FRONTLINE NEWS  
March 2018
Moving On Up!
For 31 years, Lieutenant John Armstrong has provided exceptional service to the Department of Corrections and because of his steadfast professionalism and commitment to our mission he was promoted to the rank of Captain by Warden Lennard Johnson. A true exemplar of pride, passion and professionalism , Captain Armstrong, is known for his calm and courteous demeanor. He's also been a great motivator to his colleagues and his staff. Captain Armstrong has successfully managed the Video Visitation Center for the last several years and has been reassigned to the Central Cell Block.

Congratulations, Captain Armstrong, and best wishes in your new role! 
Empowerment Session
Jade Mathis, Esq.
On an early Saturday morning, Jade Mathis listened intently to the aspirations of female and male residents at the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF). Ms. Mathis, Assistant State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County then shared her story of being raised in Detroit, Michigan by her mother and father, the Honorable Judge Greg Mathis. She talked about her experiences living with a learning disability and her battles with depression during and after college. Despite these challenges she pressed toward the mark of graduating from college and law school but the road to the courtroom wouldn’t be easy. Balancing a full time job and other unforeseen health challenges, it took six tries before she passed the Bar Examination, but she never lost the desire to practice law.

Once her career began she established the Back on Track Program which helps drug offenders, ages 18-30, to earn trade certifications to have their records expunged in Prince George's County.

Ms. Mathis also cleared common misconceptions about prosecutors and she reminded residents of her obligation to protect the public. She also warned them of the impacts that repeat charges has on an offender before he/she enters a courtroom as well as their sentences.

Participants were encouraged to rethink their paths and set plans for themselves. “Be ready to take a lot of no's. I took so many no's I became immune, but if I stopped I wouldn’t be here today," Ms. Mathis said. She expressed her belief in each of the residents to succeed once they leave jail.

“You all are too smart to come back here.” 
Volunteer of the Month

Larry L. Watson (affectionately known as the Point Guard made to assist ) was born and raised in Washington, DC. He attended Catholic school to build a solid educational and social foundation but life took a turn when his father passed away. He resorted to drug usage and other activities in the streets.

During this time, Mr. Watson also developed a passion for basketball, playing the position of a point guard which helped him navigate through life in the ways he knew best (through notoriety and emotion). Basketball also helped Mr. Watson through school. As a point guard he made the first All City Team in Washington, DC. Although basketball was a positive outlet for Mr. Watson, it still wasn't enough to keep him off the streets.
As a result of his substance addictions, Mr. Watson was incarcerated several times. While incarcerated, Mr. Watson decided to enter a drug program called Unfoldment where he envisioned that he could break the addiction cycle of drugs, and help others overcome addiction as well.

Mr. Watson proceeded to receive a Certified Addiction Certificate (CACII) and he started running a 28 day intensive recovery program at Samaritan Inn, which offers affordable housing for people that have gone through the treatment process and were willing to remain clean of drugs during their recovery process.

For two and half years, Mr. Watson served in Bermuda where he helped coordinate a drug relapse prevention program. Upon returning home to Washington, DC he worked as a Lead Counselor at Christ House, an emergency homeless shelter for those battling addictions. At Christ House, he facilitated various support groups and behavioral modification programs.

Mr. Watson, volunteers at the Department of Corrections on Tuesdays where he facilitates a Freedom Circle Group which prepares residents for a healthy transition back into the community. Presently, Mr. Watson is the Program Director at Reunion, a 501c3 organization that brings churches and communities together.

Mr. Watson is thoroughly committed to supporting the community in which he resides and DOC celebrates all his great works!

(Submitted by Reverend Samuel Whittaker)
Policies & Procedures
The following policies and procedures have been revised and updated. Please take some time review them in the policy binders which are available in the Officers' Dining Rooms (ODR) at the Central Detention Facility, Correctional Treatment Facility, Central Cell Block and the Training Academy.


PP: 1300.3 HIPPA

PP: 3300.1 Employee Code of Ethics and Conduct

PP: 3700.2 Employee Training and Staff Development

PP: 4020.3 Gender Classification and Housing

PP: 4030.1 Inmate Grievance Procedure

PP: 4410.1 Religious Programs

PP: 5010.3 Contraband Control

PP: 5010.8 Staffing and Manpower Utilization

PP: 5010.9 Use of Force and Application of Restraints

8010.1 Work Release Program

SOP 8010.1A-17 Work Release Program Medical Clearance
Announcements

 March is National Nutrition Month, which was created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as an education and information campaign. The campaign focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. The 2018 theme for National Nutrition Month® is “ Go Further with Food ". Whether it's starting the day off right with a healthy breakfast or fueling before an athletic event, the foods you choose can make a difference on how you feel throughout the day. Preparing foods to go further at home and within the community can have a positive impact, as well. National Nutrition Month® encourages us to achieve the numerous benefits healthy eating habits offer, but it also urges us to find ways to cut back on food waste. Learning how to manage food resources at home will help you "Go Further with Food", while saving both nutrients and money. For more information go to www.eatright.org or www.nutrition.gov  
(Source: DCHR)
The Office of the Attorney General, AFGE Local 1403 and the American Red Cross will host a Blood Drive in the Old Council Chambers, located at 441 4th Street, NW, on Thursday, March 29 th , 2018 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. If you would like to donate blood you may  register and schedule your blood donation here .  
 
Excused Absence to Attend Blood Drive
Employees will be granted two hours of administrative leave to attend OAG/DCHR Blood Drive sponsored by American Red Cross. Contact DCHR for more information.
 
(Source: DCHR)
The Provata Virtual Reality Kamle Headsets are now available for use in the Central Detention Facility (CDF), Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) and the Central Cell Block (CCB).
Dates to Remember
Friday, March 30 - Saturday, April 7
Friday, March 30
It's a GOOD FRIDAY for a FISH FRY ! The DOC Employee Recognition Committee cordially invites you to the first Fish Fryday of 2018 to kick off the Spring and Summer seasons! Breakfast will be served from 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM and lunch from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM at the CDF-CTF Shared Grounds. Menus and pricing will be available on site. You don't want to miss it!
Sunday, April 1
Please join Director Quincy L. Booth and executive leadership in welcoming the incoming class of Correctional Officers into the DOC family!