A message from Chief of Staff Ashley Viste
Hi everyone!
I am excited to issue our first department-wide newsletter to help keep everyone informed of the great work being done throughout the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ). We hope that—by sharing information like this regularly—we’ll build greater awareness of what’s happening at DOJ across divisions and offices to foster greater cross-divisional collaboration and inclusion. We also hope you find it engaging, useful, and maybe even enjoyable to read. So, if you have ideas or suggestions on the kind of information you want to see in upcoming newsletters, let us know at dojcommuncations@doj.state.wi.us.
In the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) we have been busy with many projects including increasing public awareness of the new sexual assault kit tracking system and the implementation of sexual assault kit reforms. These are two important steps forward in improving our state’s response to sexual assault. Thank you to everyone involved over the last couple of years for making the new law and the kit tracking system a reality.
Since the spring, OAG staff and I have also been meeting with every division and office for budget discussions as we prepare DOJ’s biennial budget request for the state’s budget starting July 2023. Our budget request is due to the Governor’s office on September 15. The Governor’s budget proposal typically comes out early in the new year for the legislature to debate and hold public hearings on throughout the spring, finally voting on the budget in the summer. Our collaborative process at DOJ has led to some innovative ideas and a clearer picture of what resources DOJ needs to fulfil our mission as public safety needs evolve.
Outside of work, I hope everyone is taking some time to enjoy summer. I found some time to go camping and have been keeping busy with my garden.
Thank you for everything you do to serve the people of Wisconsin. We hope you enjoy our first department-wide newsletter!
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Collaboration Corner
 DOJ offices and divisions frequently collaborate on various initiatives. This month, we are showcasing the collaboration of the Office of School Safety (OSS) and the Office of Crime Victim Services (OCVS). This summer, OSS is conducting trainings for Critical Incident Response Teams (CIRT) around the state and asked OCVS to prepare a video to illustrate the tools accessible through OCVS. With their video, OCVS came through in a big way, giving OSS a tool that lets CIRT members easily access information on available resources should a critical event occur. Excellent teamwork!
Have a collaboration story you'd like to share? Contact dojcommunications@doj.state.wi.gov
Office of Crime Victim Services (OCVS)
OCVS is delighted to share our recent highlights with the rest of the DOJ.
In June, OCVS added four new employees: two Spanish bilingual Crime Victim Compensation Claims Specialists (Sandra Garduno and Eric Holz), a Children's Justice Act Administrator (Lynn Cook), and a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)/Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Administrator (Amanda Powers). With these new additions, OCVS is almost fully staffed!
On behalf of Wisconsin, OCVS submitted the Violence Against Women Act 2022-2025 Implementation Plan in June. A considerable number of OCVS employees were involved in the planning and writing process, which lasted eight months and included extensive collaboration and engagement with other organizations.
OCVS continues to focus on possibilities for growth relating to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This spring, over half of OCVS personnel completed a nine-week virtual course called "Black History for a New Day." The Nehemiah Institute hosted this course, which included lectures from UW-Madison history professors, followed by group discussion. In June, OCVS also introduced hour-long weekly virtual learning opportunities focused on DEI awareness.
Division of Law Enforcement Services (DLES)
The Crime Information Bureau (CIB) completed audits with the FBI with zero quality assurance review audit findings, a significant improvement since the previous inspection. The Firearms Unit is investigating the impact of updated firearm safety legislation on current practices.
In addition to analyzing new sub-grant applications, applying for federal grants, and creating awards, the Bureau of Justice Programs (BJP) continues to staff the Governor's Juvenile Justice Commission and the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and their subcommittees.
The Bureau of Training and Standards (TSB) began collecting law enforcement physical readiness test information in a new format via REDCap, an online survey and database tool, with over 300 law enforcement candidate entries already submitted.
Lastly, the Bureau of Justice Information and Analysis (BJIA) had a research project accepted as part of a panel session at the American Society of Criminology Conference this November, and BJIA has applied for the State Justice Statistics 2022 federal research grant.
Division of Legal Services (DLS)
DLS is planning an attorney retreat at the Monona Terrace October 20th and the morning of October 21st. This event will include interactive training and notable guest speakers such as Professor Timothy Terrell, who will be presenting his writing seminar over two days. This retreat will allow participants to engage with AAGs from other units, similar to the DLS lawyer’s day held a few years ago.
Word Search
DOJ’s work impacts every corner of the state. Take a moment to participate in this fun word search and learn some of the many Wisconsin towns and cities the AG has visited this year.
Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)
Every day, DCI agents around the state serve important roles in safeguarding the wellbeing of Wisconsinites. This month, we're highlighting Special Agent (SA) Tami Taubel and Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) Canine Kozak's work. SA Taubel and Kozak assisted in the retrieval of Robert Crimo's cell phone, the accused Highland Park gunman. SA Taubel and Kozak, thank you for your efforts!
Meet the ESD Canine Team
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SA Taubel was selected as the state of Wisconsin's first ESD Canine handler. SA Taubel and Kozak began their training together in August of 2018. They were certified as an ESD Canine team upon completion and immediately began their service in Wisconsin.
They continue to form a relationship as they live, work, and train together on a regular basis. The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is SA Taubel's primary assignment. Kozak is used to locate critical evidence in these sorts of investigations and has supplied evidentiary value to various investigations across Wisconsin, including narcotics, homicide, missing persons, invasion of privacy, and financial investigations.
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(Pictured below: left to right - SA Tami Taubel, Kozak, and Alicia Kozakiewicz)
 Kozak is named in honor of Alicia Kozakiewicz, who is a child kidnapping survivor and renowned advocate for child internet safety and the namesake for Wisconsin’s “Alicia’s Law,” enacted in 2016.
