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12/02/11 Deputy Secretary Michael Crews
This week I am very pleased to introduce our new Deputy Secretary Michael Crews who comes to us, as I did, from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Read more…
11/18/11 Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is next week, and I know many of us are looking forward to spending that time with family and friends. But I’m equally aware that our institutional and community corrections staff in particular will be sacrificing their holidays and time with their families to work their shifts in this 24/7 profession. Read more…
11/04/11 In the Spotlight: Nichole Landrum
When I meet our members for the first time, I encourage them to make a difference. This week, I'd like to spotlight one of our members who is making a difference in the lives of Floridians by going above and beyond in the performance of her duties. Read more…
10/21/11 Secretary Tucker Impressed with the Pride DC Members Have in Their Work
Last week I visited seven prison facilities and at each one, I was impressed with the pride that Florida Department of Corrections members have in their work. I visited Cross City, Lancaster, RMC, Columbia, Lake City, Union and Baker Correctional Institutions --and was lucky enough to be at a couple of facilities during shift change allowing me to meet and shake hands with our members both coming to and leaving work. I look forward to visiting more facilities and meeting more of you in the coming weeks. Read more…
10/07/11 Organizational Changes
As many of you have already heard, Chief Deputy Secretary Dan Ronay tendered his resignation this week. We wish him the best and thank him for his service to Florida. In the next couple of months, I will be looking both internally and externally to find his replacement. Read more…
9/23/11 Let’s Make a Difference
In the few weeks since I have been your Secretary, I have visited Florida State Prison, met with volunteers, Florida Tax Watch and lawmakers. I've spent most of my time reading policies and procedures and in meetings learning about this proud and complex Department. Read more…
9/9/11 Florida State Employees Charitable Campaign
Giving to others in need is without a doubt one of the most personally rewarding and satisfying feelings one can experience. You have demonstrated your willingness to give in the past, and I thank you. In these troubled economic times, giving today is more important than it has ever been. Read more…
8/26/11 Secretary's Message
As the newly appointed Secretary of the Department of Corrections I want you to know from the onset that I strongly believe that my primary function as Secretary is to make sure that every Department employee has the resources, and the authority, to carry out the responsibilities you have been tasked to perform. Read more…
8/19/11 What's the Buzz at RMC? Their New Beekeeping Re-Entry program!
About a year ago, Reception and Medical Center (RMC) Classification Supervisor Don Hicks had an idea. He spent some of his off time beekeeping, and it occurred to him that this hobby could be a productive way for inmates to spend their time and learn a trade. Read more…
7/22/11 Drug Interdiction
Correctional Officer Inspector Supervisor Kevin Dean tells the story of how the Department used to select potential drug interdiction dogs back in the 1990s, when we’d get them from local shelters, and it’s not the way you’d expect. “I’d walk down the aisle between the cages, bouncing a tennis ball,” said Dean. “Some of the dogs were so eager to get to the ball that they’d try to jump over the top of the gate. Those are the ones we’d pick. They had to really want it.” But there was a second test. “We’d take them out and throw that tennis ball. Some dogs lost interest after a few throws, but some would chase it until they almost fell out.” Those were the keepers. Read more…
7/15/11 Secretary Represents Florida Corrections at National Meeting
This week, United States Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) met with state corrections heads from around the country in the nation's capitol to discuss prisoners returning to communities and recidivism reduction. Secretary Buss was among the attendees and he also participated in the subsequent press conference. Read more…
7/8/11 “FCCD Awards Banquet”
Last night Chief Ronay and I had the pleasure of speaking at the Chapter 2 Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency's (FCCD) Awards Banquet here in Tallahassee. As I'm sure most of you know, FCCD is a non-profit service and educational organization for criminal justice professionals. Its stated mission is to "serve as a catalyst for the prevention and reduction of crime and delinquency and to enhance the quality of justice for all Floridians," a laudable goal, and certainly one in line with our mission as well. Read more…
7/1/11 "Florida Face to Face" Interview
Last Thursday, June 23, Secretary Buss sat down with Beth Switzer of The Florida Channel on “Florida Face to Face” to discuss various aspects of the Department of Corrections. She asked a lot of good questions, discussing everything from his job interview with Governor Scott to re-entry issues to privatization concerns. He also took the opportunity to brag a little about our stellar staff. Read more…
6/24/11 “11 Striking Characteristics of Management”
I recently met with our Assistant Wardens in Orlando to discuss leadership issues, and one of the discussions centered on what an effective prison culture looks like to them. What makes one facility a well-oiled machine, and another less efficient and productive? Read more…
6/17/11 Discussing Re-Entry with the Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board
This week I met with the Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board to discuss our re-entry efforts, and other aspects of the Department. I’ll be meeting with other media representatives in the coming weeks, including the Florida Channel’s “Florida Face to Face” next week. I’ll also be meeting with reporters from the St. Petersburg Times and Tampa Tribune when I visit the Hillsborough Re-Entry center this week. Read more…
6/10/11 A Safer and More Productive Future
Our department employs over 25,000 staff all across Florida, mainly in rural areas that depend heavily on us in a variety of ways.
