|
During National Crime Victim’s Week, D9 – Joplin and D9S – Neosho gathered much needed items; such as clothes, toys, and snacks and donated them to the Children’s Center and Children’s Haven, in Joplin. Pictured: Joplin Children’s Center Staff & D9 PO Ali Wright and D9S PO Stacey Shanks.
D9B - Aurora also gathered items to donate to the Children’s Center in Monett.
|
|
 |
 |
|
The Maryville Treatment Center Institutional Parole Office hosted the annual Crime Victims Rights Week tree planting ceremony on Wednesday, April 27 2022 at 10:00 a.m.
Sutherland Lumber Company, Maryville, MO, donated a maple tree which was planted in the Kiwanis’s Shelter at Mozingo Lake Park, Maryville, MO.
The crowd of approximately fifty local law enforcement personnel, Department of Corrections Staff, City of Maryville Mayor and Maryville R-II Spectrum Choir along with Maryville citizens were welcomed by Maryville Treatment Center Probation/Parole District Administrator, Tom Seipel, to the annual event.
Fr. Daniel Petsche, O.S.B., Conception Abbey, offered the opening prayer. Fourth Judicial Circuit Judge, Corey Heron, led those gathered in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance as the MO Department of Corrections Western Region Honor Guard presented the colors for the ceremony. Maryville Mayor, Tye Parsons, delivered and read a proclamation from the City of Maryville. A moment of silence was offered in remembrance of all victims prior to Maryville Department of Public Safety Director, Ron Christian, keynote speaker, offering reflection recognizing victims. The Maryville R-II High School Spectrum Choir offered songs for the event for all gathered. Fr. Daniel Petsche, O.S.B. offered a closing prayer to conclude the ceremony.
|
 |
|
In honor of crime victim’s rights week District 2 chose to do a fundraiser for the North Central Missouri Children’s Advocacy center. They were honored to have their director, Verna Kelsey, and children’s advocate, Amanda White, come and give a presentation about the forensic interviews and the need to protect the victim’s from being victimized and experiencing more trauma as they go through the legal system. They offer extended counseling services to the families and help them through the legal process. District 2, the Regional office, and the Harrison Co Children’s Division raised close to $200 in monetary donations and donated 3 bags of stuffed animals, some puppets, a box of children’s books, and 2 large boxes of backpacks and toys for the Children's Advocacy Center. |
|
The Barry County Probation & Parole team put on their serving aprons to work a shift at the BBQ Station in Cassville. They donated their hard-earned tips to the Monett Children's Center!
|
|
 |
 On April 25, 2022, the Western Region hosted a charity kickball tournament between the Probation and Parole district offices and TCKC. There were over 50 participants in the game and over 100 were in attendance to watch and cheer on the teams. Community partners also provided victim information to the community and agency. Two trainers from the Western Region Training Academy participated as referees of two games while Regional Administrator Kim Hubbard-Stewart and Deputy Division Director Jamie LiaKos umpired the championship game. TCKC was the winner of the golden trophy. Between fundraiser T-shirts and kickball tournament donations, over $500 was donated to the Victim Advocate office in Jackson County.
As we recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, it is important to keep in mind how we can do our part to prevent victimization and recognize that victimization may be, and very often is, a barrier in someone’s life. While we can never undo the damage that has been done within the hearts and minds of victims and to their loved ones, we can do our part to enhance the restorative justice that they deserve and do what we can to prevent future harm from occurring. While it may not always be easy to see the impact we have on preventing victimization, when we engage all stakeholders with empathy and help our clients create case plans that focus on their criminogenic needs, we will be working toward fulfilling our Mission of Improving Lives for Safer Communities.
