En Espanol

Please be advised the Office of the Secretary has established a telephone line dedicated to assisting the public in Spanish. The direct number is 850-410-4248. The person responsible for that line is Tina Hinton 850-488-7052 or SC 210-4248.

Photos

The department is doing a special project on the contributions of inmate work squads and inmate labor to communities and to the state of Florida. We are looking for excellent photographs. If you have or take a superior photo of an inmate at work please send it to:

Jo Ellyn Rackleff
Department of Corrections
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500
850-410-4252
SC 210-4252

Please identify the work activity, the community, the correctional institution, work or road camp involved. We are especially interested in close-ups. Please remember to get an inmate release form signed so that we may use the photo (if an inmate can be identified in the picture).

Okaloosa CI "Helps Stop the Hurt."

Left to right CO Jack Patten, Rod Kelley, Gary Thomas, Wendell Whitehurst, Tom Zaccardi

The Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center for Okaloosa and Walton Counties, in association with Okaloosa CI, hosted a golf tournament at Sunny Hills Country Club in Sunny Hills, Florida to raise funds to help build a center to serve abused children.

The effort raised $1,627.28 toward the upcoming building project thanks to the Department of Corrections employees, Sam's Club of Panama City, and guests. The effort touched the lives of all that participated and employees felt said they felt good knowing they had a small part in helping to "Stop the Hurt" for all abused children in the area.

Bradenton Drug Treatment Community Helps Honduras

CO Sgt. Richard Hinkley and offenders who washed cars to raise money.

Staff and offenders of the Bradenton Drug Treatment Community worked together to provide $495.00 for the Honduras Relief Fund. The project began through the concern of Correctional Officer Anthony Aiello. Through his efforts and Sgt. Richard Hinkley, offenders held community car washes to save money. Bradenton Drug Treatment Community Helps Honduras.

This is a small contribution in the wake of Hurricane Mitch, which left 6600 dead, 8052 missing, 11,762 injured, 1,393,669 homeless and 2,127,480 in shelters. It is estimated it will take 10 years for this country to recover. Thanks to everyone involved for this compassionate act.

Inmate Family Ombudsman

Secretary Moore has established a Family Ombudsman position within his office. The position assists families of inmates and acts as an advocate on their behalf. The ombudsman meets with families to ensure that their rights and concerns are addressed. According to Sylvia D. Williams, appointed as the Family Ombudsman, "The ombudsman is a resource to staff, inmates, their families, and friends. We will provide assistance after staff exhausts the options available to them. The ombudsman works as mediator between families, inmates, and the department to reach the most effective resolution."