I suspect that many citizens of Florida don’t understand how much a part of the fabric of the State of Florida our Department of Corrections employees are and how valuable we are to our communities, our counties and the State. Read more…
6/03/11 Get a Plan
The 2011 Hurricane Season is well under way and the predictions about the season are worrisome. The National Weather Service is forecasting 16 named storms, of which 9 will be hurricanes, and 5 will be major hurricanes of category 3 or greater. The department is currently in the planning and preparation mode, ensuring that emergency supplies are adequate, reviewing plans, conducting emergency evacuation drills, and testing communications systems, among many other activities. Read more…
5/27/11 Lest We Forget ... Memorial Day 2011
I’m proud to announce the Florida Department of Corrections now has an official Facebook page, and I’m hopeful you’ll take advantage of our latest social media effort by “liking” us on Facebook. Search for “Florida Department of Corrections” and look for the one with the DC logo (NOT a DC patch) as our profile picture. Read more…
5/20/11 Department Launches Facebook Page
I’m proud to announce the Florida Department of Corrections now has an official Facebook page, and I’m hopeful you’ll take advantage of our latest social media effort by “liking” us on Facebook. Search for “Florida Department of Corrections” and look for the one with the DC logo (NOT a DC patch) as our profile picture. Read more…
5/13/11 Legislative Roundup
I realize there is much interest in how this past legislative session will affect employee benefits and pensions. The following is a summary of the major bills that have passed the Legislature and now await the Governor’s signature. Read more…
5/6/11 Correctional Employees Week
A Word Processing Supervisor in a probation Intake office who is also a grandmother, caring for her granddaughter while working two jobs. A theologian who teaches Defensive Tactics. A beloved Correctional Officer who recently passed on but whose legacy lives on in inmates and staff alike. A Sergeant and city council member who constantly gives back to his community. These are just a few of the employees we highlighted this week to celebrate Correctional Employees Week. Read more…
4/29/11 Lowering Florida's Crime Rate is a Combined Effort
Employees of the Florida Department of Corrections have reason to be proud that the State’s crime rate has declined 6.7 percent for 2010 over the previous year, a rate that hasn’t been seen in forty years.
The just-released 2010 Uniform Crime Report issued by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement also indicates violent crime such as murder, forcible sex offenses, robbery and aggravated assaults were down by 10.1 percent for the year while total non-violent crimes like burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft dropped by 6 percent. Read more…
4/22/11 Soap and “Bobos”
A casual conversation between our Assistant Chief of Purchasing, Patti Casey, and a representative from a detention supplier a few months ago should save our Department close to a million dollars over a three-year period. Read more…
4/15/11 Lowell C.I. Hosted Special Promotion Ceremony for Our New DOC Leaders
Friday, April 8, 2011, was a proud day in the Florida Department of Corrections as leaders from throughout the state met at the Lowell Correctional Institution for a promotion ceremony, discussions on ethics and leadership, and reflection on the responsibilities each of the newly promoted staff will realize. Read more…
4/8/11 Breaking the Cycle
Albert Einstein once said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” Like so many things in a challenging economy, corrections as we know it must change if we want to expect different results. Simply put, corrections must become more efficient and effective in delivering the services essential to reducing the number of inmates returning to prisons. Smarter approaches to dealing with those incarcerated and in contact with our criminal justice system must be made a priority if we hope to achieve the best results. Read more…
4/1/11 Carrying the Torch for the Special Olympics!
I am gratified to see that the Corrections team in Florida is enthusiastically involved in supporting Special Olympics - Florida, participating in a law enforcement effort that is now a national tradition.
Chief Deputy Dan Ronay and Deputy Assistant Secretary Russell Hosford and many other Agency staff from Central Office and surrounding facilities participated in the run to the State Capitol Thursday morning, an event that kicked off the latest leg of the 2011 Law Enforcement Torch Run. Read more…
3/25/11 Prudential Davis Productivity Award Winners Deserve Recognition
Congratulations to all of you who are continually looking for ways to stretch our budget and save Florida taxpayers money.
This week, my special congratulations go to our four big winners of the Prudential-Davis Productivity Awards – the Charlotte CI Hydroponics Team, the Apalachee CI Laundry Team, the Tomoka CI Food Services Team and the 32 members of the Lock & Key Project.