While we can never know the pain and suffering that each individual who suffers criminal harm has experienced, we can be there for them and listen to their experience so that each person knows that they are not alone. We can also provide the appropriate resources and referrals that State statute has afforded victims. Organizations such as the Missouri Victim Assistance Network, the Missouri Department of Public Safety, the Crime Victims Compensation fund and our own Office of Victim Services work hard to not only ensure that victims have a voice, they also ensure those who suffer such devastation loss are granted the resources they deserve by law. While these losses in many instances are incalculable, our efforts to bring restoration to victims do not go unnoticed.
Not only can we have a direct impact on the lives of victims by showing empathy, listening and providing resources, we can also help to prevent future harm by developing quality case plans with our clients. By showing empathy with our clients, even when we may not want to, and developing a case plan targeting the client’s criminogenic needs, those factors that research has shown have an impact on future criminal behavior, we will have done our part to prevent future victimization. When we target the criminogenic need of anti-social attitude we are targeting the criminal rationalization, the lack of remorse, the disregard for social norms and rules and more. When we target the need of anti-social personality we are targeting their lack of empathy, their poor problem-solving skills, the risky and reckless behavior, their poor emotional regulation, impulsive actions and more. And when we target the need of anti-social peers we are focusing on their involvement with others that are associated with criminal activities, the influence and persuasion those peers have to encourage the committing of crimes, gang affiliation and more. All of the traits of the primary criminogenic needs increase the risk of recidivism, which further increases the risk of creating another victim.
Also, some of our own clients have been victims and the trauma and anguish that can accompany that victimization can be a barrier, or non-criminogenic need, for our clients. Barriers are those non-criminogenic needs that research shows do no increase the probability that a client will reoffend, but if we don’t effectively address them, we will have a difficult time effectively case planning with the client. Being mindful of victimization and trauma among all of our stakeholders will help ensure we are effective change agents.
Fun Events Throughout the State
 |
|
On a cold spring day WERDCC P&P staff celebrated the Cardinal’s winning opener by showing their team spirit. A few of the team members who participated couldn’t make the picture so they inserted theirs.
Pictured from L-R Kim Perkins, Jenna Niffen, Vickie James (picture), Brianne Grigsby, Kelsey Taylor (picture), Michelle Dorman, and Deb Moore.
|
District 17 Personnel Club decorated for the Easter holiday!! They also held a fundraiser, “Egg an Office,” where employees could purchase candy filled eggs to be delivered to each other. |
|
 |
 |
|
During the week of April 11-15, 2022, District 19's very own Spring Bunnies, Illyssa McChan, Sophia Betterton, and Lou Liversage, put together an egg hunt for the office. Each day eggs were hidden throughout the office with candy and prizes. At randomly selected times, the email would go out and the hunt would begin. POs and clerical scoured the office looking for eggs. No kitchen cabinet or storage space was left unchecked. There were even a couple times that clients pointed out eggs to their PO as they were being walked down the hall. The event culminated on Friday with a large outdoor hunt with 40 eggs hidden with one holding the grand prize coupon. This was a wonderful team building event for the office that built on our sense of camaraderie and led to lots of laughter! |
 |
|
In March, TCSTL held graduation ceremonies for the Urban League and Arts & Healing programs. Congratulations gentlemen!! |
This month District 6 has had 2 successful celebrations of the ICTS (Improving Community Treatment Success) program in Columbia, MO. District 6 and Compass Health were able to celebrate both men during 2 separate events. Jerimiah entered into the ICTS program April 27, 2021 after his previous officer recognized his need for an outpatient substance program which could help him eliminate housing issues and support him during his journey to change his thinking about his substance usage. Jerimiah struggled at first engaging in the program, with his attendance in required groups and scheduled meetings with his ICTS team. After a 2 hour ride with his peer specialist and 21 day inpatient stay in Residential Treatment, Jerimiah began to focus on positive changes in his supervision and substance use. Jerimiah allowed the ICTS team to help him stay sober, maintain a job (he has promoted in), secure housing on his own, and build a future and path within a community he looks differently at now. Our second graduate, Justin, entered into ICTS program May 18, 2021 after his previous officer asked him to take a chance in a program that was intense for outpatient substance usage. Justin had a main barrier in the ICTS program which was different than others, he needed extra motivation to work on changing the ways he viewed substance usage. Justin had attended several different inpatient treatments with return to usage as soon as he left. When Justin graduated this month he spoke to other ICTS members, “Take each day one day at a time. This is the first program I have completed that I don’t have a plan to use when I walk out the door. Allow your team to support you and trust that your PO is part of your team.” Justin works with his family at a family business and he is looking forward to his future. District 6 is proud of both men and their accomplishments inside and outside of the ICTS program. Success is the last word in ICTS, but it’s the first word we start encouraging our clients to strive for. Congratulations Jerimiah and Justin!” |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Kim Walker was promoted to Unit Supervisor at District 11.