Division of Management Services (DMS)
Bureau of Human Resources (BHR) - Jenn Xiong joined DOJ HR from DCF on June 6 as the HR Lead worker. Jenn began her HR career with UW Health before taking some time off to complete her bachelor’s in business management. She transitioned to DOJ from DCF where she served as an HR Specialist-Senior completing generalist HR duties including recruitment, compensation, and employee relations. In her spare time, she fosters dogs through Underdog Pet Rescue of Wisconsin and enjoys completing house projects now that the weather permits. She is most looking forward to the challenges that DOJ will provide her to better serve the people of Wisconsin.
Jan Zadra and Rene Marquardt left DOJ for transfers to other state agencies.
Reminders
Supervisors should be completing any remaining annual performance evaluations at this time.
Metrics
In 2022, nearly 40 interns/externs were welcomed into our agency.
Bureau of Budget and Finance (BBF) - July 1st is the beginning of state fiscal year 2023. The Bureau of Budget & Finance greatly appreciates the department-wide efforts in meeting fiscal year end deadlines and closing fiscal year 2022 purchase orders and allocations! If you have any questions on fiscal year 2023 funding strings or purchase orders, please reach out to the BBF budget team. Contact information for BBF staff and other resources can be found on JusticeNet under “Finance & Procurement.”
Office of Open Government (OOG)
The OOG responded to 450 public records requests in the first six months of the year, putting the office on pace to react to a record-high number of requests in 2022. The determination of the entire OOG team as well as the DCI public records team has allowed the team to surpass expectations this year.
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Did You Know?
One of our team members was at the 146th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Lyndhurst Estate in Tarrytown, New York. Do you recognize this person?
Congratulations to Sebastian Zang, in the Bureau of Computing Services, and Flare, who took best of opposite sex (2nd place) in the Belgian Malinois breed ring. That is quite the achievement!
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New DOJ Website - Calling All Creatives!
Have you heard the exciting news? Our website is receiving a makeover! The new website is intended to be more user-friendly and to answer questions from the public rather than create them. The site is in the content creation stage, and your assistance could be impactful! The content team could benefit from some support in explaining to the public the tremendous work being done at the DOJ. If you are excited about your profession and find it simple to share your enthusiasm to others, consider becoming a website content assistant for your division or office. If you are interested in a content assistant opportunity, please contact your direct supervisor first, then: dojcommunications@doj.state.wi.us for additional information!
Office of School Safety (OSS)
 OSS is conducting Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) trainings to transform school safety preparedness in Wisconsin. Each of Wisconsin’s 12 regional CIRTs is comprised of volunteers who are part of a multi-disciplinary team. These teams include law enforcement officers, school administrators, counselors, psychologists, social workers, nurses, teachers, school safety experts, and representatives from other related professions.
The training will equip team members with approaches based on best practices for response after a critical incident occurs. It will also ensure consistency in reaction and assistance for all schools throughout the state that may be affected by a critical incident. Every CIRT member is required to attend one of the four training sessions held around the state this summer. CIRTs are intended to give access to a regionally based CIRT for all Wisconsin K-12 public, private, charter, and tribal schools in the event a critical incident impacts their community.
Division of Forensic Sciences (DFS)
 Register HERE today!
All DOJ personnel are welcome to attend this event at no cost. 'Select REG - Attendee' then in the 'Discount Code' box enter the code, DOJCOMP22 to create a zero balance once registration is complete.
If any questions arise contact: SymposiumDFS@doj.state.wi.us
Photo Contest
 What is the name of the building AG Kaul visited in this photo?
Please submit your answer to: dojcommunications@doj.state.wi.us
We will provide the correct answer in the next newsletter. Submitters will be contacted about the possibility of being personally included in a featurette in a future newsletter.
Diversity Advisory Council (DAC)
The Diversity Advisory Council (DAC) is pleased to announce that the Department of Justice will boost its outreach and recruiting efforts. The objective of DAC's Outreach & Recruiting subcommittee is to raise DOJ brand recognition, build connections within Wisconsin communities, and improve possibilities to passively interact with future suitable applicants.
DAC will provide engagement opportunities by hosting a virtual DOJ webinar series and arranging in-person guest speaker events to encourage contact between the DOJ and university and high school students. These strategies allow the DOJ to engage with Wisconsin communities in the virtual arena, supplemented by traditional in-person encounters.
To carry out this purpose, DAC requests that personnel interested in engagement with either approach please contact their direct supervisor first, then: diversitycouncil@doj.state.wi.us by Wednesday, August 31st. Specific information on presentation preparation and logistical planning will be provided.
DOJ Wellness Committee
The Wellness Committee is working to implement a strategic plan for well-being at DOJ. As part of that plan, the committee has adopted a new definition for worker well-being: “Well-being is the experience of positive perceptions and the presence of constructive conditions at work and beyond that enables workers to thrive and achieve their full potential.”
If you would like to make a difference in the way you and your colleagues experience well-being at DOJ then the Wellness Committee is for you!
In addition to joining as general members, the following positions will be up for election at the next quarterly meeting on Wednesday, August 24th: Chair, Treasurer, and Team Lead for the communication, policy/culture, data, and training/leadership development workgroups!
To join the Wellness Committee, please contact your direct supervisor first, then: dojwc@doj.state.wi.us for further instructions.
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Crafty Crew
The Crafty Crew is a casual, drop-in gathering intended to provide a creative outlet and mental health break during the Thursday lunch hour.
At the gathering participants are welcome to work on crafting projects, socialize in crafting focused discussions, share personal crafting projects, or seek help or guidance on crafting.
The Crafty Crew meets virtually through Microsoft Teams on Thursdays from 12:00-1:00 PM. Links to Crafty Crew Teams meetings are available on JusticeNet.
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