Field Days

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg welcome back Friend of the Pod Dr. Brian Lovins. A Principal for Justice System Partners, Dr. Lovins is the Co-Editor for the American Probation and Parole Association's (APPA) Perspectives Journal, the former Assistant Director of Harrison County Community Supervision and Corrections Department and the President Elect for APPA.

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg hit the road to record on location at the Oakland County Job Fair. Hear from field staff who organized the job fair, and from an employer and recruiter who are both ready to give returning citizens a second chance.

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg hand the mics over to some very special guests as we celebrate Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision week. We sat down with agents from across the state to find out about the work they do, their career paths to the MDOC and why they enjoy working in corrections. Listen now!Music from https://filmmusic.io"Wholesome" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg kick off Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week with a call across the Mighty Mac to discuss some fantastic offender success stats with FOA Supervisor Kevin Ayotte and Community Coordinator Jason Sides.The Mining Journal article: https://www.miningjournal.net/news/front-page-news/2019/05/offender-success-program-focus-of-recent-forum/

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg sit down with Jeff Anderson, administrator with the Office of Research and Planning, who is currently overseeing the development and roll-out of the department's new, purpose-built corrections software; Corrections Offender Management System (COMS). Jeff shares the current status of the roll-out, the many benefits of a system explicitly designed for corrections, and what staff can expect moving forward.

On July 9th, 2019, the MDOC launched an exciting new partnership with DTE Energy and IBEW Local 17 at Parnall Correctional; a Line Clearance and Tree Trim program. Speakers at the press event included Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who made her first trip inside a Michigan prison to congratulate staff and participants on this fantastic addition to Michigan's groundbreaking Vocational Village. Listen to the launch press conference in its entirety with the latest episode of Field Days!

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg are joined by Chris Schweikert with the MDOC New Employee Training Section. Chris discusses a relatively new part of Officer Recruit Training; Family Orientation. Learn what Chris, his training team, and the department are doing to ensure families have the information they need to support their recruit during training and throughout their future career.Applications being accepted at: https://agency.governmentjobs.com/examinations/default.cfm?action=viewJob&jobID=890661

On the latest episode of Field Days, you'll hear about a special event at the Capitol honoring parents who were reunited with their children after they made positive changes in their lives. Two of those parents were probationers in the Swift and Sure Sanctions Program.Clinton County Agent Monica Bailey, Gratiot County Agent Heidi McMurphy and Swift and Sure Program Coordinator Samantha Rice share details on the day and what it meant to those involved.

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg are joined by Lynn Gorski, manager of the recently announced MDOC Wellness Program. Already hard at work, and still in the early stages of building her team, Gorski shares her passion for working with law enforcement professionals and her vision of what the program will offer employees, retirees and families.

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg sit down with Erin DeLoof and Michael Brown of the MDOC Shooting Team, a non-profit organization that gives all MDOC employees a chance to hone their shooting skills while also joining their co-workers in competition, fun and camaraderie.

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg have the chance to talk with the 2019 Director's Award Winner, Jennifer Metro. Metro, a prison counselor at Kinross Correctional, shares how honored she was to be nominated for a Professional Excellence Award and what a surprise it was to take home two awards the night of the Employee Appreciation Banquet. Make sure to stay tuned after the interview for some special guests!

Tune in to this week's episode to hear more about the Sept. 27 Employee Engagement Day in Brimley. Kinross Correctional Facility Corrections Program Coordinator Merle Vollick shares details, including some activities you can expect to see at the inaugural UP event.You'll also hear about a NEW Scavenger Hunt at Employee Rec Day on June 7. Listen closely for clues from Muskegon Correctional Facility Corrections Program Coordinator Hillary Follick that will be sure to give you an edge over the competition.

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg sit down with new Assistant Deputy Director Warren Wilson. ADD Wilson shares his immediate and future goals for the Office of Parole Probation Services, as well as the unique way Deputy Director Marlan offered him his new role.

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg sit down with the Michigan Department of Corrections 2019 Candice Dunn Agent of the Year, Jason Maue. Maue discusses his work supervising specialized caseloads, learning and coaching Motivational Interviewing and his moving speech at the recent Employee Appreciation Banquet.

On the latest episode of Field Days, Greg and Chris travel to Royal Scot in Lansing to meet with two members of the 2019 EPIC Employee Engagement Committee, Jeramie Mangus and Ragina Cannon. Jeramie and Ragina share all the details of the upcoming Employee Recreation Day and the team's plans for events throughout the year.

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg are joined by the 2019 Corrections Officer of the Year, Stephen Cooklin, who discusses his love of his job, his family, and the work he does for his local community. Stay tuned after the interview to hear more about Stephen from his supervisor; friend of the pod, Charles Levens.

In the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg are joined by Shakespeare in Prison founder Frannie Shepherd-Bates. Just in time for the Bard's birthday, Shepherd-Bates shares insights and outcomes of the program's history and its lasting influence on prisoners given the chance to rehearse, produce and perform some of Shakespeare's greatest works.

Chris and Greg celebrate Earth Day 2019 with a green edition of the Field Days Podcast! Guests Trever LeBarre and Corey Steinman are part of the MDOC EPIC Recycling Committee; their goal is to continue and improve on current MDOC policies and practices to help lessen the department's environmental impact.

Assistant Education Manager Tony Costello joins Greg and Chris to discuss Pell Grants and the educational opportunities they provide for prisoners.

Just in time for Second Chance Month, the latest episode of Field Days was recorded on site at the Wayne County Job Fair, a hiring event dedicated to placing returning citizens in careers. Listen as MDOC staff who organized the event, as well as vendors eager to hire returning citizens, discuss the fair's fantastic turn out, future events, and their commitment to offender success.