Congratulations Kim!
|
|
Jason Wilhoit was promoted to Unit Supervisor at District 2
Congratulations Jason!
|
|
 |
 |
|
Justin Lewis was promoted to Unit Supervisor at District 15.
Congratulations Justin!
|
|
Kyle Chipman was promoted to Unit Supervisor at D22B.
Congratulations Kyle!
|
|
 |
PO Ben Knight – District 11 Employee of the First Quarter 2022
The October 2021 Employee of the Month for the Western Region is Probation and Parole Officer Hans Gold. Officer Gold was nominated for the Employee of the Month by District 4 Unit Supervisor Sara Geelan and her nomination reads as follows:
We recently had a client who had been a MO case in prison in Iowa. He discharged in Iowa and was not allowed to stay in their state. They were providing transportation back to Missouri immediately, however, they did not secure a home plan in Missouri. Due to him being homeless, PPICU assigned to District 4. The case was assigned to PO Gold. PO Gold read over the case and realized that the client also had a serious chronic disease and was disabled. He reached out to staff in Iowa to obtain more detailed information regarding the clients' needs and abilities. He then contacted several community resources to staff with them which program would be best able to work with the client and obtained a bed for him prior to his arrival in Missouri. This is just one example of Gold going above to try to do what is in the best interest of the client. He always takes the time to delve into what is really going on and what the clients' needs are. He has built a rapport with many community partners and has an extensive knowledge of community resources. In addition, Gold is an asset to staff, both helping train new staff, and volunteering to help staff in general, when needed. He is the safety officer and recently helped write new SOP for the office. He also is the liaison to Victim Impact Panel and staffs those night groups.
Pictured are Western Regional Administrator Kim Hubbard-Stewart and PO Hans Gold.
Congratulations Hans!
|
The November 2021 Employee of the Month for the Western Region is Probation and Parole Officer Jessica Drummond. Officer Drummond was nominated for the Employee of the Month by District 19 Probation and Parole Officers Alicia Smith and Charles McMullin and their nomination reads as follows:
Jessica is an interstate officer. In this position, she is frequently called upon to assist other staff with information on the rules regarding Interstate Compact. Within the last year, a newer staff member took on a specialty caseload that was comprised of numerous incoming interstate cases. As the job coach, PO Smith was not familiar with a lot of the details on interstate cases. Jessica volunteered to help the staff member numerous times and was always willing to answer any questions - from PO Smith or the new staff.
In one particularly difficult situation another state allowed someone to move here prior to receiving permission and with numerous other issues (firearms having been allowed in the house, the person was told he could continue to hunt, had not been required to do counseling, etc., by the sending probation officer). Jessica was instrumental in assisting with handling this case and making sure that PPICU was made aware of the numerous issues in order to address the violations with the sending state. She researched statute and provided information to everyone involved. She is thorough with each case and instrumental with the successful handling and guidance of Interstate cases. The situation has been ongoing for months and she stays on top of this and helping the new staff member, in addition to handling her caseload and other assigned duties.
