MONTGOMERY COUNTY PRE-RELEASE SERVICES
COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD
April 3, 2003
Members Attending: Marsha Engel Jane Sachs
Carl Hamstead Bill Wallace
John Lavigne Art Wallenstein
Kent Mason Susan Wiant Loretta McClintock
The Pre-Release Services Community Advisory Board Meeting began at 3:40 P.M. by Chairperson John Lavigne. All were welcomed and each person introduced themselves. This was Bill Wallace's first meeting on the Board replacing Mike Lash from the St. James Prison Ministry. Bill is involved in the prison ministry work at MCDC/MCCF.
Art Wallenstein noted that the Community Advisory Board needed more members and it was time to do some recruiting. Inactive members need to be contacted to see if they want to continue on the Board. For those who do not wish to continue, we will send "thank you" letters for their contributions. A letter written by John Lavigne for local businesses and apartment complexes has been finalized. A copy of the letter was placed in each Board member's package with the list of businesses and local apartment complexes who we are asking to consider joining the Board. Additional names of people were suggested for members to contact. A member of the State's Attorneys Office is critically needed, especially in view of our communications with their office regarding escapes. Tom DeGonia was suggested as a good person to participate. By fall, Art hopes the PRS Community Advisory Board will be fully staffed. FYI: Board members Colleen Davies (Parole and Probation) and Mark Schulman (Mark is bringing his new twin girls home today) both called to let Sue know they could not make the meeting today. Don Martin stopped by earlier in the day tell She he could not make the meeting as he was coverage due to staff shortage in his agency today.
Sue Wiant announced that the CART Program has officially moved into the Pre-Release Center. This move was made for budget reasons, and will assist in the supervision of the Honors Unit (Unit I) and staff the increase in the federal count. This has been a tough budget year for the County and the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation has taken the stand to reduce expenses and increase revenues instead of cutting jobs. Art noted that the Department was required to reduce the budget and moving CART to PRC was a way to save the CART Program and the staff. At next week's budget hearing, the Department will not be suggesting that even one staff position be removed. Sue noted that the federal count has doubled in the last year and so have the revenues. PRS currently receives from the Federal Bureau of Prisons $75 per day for each federal resident and $45 per day for each federal CART client. The profile of the offenders from the federal population varies and includes offenders who have been imprisoned for many years in federal facilities that are returning to the Washington, D. C., area as well as more minor condition of probation cases. Federal regulations state that the inmates who are serving sentences of incarceration are eligible for community corrections placement in the last ten percent of their sentence. Many federal judges are now sentencing offenders to community corrections programs as a "condition of probation". Arrangements are made for "condition of probation" cases to turn themselves in to MCDC on Fridays and transfer to PRC on Mondays with the County inmates. Inmates coming from federal institutions arrive at PRC on their own after the releasing facility has made the transportation arrangements. Art Wallenstein stated that recently the Federal Marshals agreed to the cost increase of $60 to $80 per day for each federal inmate housed at MCDC and MCCF. Art stated that it took about eighteen months for the renegotiations to be completed, but it is effective as of March 1, 2003.
Marsha Engel gave the members a tour of Unit I and the CART space. The CART Caseworkers' offices had previously been the offices of the Parole and Probation Agents assigned to PRC. The Agents offices were moved back to the original space set aside for them off the lobby. One resident room was converted into the CART Monitors' office and other staff offices have been relocated. It has been a tight squeeze, but the goal of moving CART to PRC has been met. A portable classroom will be added to accommodate the classroom needs and free up necessary space in the dining room. Having CART in the PRC facility will also be more easily managed when a CART client has to be returned to PRC due to loss of a job, telephone problems, family problems, etc. A room in Honors will be used (as opposed to a room on Unit IV) and CART staff will be able to continue to work with them. Kent Mason expressed his concern that the two programs will merge and the CART clients will not continue to receive the intensive community supervision as in the past. Marsha Engel will work with CART staff to ensure that the clients still have very close daily contact with their Caseworkers, community sponsors, employers, etc. The CART Caseworkers will continue to meet weekly in the clients' homes with their sponsors and family members.
Art announced that MCCF opened two weeks ago. Transferring the current population from MCDC to MCCF continues on an unannounced basis and about one-half of the population has now been transported to the new facility. Twelve new dietary staff have been hired as the County did not renew the contract with the ARAMARK Corporation and County personnel are back in charge of the food service. The change has improved the food service dramatically. Art noted that bus service from Shady Grove Metro stops directly in front of MCCF. Across the street from MCCF is a large empty field with a sign stating future plans to build a hospital and 3,000 homes. About 2,500 people toured the new facility during the two day public open house. The new facility has had positive press coverage and community support. About 250 citizens were invited to spend the night, as a simulated incarceration, of February 15th at MCCF. The citizens were very impressed with the staff, the security, the food service, the library, the laundry facility, etc. Loretta McClintock stated the staff projected enthusiasm, professionalism, and a good image. Both Loretta and John Lavigne were present for the overnight simulation at MCCF.
