Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction QStP Team Projects - Communication Projects
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R.B.N. (RICHLAND BROADCASTING NETWORK)
Richland Correctional Institution (2001)
This team’s mission was to improve the process of communicating information to employees in a timely manner. Initial survey results indicated that only 25% of the RiCI staff was satisfied with the overall communication process. The R.B.N. team recommended the installation of an information monitor in the entry building, an institution web page for employees, a station in the entry building to provide employees with blank forms without entering the institution, and the inclusion of photos of new employees in the institution’s newsletter. A follow-up survey of RiCI employees indicates a 79% customer satisfaction rating with the new information process. Team members: Brandi Zehner (Team Leader), Damien Melton, Dianna Nettles, Larry Diller, Pat Laser, Joy Kirsh, Jim White, Don Durbin. Facilitator: Jeff Wilhite.
W.S.C.I. - WORKING TO SOLVE COMMUNICATION/ENTERTAINMENT ISSUES
Southeastern Correctional Institution (2001)
The SCI team’s mission was to improve the inmate video viewing and communication process by increasing communication between staff and inmates, while decreasing video contraband and limiting inmate access to VCR’s. The team was able to address both issues and solve them with one action. By installing a broadband distribution system, the team was able to establish a reliable and timely communication process. This system addressed the problems of inmate access to VCR’s and video contraband; and also improved the inmate video viewing process. As a result, VCR cost was reduced by $8,577 (from 24 VCR’s to 3), annual video viewing cost was reduced by $11,097 (72%), and inmate damage to VCR’s and video contraband were eliminated. Team members: Sheri Lynch (Team Co-Leader), Toni Basse (Team Co-Leader), Novica Olinger, Leann Schmelzer, Tammie Householder, Kean McGill, Andy Blackburn, Dee Hughes, Jeff Keirns. Facilitator: Melinda Cunningham. For more information contact Toni Basse (740) 653-4324.
SENIOR OFFENDER RESEARCH INITIATIVE
Hocking Correctional Facility (2001)
HCF is designed for the special needs of the older offender. The S.O.R.I. team’s mission was to improve delivery of services for the older offender by increasing the knowledge base of principles, attitudes, and methods of delivery of services and programs. The team surveyed both staff and inmates to gather qualitative data. The information obtained through the surveys can serve several purposes. The results might be tailored to the orientation of new employees, new inmates, and visitors to the special nature of its delivery of programs and services to the older population. Team members: Kevin Bryan (Team Leader), Marsha Ferrell, Dr. David George, Sue Wheeler, Mike Looney, Trent Patterson, Ralph Evans, Debbie King, Bob Canter, Glen McClain. For more information contact Kevin Bryan (740) 753-1917.
TOWER OF POWER
Mansfield Correctional Institution (2000)
"Bronze" level team - 2000 TEPS Showcase. The Tower of Power team was formed to develop an employee information center in the institution’s entrance building. Using customer surveys and benchmarking with other Ohio institutions, the Tower of Power recommended a number of changes designed to ensure the timely delivery of information to all employees of the Mansfield Correctional Institution. Team members: Rick Cantzler (team leader), Joe Albert, Rich Almeda, Bill Ruhl, Mark Clark, Stephanie Sholes, Sandy Shafer, Carole Trittschuh, Bob Diller, John Dunn Jr. (facilitator). For more information contact Rick Cantlzler (419) 525-4455.
SPEAK EASY
Noble Correctional Institution (2000)
The Speak Easy Team explored methods of improving the communication process at Noble Correctional Institution. Through implementation of video monitors, labels, new mailboxes in the roll call room and a "red dot" system for those mailboxes, the team was able to demonstrate an increase in the quality of the institution’s communication processes. Team members: LaWanda McCann (co-team leader), Linda Woytko (co-team leader), Kelly McConnell, John Stewart, Peggy Davis, Robin Nelson, Gary Eno, Ken Spencer, Jan Jagaczewski (facilitator). For more information contact LaWanda McCann or Linda Woytko (740) 732-5188.