She has gone well above and beyond in this situation as well as many others and should be recognized for her contributions to the district and the agency. She always takes one step beyond in safeguarding not only the agency, but ensuring the Offenders receive information valuable to their success.
Pictured are PO Jessica Drummond and Western Regional Administrator Kim Hubbard-Stewart.
Congratulations Jessica!
|
Amy is a dedicated, attentive officer who is meticulous with her clients and their families. She produces excellent products and rarely requests assistance. Amy is very organized, which allows her to meet all required contacts, complete detailed reports and conduct ORAS evaluations on a high number of clients.
Her caseload, consisting of two residential programs, often has a large influx and swift exit of clients with no ties to our area, mainly parolees newly released from prison. Amy keeps in close contact with the residential program employees, as well as the clients.
Newly released clients have reservations about the program and community supervision. Amy takes time to listen to them, reassure them she is there to help them succeed, and helps create a reasonable plan to be independent in the near future. Amy has generated a level of trust and respect with her clients that allows them to openly communicate with her. Recently, she had a client divulge that he was sexually assaulted while in prison. Amy took rapid measures to report the incident to appropriate channels, and refer him to a local mental health provider. She continues to follow up with him to ensure he is stable.
Amy has come across many challenges, yet she is as committed to achieve more every day. Thank you for your going above and beyond on a daily basis.
Pictured are Northeast Regional Administrator Todd Fleharty and PO Amy Turnbough.
Congratulations Amy!
|
The December 2021 Employee of the Month for the Western Region is Probation and Parole Officer Darius Dickerson. Officer Dickerson was nominated for the Employee of the Month by District 4 Probation and Parole Officer Morgan Haddix and Unit Supervisor Melanie Austin and their nomination reads as follows:
Darrius Dickerson began his employment with the agency in June of 2021, when he arrived he was given a caseload of approximately 30 offenders. Dickerson was assigned a coach and he immediately utilized his coach to learn the skills of effective case management. Dickerson began contacting his JII and provided them with report dates in between his scheduled new officer training. His coach was a Free and Clean Officer which required her to be at the treatment provider twice a week to see her JII. When this supervisor or his coach was not available he sought other senior staff to assist him with writing reports and obtaining community resources when seeking appropriate action regarding his JII. Dickerson did not complain when this supervisor requested his assistance with the supervision of another officers caseload, who was out on approved leave for six weeks. During that time he conducted multiple report days to see his and the officer's JII. This was after he had recently completed the new officer training. Dickerson conducted violation interviews, completed citations, violation reports, conducted home visits, spoke with treatment providers and law enforcement when needed on both caseloads. In addition, due to several staff's resignation in the District, all staff were assigned additional cases to supervise. Dickerson sent out letters to his and the officers new JII, advising them that they had been reassigned to a new officer. Dickerson was instrumental in keeping his co-workers caseload intact with minimal issues to address upon his return.
Furthermore, Dickerson has taken the initiative along with other staff to create a fun and a pleasant environment in the office at a much needed time, when morale in the office was low. He and other staff challenged other Districts in a regional Kickball tournament that also helped to promote Domestic Violence week. The kickball tournament was between District 4 and TCKC and various resource providers set up tables and handed out information. There were hot dogs, chips and water sold as a fundraiser. Dickerson is always willing to help and is a true team player. He eagerly, along with another staff, decorated the office to make it festive and bring holiday cheer to staff and the JII, in celebration of the Christmas season. In the short time that Dickerson has been with the agency he has displayed genuine leadership qualities and created a positive work environment that has become infectious to staff and is appreciated by management. That is why he is being nominated by his peers and this supervisor for regional employee of the month.
Pictured are Western Regional Administrator Kim Hubbard-Stewart and PO Darius Dickerson.
