Prison Gangs

In January, the Vera team completed its research analysis, and developed findings and recommendations for its draft report for LADOC. The team also developed a presentation of this material for LADOC that will take place on 2/8/18. Vera sent its draft findings and recommendations to BJA and followed up with a call to discuss strategies for finalizing content for a final version of the report.

In December, the Vera team moved towards completing analysis of administrative data, institutional policies, and focus group data to advance towards generating a comprehensive set of findings and recommendations for reducing the use of segregation in the Louisiana prison system. Vera is scheduled to present findings and recommendations to LADOC leadership on Feburary 8th.

In December, Vera continued to regularly check-in with UDC leadership to clarify the qualitative and quantitative data we collected regarding both system-wide and unit level policies and practices. Vera staff also facilitated a conference call with UDC’s site lead in order to review our findings and recommendations. Vera also worked diligently to draft findings and recommendations for UDC and is preparing for the presentation of recommendations next January.

Vera convened and facilitated an in-person meeting with select members of VADOC leadership to present findings and recommendations in preparation for the transition to the implementation phase of the project. As part of the convening, Vera staff met with heads of multiple VADOC work committees responsible for integrating our findings and recommendations into the roll-out of VADOCs reforms.

In December, there was an email thread proposing, modifying, and tentatively scheduling site visit for January 2018 between Vera and MNDOC. On 12/18, there was a regular meeting with MNDOC site leads to establish site visit plan, identify critical visitation objectives, and goals for site visit. On 12/19, Vera followed up with MNDOC site lead regarding upcoming site visit and meetings. On, 12/21, emails were exchanged confirming with the MNDOC site lead visitation itineraries and other logistics.

The Vera team emailed correspondence with Ely State Prison wardens to establish next steps for addressing concerns around STG placements in and releases from segregation units on 12/7. On 12/18 and 12/20, the team had phone calls confirming Vera's visit to present findings and recommendations (on 1/12/18). These included outlining Vera's needs, plans, a framework for the presentation and a discussion about who would be present and participating in the meeting.

Over the month of December, CSG Justice Center staff provided office-based technical assistance to support non-SCA grantees and projects. Staff conducted approximately 10 phone calls, 6 emails, 1 information request, and 7 NRRC Helpline requests.

Over the month of December, CSG Justice Center staff provided office-based technical assistance to Second Chance Act grantees and responded to inquiries from the field. Staff conducted approximately 148 phone calls and 88 emails.

Over the month of November, CSG Justice Center staff provided office-based technical assistance to support non-SCA grantees and projects. Staff conducted approximately 11 phone calls, 18 emails, 8 information requests, and 12 NRRC Helpline requests

Over the month of November, CSG Justice Center staff provided office-based technical assistance to Second Chance Act grantees and responded to inquiries from the field. Staff conducted approximately 113 phone calls and 134 emails.