Due to a newspaper article concerning inappropriate releases, the Department was asked to explain wrongful releases and PRS escapes to the County Council. Art stated it was a positive hearing before the Council. The press had asked for three years of data regarding this issue but only published one year. PRC data showed that escapes were down and intakes were up. PRS created an "Escape Officer" assignment over a year ago. Art explained to the Council members how an escape warrant is issued, how most escapees are returned (many just turn themselves in or a relative brings them back), and the follow-up during the court hearing. The Department takes a firm stand on escapes and Art and the Escape Officer appear before the court to advocate for stiff sentences in order to protect the program. The number of escapes from PRC and CART has decreased dramatically since the word is out that anyone escaping from PRC or CART will be strenuously prosecuted and most are receiving state time. PRS just had its only escape of the year last week and a relative returned the escapee to PRC after a couple of days. The escaped resident was immediately returned to security confinement at MCDC and will be prosecuted. It was noted that when an offender escapes from PRC or CART, an escape warrant is issued within a few hours and staff call family and friends asking their assistance in getting the person to return.
John Lavigne asked about releases from MCCF. Art stated that inmates about to be released are taken to MCDC prior to their release. Both the Police Department and Sheriff's Department are committed to assist with releases. Cab vouchers to Metro are given to the inmates when they are released. If the defendants are released at court, the Public Defenders' office gives vouchers to get them back to MCDC so they may get their belongings. Since the Public Defenders' office (instead of the Sheriff's) has been offering the vouchers to defendants released at court, they are being accepted more frequently.
Sue stated that first budget meeting with the County Council will be held on Monday and the next meeting is April 23rd. Concerns about the count on CART are being addressed by the move (of CART) to PRC. As the programs have an opportunity to work together more closely, we anticipate a rise in the population throughout PRC and CART. Additionally, this consolidation of staff in the facility provides many potential avenues to modify the program and develop new ways to utilize services and resources. The vacant CART Caseworker position will go to Unit II to assist with the increased federal count.
Kent Mason asked if the Department is seeking grants to assist with special issues/projects. Art stated they are in the process of going after a behavioral health grant which will address the collaborative efforts with DOCR, HHS, Police, and a range of community based mental health and substance abuse service providers.
The next PRS Community Advisory Board meetings are scheduled for June 12, 2003, at 3:30 P.M. at the Pre-Release Center. Community members are invited to attend.
Meeting adjourned at 5:05 P.M.
DATA ON PRS ESCAPES
| PRS Intake | PRS Total Escapes | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 715 | 13 | 1.8 |
| 1999 | 712 | 11 | 1.5 |
| 2000 | 858 | 12 | 1.4 |
| 2001 | 900 | 4 | 0.5 |
| 2002 | 872 | 3 | 0.3 |
| 2003 (1/31-3/17) | 256 | 0 | 0 |
ESCAPE PROCEDURES
PROCESS OF NOTIFICATION
The process of notification for potential escapes from Pre-Release Services programs begins with the continuous monitoring of resident activities, both within the confines of the Pre-Release Center and at home while participating on the CART program. The Resident Supervisors at the Pre-Release Center and the Monitoring Specialists at the CART program follow established procedures for both preventing and dealing with escapes. All Pre-Release Services staff are trained and updated on these procedures on a yearly basis.
If a resident is late returning from work, the Resident Supervisor or Monitoring Specialist will first contact the Work Release Coordinator, Community Release Coordinator or the Unit Manger to determine if any schedule changes for the resident have not yet been recorded. If there have been no schedule changes that would cause the resident to return to the Pre-Release Center later than usual, the employer is called. Office and cellular phone numbers for all employers and site supervisors are maintained and updated on a continuing basis. If a resident is not at work and no explanation is available for a resident's delayed return to the Pre-Release Center or his/her home within a two hour basis, the escape procedures are initiated.
If a resident is late returning from a community event, staff will contact the individual or organization with whom staff originally coordinated the resident's activity. If the resident does not return at the expected time and staff is unable to resolve the situation within one hour, the escape procedures are initiated.
Throughout the day and evening and during night hours, the Resident Supervisors and Monitoring Specialists make regular counts of all residents and monitor the electronic devices. If a resident is unable to be located during a unit count or via the electronic devices within one hour, the escape procedures are initiated.
The escapes procedures, as summarized below, occur on a simultaneous basis.
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The Unit Manager is notified within one to two hours and is kept updated on a continuing basis. The Unit Manager is responsible for notifying the Pre-Release Services Chief Administrator, who will in turn contact the Director of the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation. These contacts are made regardless of the day or hour.