Congratulations Darius!
|
The North Central Regional Employee of the Month for February 2022, is Probation and Parole Officer II Sherry Poeppe from District 6 - Moberly. PPOII Poeppe was nominated for the Employee of the Month by District 27 Probation and Parole District Administrator Jamie Heinrich and reads as follows:
In August 2021, Missouri State Statute changed and due to this change sex offenders are not allowed to visit any Missouri Conservation Areas with Educational Centers unless they receive approval prior to the visit. Sherry contacted me for clarification on this new statute and I have been working with Amy Sanders to get a better definition on what this meant and more specifically which Conservation Areas would be affected. As of our SO Meeting Wednesday, November 3, 2021, I really had no answers, except to refer the client’s to the CLEO, which I think is still a good idea. However, Sherry took it upon herself to seek out a possible list/clarification from the Missouri Department of Conservation, which she shared with this supervisor. Due to her willingness to take this on she was able to get a list that we know affects the sex offenders we supervise. This list has now been shared statewide so others don’t have to take on the burden of trying figure it out and now they have a list they can glance at to see if a facility is even an option. I know the sex offenders will still have to check with the CLEO; however, due to her willingness to take this on she has helped many sex offender officers statewide who already have the difficult task of navigating the Missouri State Sex Offender Laws. For these reasons I believe she deserves to be a recognized as Employee of the Quarter.
Included in the photo are North Central Regional Administrator Ed Bestgen and District 6 Probation and Parole Officer II Sherry Poeppe.
Congratulations Sherry!
|
The Western Regional Employee of the Month for January 2022, is Probation and Parole Officer Stephanie Sharp from District 4C. Officer Sharp was nominated for Employee of the Month by District 4C District Administrator Jamie DuChaine and reads as follows:
Stephanie Sharp has shown the true meaning of teamwork. She continually steps up and sees other officer’s clients when they are out, even when she is not officer of the day. I have countlessly walked up front and seen Stephanie talking to clerical about which clients she can help out seeing when an officer is out of the office. She does this without being asked and just because she wants to help out her fellow co-workers. Stephanie has also helped out many times covering the front desk when we are short on clerical or if they need a break. Stephanie also is our office's UA coordinator. In December, Sharp got everything organized for the oral swabs for officers to use. She went above and beyond making kits for the officers so they can easily get the sample and have everything they need. This was time consuming for Sharp; however, she did it as she knew it would be beneficial for the office. For these reasons and many more Stephanie Sharp is nominated as employee of the month.
Pictured are PO Stephanie Sharp and Western Regional Administrator Kim Hubbard-Stewart.
Congratulations Stephanie!
|
The February 2022 Employee of the Month for the Western Region is Probation and Parole Officer Melissa Harrison. Officer Harrison was nominated for the Employee of the Month by District 1 Unit Supervisor Melinda Adams and her nomination reads as follows:
On 2-2-22, POII Melissa Harrison was dealing with a client who disclosed to her he was being held captive in his residence (only allowed to go out for work) and beat daily with a paddle by an individual he had befriended in late December 2021. Our client on supervision met this man at a local gas station after he arrived via bus and needed a place to stay. PO Harrison did some further research on the abuser and learned he has pending charges from North Carolina for Kidnapping, Assault by Strangulation, and 2nd Degree Forcible Rape with a court date of 2-21-22. After further contact with North Carolina courts, and based off what PO Harrison's client told her, it was learned the individual had cut off his electronic monitoring bracelet while out on bond and there was a statewide warrant for his arrest. PO Harrison was able to communicate with the court in North Carolina and advise them their client was in Missouri. With assistance from Maryville Public Safety, she was able to get the warrant changed to a nationwide warrant for this offender's arrest.
BIG shout out to PO Harrison for her swift action and seeking help for her client on supervision. She saved this client's life by advocating for him and being his voice, when he felt like no one was listening. PO Harrison goes above and beyond in all that she does and is a true asset for Probation and Parole.
Pictured are PO Melissa Harrison and District Administrator Dale Good.