CHILLI PEPPERS
Chillicothe APA (2000)
The Chilli Peppers, through employee surveys, determined that if effective communication skills, specifically effective listening skills, were improved, team performance would be enhanced in the twenty-five county Chillicothe APA region. The team developed the "Effective Listening inVigorates Employees’ Spirits" (ELVES) manual and distributed a copy to each unit in the Chillicothe APA. Team members: Alison Nieman (team leader), Susan Byrd, Gary Cooper, Monica Brumfield, Eric Gaumer, Alison Gilchrist, Linda McClendon, Lori Stonerock. For more information contact Alison Nieman (513) 887-3399.
FORM FITTERS
London Correctional Institution (1999)
To achieve American Correctional Association (ACA) accreditation, the team accepted the challenge of ensuring that all LoCI staff use proper Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC) forms as documentation for ACA standards. A total of 483 ACA standards must be satisfied for compliance; 186 of those standards require DRC forms as documentation. During the October 1998 ACA audit, approximately 35% of the ACA items did not have proper DRC forms submitted as documentation. In response, the team developed a master book of ACA standards that matches each standard with the DRC forms required for its documentation. They also included examples of the proper forms to use. As a result, 90% of standards requiring DRC forms are in compliance. Tom Gilbride, Leader 740-852-2454
TOTALLY RAD (RESOURCE AND ADDRESS DIRECTORY)
Cleveland APA (1999)
The Parole Officers in the Cleveland Parole and Probation regions needed a delivery system to make readily available the addresses and phone numbers of various law enforcement and service providers in the immediate area and throughout the state. The team developed a resource and address directory for the APA employees of each region. In this way, the team helped supervisors with their ability to update information about their officers. They also created a database to gather information using the intranet. Lastly, the team promoted the directory with both local and statewide bulletins. The directory has enhanced officers’ abilities to receive and update information regarding their offenders in a timely manner and clerical staff no longer have to return investigative reports for additional/incomplete information. Jim Riley, Facilitator 216-787-3015.
PONY EXPRESS TEAM
Mansfield Correctional Institution (1998)
The team’s mission was to provide all employees with individual mail slots to improve the efficiency and timeliness of personal mail distribution at the prison. The team successfully increased the 477 slots to over 700. Rick Cantzler, Leader 419-525-4455
GOSSIP TEAM
Lima Correctional Institution (1998)
The team’s mission was to improve internal communication at the prison. The group surveyed staff for customer requirements. The GOSSIP Team continues to narrow its focus on the communication issue. In the interim, they have begun publishing a newsletter and established a communication center for dissemination of information. Terry Hawk, Leader 419-225-8060
STAMP TEAM
Chillicothe APA Region (1998)
The team reviewed the mailing process in order to improve overall efficiency and reduce the cost of agency mail. The team was able to create an awareness among staff which resulted in more effective procedures. Michelle Noel and Steve Mowery, Leaders 740-702-1200
PRISM TEAM
Marion Correctional Institution (1997)
The team was concerned that a coordinated effort to provide positive information to the community did not exist. As a result of their efforts:
- a positive public relations team was formed
- a coordinated media team was developed
- a procedure to document and schedule speaking engagements was devised
- Tonnette McGary, Leader 740-382-5781
PONY EXPRESS TEAM
Chillicothe Correctional Institution (1997)
The Pony Express team was formed to evaluate the internal mail system which touches 630 employees and 2,600 inmates. The mission of the team was to ensure a timely delivery of mail in a secure environment. An analysis included a telephone survey, and observation of the existing delivery and distribution services. As a result, problems were identified and possible solutions were proposed. The new mail delivery process increased satisfaction, therefore, the committee made a pledge to monitor the process and remain open for modifications. Angelina Remy, Leader 740-774-7080
C.R.I.M.E.S.
Mansfield APA (1996)
The team was formed within the Mansfield APA Region to improve the response time to customer requests for offender information. The team members are John Risner (leader), Jamie Fawks, Ted Davis, Laura Richert, Gwen King, Jean Heimlich and John Matthews. The facilitators are Lee Sampson and James Dowdell. Through analysis of survey results the team identified computerization of offender information as the optimal solution to the issue being addressed. To insure automation and linkages were the most viable solution, interviews were conducted with management, support and probation staff, as well as all potential linked customers. The team is currently undergoing full implementation of the program. Initial feedback and the results of a time study indicate increased customer satisfaction. John Risner, Leader 419-522-2441