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The Montgomery County Detention Center Records Section is notified via both fax and direct phone call, so that information can be entered into the Victim Notification Services System (VINE). This action allows any registered victims of an escapee to be notified. Pre-Release Services staff will also directly contact any known victims as deemed necessary. Further, this action also causes the escape information to be entered into the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) which alerts police records in case an escapee is stopped by Police at any time.
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All known family, friends, employers and associates are called to help determine a resident's location. Further, other residents who may know the reasons for escape or a resident's whereabouts are questioned. Experience has proven that these contacts can provide valuable information.
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A complete escape file is prepared which includes the initial escape report, copies of all log entries pertaining to the escape, the Application for Statement of Charges and all related materials.
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In consultation with the Unit Manager and the PRS Chief, staff takes the escape file to the Commissioner located at the Central Processing Unit. An arrest warrant is secured charging the resident with Escape from Custody. A police report is simultaneously filed, which provides additional information about the resident to include physical description and any possible locations. Police districts in the areas where a resident is known to reside are notified and photos are made available.
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During the period that a resident is on escape status, ongoing calls are made to all possible contacts. Family and acquaintances of the escapee are informed that the escapee should be encouraged to turn him or herself in to the Pre-Release Center or nearest police station as soon as possible. Any possible leads are provided to police authorities on an immediate basis, both within Montgomery County and to other jurisdictions.
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The above process is monitored by the Unit Manager, the Pre-Release Services Division Chief and the Pre-Release Services Escape Officer. The role of the Escape Officer is to coordinate all escape procedures, ensure that ongoing attempts are made to locate the escapee, and serve as the primary point of contact with the State's Attorneys Office when an escapee is returned to custody and charges are filed.
On a quarterly basis, the Pre-Release Services Community Advisory Board is updated on all escapes. Community members on the Board are kept fully informed as to the circumstances of an escape, efforts that have been made to locate an escapee and his or her retake status, and final adjudication upon sentencing.
CHANGES IN ESCAPE PROCEDURES
Over the last three years, several changes have taken place with regard to the handling of escape cases from the Pre-Release Services Division of the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation. These changes have led to a marked reduction in escapes from both the Pre-Release Center and the CART program.
MANAGING ESCAPE CASES
- Twenty-four Hour Telephone Contacts - While an offender remains at large, staff now contacts all identified family, friends, and contacts throughout the entire day and evening until the person is back in custody.
- Providing Police Districts with Summary Data/Photos - When an escaped offender has left his home on CART or is likely to return to a specific area, the appropriate Police Station is provided a one page "Escape Notification" which includes a description of the offender, other pertinent information, and a photo of the escapee. This is provided to the Police Commander for distribution to beat officers.
- Appointment of an Escape Officer - In order to coordinate all staff information, documentation, and collaboration with Police and the State's Attorneys Office, an Escape Officer assignment was given to Resident Supervisor Hillel Raskas in April 2001.
PROSECUTION
- In April of 2001, the DOCR Director, Art Wallenstein, launched an active effort to educate members of the criminal justice system about the impact of PRS escapes. The Director wanted to ensure that judges hear directly from him, prior to sentencing, the impact of any escape upon both public safety and the integrity of community corrections programs. A meeting was held with the State's Attorneys Office (Doug Gansler, Kay Winfree, and John McCarthy) to review Pre-Release Services. Escape prosecution was discussed in this forum and there was agreement to hold subsequent meetings on this topic with the attorney(s) handling the cases.
- In May of 2001, a meeting was held with senior members of the State's Attorneys Office, the Department Director, Pre-Release Services Chief Administrator and the designated Escape Officer. The purpose of this meeting was threefold; namely, to express DOCR's interest in vigorous prosecution of any escape cases, to clarify any issues regarding the relationship between the SAO and DOCR on escape issues, and to introduce the Escape Officer for Pre-Release Services. The role of the Escape Officer was to coordinate all escape matters within the Division and to serve as the primary contact for the State's Attorneys Office.
- Starting in 2001, the DOCR Director, the Pre-Release Services Chief, or the Escape Officer has been in attendance at all sentencing hearings on escape cases. The Senior DOCR representative would summarize the circumstances of the case, the efforts made to retake the escapee, and the DOCR's sentencing recommendation.
- Since the beginning of this intensive program, DOCR representatives have been allowed to present recommendations in all escape cases. DOCR and Pre-Release Services have rightly claimed status as victims of any escape due to the impact on public safety (as noted above). In every court case, DOCR representatives have been successful in presenting their perspective to the presiding judge. An important aspect of the presentation is the request that any time associated with the escape charge be served within the Maryland Division of Correction and that any escapee would not be eligible for participation in any Pre-Release Services programs in Montgomery County in the future.
- Since the inception of the changes in the Escape Procedures, the rate of escapes as a percentage of Pre-Release Services intakes has been reduced from an average of 1.5 percent for the years 1998-2000 to an average of 0.4 percent for the years 2001-2002. As of March 17, 2003, no escapes have been reported for the current year.