The Department is expanding the Dynamo Community Experience (DCE) at Northeast Correctional Center.  This housing project is intended for maximum custody level offenders who have been incarcerated for several years, not had behavior problems, and still have several more years left to serve.  Housing is based on the Norway prison model: Community living that will enhance the resident's quality of life, Staff and residents treat each other with mutual kindness and respect, residents experience more ownership over their day to day schedule and activities, and staff take an active role in supporting residents in their daily life.  DCE provides long term, maximum security offenders who have demonstrated pro-social skills the opportunity to live in a less restrictive environment.  Privileges include independent living quarters, dayroom seating and community television, DVD player and movies available, use of appliances (washer, dryer, microwave, freezer/drink cooler) in the wing, secondary canteen and the option to paint their cell.  Any offender who is classified as maximum level may obtain an application, criteria for entry and information about the approval process from their case manager.  Participation is voluntary.

The new tattoo apprenticeship program is available at Western Reception Diagnostic and Correctional Center.  Students in the program will participate in a practitioner apprenticeship that requires a minimum of 300 hours of training and 50 procedures. The Class Curriculum includes: preventing Disease Transmission, Bloodborne Pathogen Training, First aid and CPR training, setting up the artists station and proper hygiene to prevent cross contamination.  Additional information includes a wrapping machine, knowing the components of tattoo machine and different needle configurations, properly wrapping tattoo machine, proper lining and shading techniques, etc.  The program is fully operational and currently has students enrolled.