email format) for each competition. Apply by May 1 for the Retention Competition. The application should include: Competition Leader – Contact name, contact information and site name. Plan of Action – What the site will do to boost recruitment and/or retention. SUBMIT COMPETITION APPLICATIONS TO: Darin.Gerke@doc.mo.gov with the subject line: WINNING. All competition applications should be sent to the same address with the same subject line. Win! Winners receive an onsite, all-staff barbecue, complete with desserts, presented by the Talent Acquisition Team. EVERYONE BENEFITS. The Talent Acquisition Team will compile best practices and present them at a wardens’ meeting and in the staff newsletter so each site can benefit from proven techniques. Read all the rules »

Referral Incentive Program

Recruitment Incentive Program Now Includes Part-Time Officers

The Department of Corrections offers an ongoing recruitment incentive program in which current staff can earn up to $1,000 for each successful referral of a new staff member in a correctional officer, food service worker or teacher position. Now that program has expanded to also include a payment of up to $500 for each successful referral of a part-time correctional officer.

• A one-time payment of $250 for a full-time correctional officer or $125 for a part-time correctional officer will be added to the referring staff member’s semi-monthly salary after each applicant referred by the staff member has been hired and has successfully completed Basic Training. The staff member’s salary returns to the normal rate of pay after one pay cycle.
• An additional one-time payment of $750 for a full-time correctional officer or $375 for a part-time correctional officer will be added to the referring staff member’s semi-monthly salary when each applicant reaches six months of employment with the department.
• Refer a new hire, and complete the appropriate Incentive Program form. Forms are available on the K: drive at Policies, Procedures, and Forms\Forms-References\DOC-931 Forms.
• Referrals that do not result in hires within six months of receipt of the referral form will no longer be tracked or considered for the incentive program.

This program is open to all corrections staff except those designated as Missouri Department of Corrections recruiters or staff representing MODOC at recruiting events.

Ambassador Spotlight

Corrections Way ambassadors serve a vital role in supporting The Corrections Way, a foundation of conduct and communication built around a core of common values guiding our work. Ambassadors steer fellow staff to resources and answer questions about Corrections Way training, practice and initiatives.

Meet some ambassadors:

Chillicothe Correctional Center Ambassadors

Stephanie Eckert, Candice Bell, Nelda Kroll

The Chillicothe Correctional Center (CCC) Corrections Way Ambassadors, Case Managers II Stephanie Eckert and Candice Bell and Sergeant Nelda Kroll, are a small but mighty group. The team designs Corrections Way activities and displays around seasonal themes, inspiring CCC staff through creativity.

In July, CCC ambassadors adopted a fireworks theme, with staff members writing values on firecrackers incorporated into a lobby display. In October and November, each staff member identified their social style on a leaf or pumpkin displayed on a poster in the lobby. In December, each staff member wrote on an ornament what The Corrections Way means to them, and the ornaments were added to a Peanuts theme holiday display. CCC also held dress-down fundraisers, and money collected was used to buy food to fill a Salvation Army donation box.

Stay tuned more fun activities throughout 2022!

Strategic Plan

The state’s business cycle runs on a fiscal year timeframe, this year from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022 (FY2022). Each year we articulate our priorities to support better government in Missouri through our strategic plan. In fiscal year 2022, our mission and our goals remain constant, but our strategic initiatives continue to evolve. We are building on past years' success and adding new priorities.

Take a look at our strategic plan and initiatives for fiscal year 2022.

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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Be a Better Listener

We're working hard to recruit and retain staff and to make our department a great place to work. Actively listening to coworkers helps create a safer and more welcoming environment.  YOU CAN PRACTICE ACTIVE LISTENING. Be attentive and focused. Ask questions, and get clarification. Demonstrate your understanding by summarizing and repeating back what has been said.