Congratulations Melissa!
|
The March 2022 Employee of the Month for the Western Region is Probation and Parole Officer Megan Mitchell. Officer Mitchell was nominated for the Employee of the Month by District 4C Unit Supervisor Alicia Smith and her nomination reads as follows:
On 3/24/22, Megan Mitchell was the Officer of the Day. At approximately 4:45 she received a call through the front desk. The individual on the phone stated he was in the Veteran's Court program and wasn't sure if he was supposed to be reporting to us or not as he had never been told to do so. While on the phone with him, Megan looked up his case and determined he was actually a Court supervised probation (misdemeanor). The individual was in crisis - crying, frustrated, etc. and said he had to meet with the commissioner the next day and wanted to know why. Megan continued talking to him and gathering as much information as possible about his situation. She repeatedly expressed concern for him. While talking to him, he would not confirm or deny if he was feeling suicidal but his behavior and the information he gave led her to believe it was a possibility but he wouldn't disclose his location. Megan continued to talk with him, reassure him, calm him, give him options to get help, gave him information about the commissioner, etc. She maintained her professionalism and her compassion was evident. She provided the individual her state cell phone number in the event he needed to talk with her later. Megan stayed well past 5 p.m. to help this caller. After that, she contacted the commissioner and found out that this individual is frequently known to be suicidal and isn't one who will generally reach out for help. Megan's actions represented the values, compassion and professionalism represented our agency very well.
Pictured are Western Regional Administrator Kim Hubbard-Stewart and PO Megan Mitchell.
Congratulations Megan!
|
The North Central Regional Employees of the Month for April 2022, to Probation and Parole Officer II Elizabeth Koenig and Probation and Parole Officer II Sonya Menconi from District 2 - Chillicothe. PPOII Koenig and Menconi were nominated for the Employee of the Month by District 2 District Administrator John Nickell and reads as follows:
On 9/15/2021, our Chillicothe office found out one of our PO's was going to be out for an extended leave due to health issues and upcoming surgery. PO Koenig and PO Menconi immediately offered to take the caseload duties of the officer who was on leave. They were not asked, as the US was willing to assist in the management of these cases, however, they began seeing clients, completing reports, updating and completing assessments and following up on things that needed done. Warrants were issued, courts were notified, and pending work was completed in a professional manner, all while managing their own caseloads. They also went and completed necessary field work, investigations, and covered court duties for the officer on leave.
These two PO's didn't hesitate to step up and help make sure the clients were seen, and the officer's caseload was handled while the officer was on extended leave. They worked together behind the scenes to maintain services for the clients and our community partners, ensuring public safety. Both these officers have full caseloads, yet didn't hesitate to take care of the things that needed done. Their dedication and desire to help are a great example of team work and contributed to safer communities.
Included in the photo are North Central Regional Administrator Ed Bestgen and District 2 Probation and Parole Officer IIs Elizabeth Koenig and Sonya Menconi.
Congratulations Elizabeth and Sonya!
|
 Pam Rogers – Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Parole Board – 33 years
Cora Haynes – District 12 Administrator – 23 years
District 3: US Jenny Wilson, US Roxane Golian, PPA Barry Wright, PO Mason Farrell, PPA Denise Sandoval, IAC John Quinn, PO Jodi Gorton, PO Jessica Mundell, PO Heidi Robinson, PO Rebecca Ulrich, Storekeeper II Jill Phillips, PO Kylah Waite, SOSA Sherri Graham
District 5: PO Hannah Lyster
District 6B: PO Jill Layton
District 8C: PO Jenifer Hamm
District 11: PO Kristen Glessner, SOSA Jacquelin Squires
District 23A: US Jessica Prude, PO Erica Long
District 42A: US Hannah Jarrett
Central Office: Division Director Julie Kempker
NECC: US Michelle Daniels, US Kat Merz
JCCC: PO Jessica Davison
ACC: PO Amanda Thrasher
TCC: PO Leslie Kelley, PO Ronald Anderson
|
|