The Prudential-Davis Productivity Awards are given annually to recognize and reward state employees whose work increases productivity, promote innovation and saves money for Florida taxpayers and businesses. Read more…
3/18/11 Smoking Ban and Consolidation Efforts
We rolled out two major initiatives this week, and I wanted to discuss both in a little more detail so you'll understand the reasoning behind them.
On Monday, we announced our plan to ban smoking in our prisons by September 1, 2011. Before making this decision, we carefully considered the costs in terms of inmate healthcare, inmate and staff health due to second hand smoke, and security issues. Ultimately, we agreed with the 25 other state correctional systems and the federal Bureau of Prisons, who have already banned smoking, that it's the right thing to do. Here's why. Read more…
3/11/11 Touring Our Facilities
One of my top priorities is to see our facilities and meet our staff, and last week I made good progress, covering 983 miles and visiting four prisons and a probation office. I know from my 24 years of corrections experience that inside our prisons and probation offices is where the rubber meets the road, so I wanted to see the condition and operation of our facilities firsthand and meet our employees working on the front lines. Read more…
3/04/11 Special Olympics Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run
Beginning on Friday, March 25th, the Department will once again participate in the Special Olympics Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run. For over 27 years, the Florida Department of Corrections has been a major force in raising funds for law enforcement’s effort to bring awareness to the Special Olympics and the participating athletes. Read more…
2/25/11 Governor Scott's Visit to Central Office
I’d like to thank Governor Scott and Lt. Governor Carroll for coming to visit us in Central Office this week, and for their words of encouragement to the standing-room-only crowd of employees who attended. As I noted in my introduction, most could not remember the last time a sitting Governor had visited Central Office and I appreciate both of them taking the time to do so. Read more…
2/18/11 Cost Savings
At any time, good business dictates that all employees should be looking for innovative, cost efficient, streamlined procedures that just make common sense. In this current economic downturn it is more important than ever as Florida begins an upward climb towards economic recovery. During my first week as your Secretary I have been extremely impressed at some of the innovative ways you have implemented ideas to save taxpayer dollars. Read more…
2/11/11 Holmes C.I. Colonel Greg Malloy
I was heartened to see the outpouring of love and respect for the family, friends and co-workers of Colonel Greg Malloy at his funeral on Sunday. His loss is deeply felt, and his contribution to this agency and the state will never be forgotten. I was particularly glad that his daughter, Peyton, and his wife, Donna, could see in the overflowing crowd of correctional and law enforcement officers and others from around the state the respect and admiration we have for Greg and his selfless actions. Read more…
2/04/11 Holmes C.I. Colonel Greg Malloy
As you know, we lost one of our shining stars on Wednesday, February 2, when Holmes C.I. Colonel Greg Malloy was killed during an exchange of gunfire with a suspected killer that he and his K-9 team were pursuing with local law enforcement. One of our other K-9 officers, CO Arthur Teal, was also injured, but has since been released from the hospital. Read more…
1/28/11 Deloye Henry's Legacy
Deloye Henry, Assistant Bureau Chief of Classification and Central Records, will be leaving his office today for the last time, putting an end to a 34-year career in Corrections, and starting a new career in the private sector. Deloye is known around the state for his expertise in classification issues, but more importantly, for his kindness, unfailing good humor, positive attitude and willingness to help those seeking answers about our very complex classification system. Well wishers have referred to him as “Classification’s version of ‘Google’,” “the go-to guy” and even “walking sunshine.” Read more…
1/21/11 Incident Command System
The general public is probably not aware of the many pieces of the puzzle of emergency response that we have to fit together quickly when there is, for example, an escape. From institutional personnel searching inside the prison, to mobilizing K-9 tracking teams and patrol units, to coordinating with local law enforcement – which may include deploying helicopters and their own K-9 units -- the puzzle pieces need to fit together seamlessly for a successful conclusion. Read more…
1/14/11 K-9 Teams and our First Annual Doggie Dash
Punta Gorda Police Chief Arenal sent us a thank you note recently to express his gratitude to Charlotte CI K-9 team members Lieutenant B. Howard, Sergeant S. Malicki, Officer R. Mann, Officer R. Reuter and K-9 Gator, for responding in minutes and quickly locating a suspected burglar hiding in some brush. The surrendering suspect’s first words were “Don’t let the dog bite me.” He was unaware that our tracking dogs don’t attack when they find their quarry, which is why so many law enforcement agencies call on us to find missing and runaway children and the elderly. Last year (January 2010 – present) we were called out to assist local law enforcement more than 623 times. Read more…
1/7/11 Our Year in Review
As we begin a new year, I want to tell you that I'm proud of all we've accomplished. We've achieved much over the past few years while facing cuts to our budget and staff. Despite challenges to everyone in our Department from line staff to our leadership, we pulled together to make a difference and work toward our goal to be the best corrections department in the world. I'd like to look back at some of the accomplishments we've achieved working together as a team. Read more…