TOWN OF MANSFIELD/DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

WEDNESDAY, April 16, 2008

Bergin Correctional Facility

 

Minutes

 

Members Present: A. Barberet, G. Cole, Warden E. Higgins, C. Lary, C. Paulhus, W. Stauder (Chair)

 

Members Absent: R. Blicher, R. Gergler, R. Pellegrine, W. Solenski, V. Stearns, S. Thomas

 

Staff:   Maria Capriola (Town of Mansfield), Deputy Warden Neal Kearney (DOC), Matthew Streeter (Town of Mansfield)

 

I.      CALL TO ORDER

 

The meeting came to order at 1:05p.m. 

 

II.      MINUTES

 

Minutes of January 16, 2008 were approved unanimously.

 

III.      COMMUNICATIONS

 

List of Offenses: The Committee reviewed and discussed the lists of offenses and the population.  Warden Higgins explained “special parole violation.” 

 

Annual Report: The Committee reviewed the 2007 annual report provided to the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary and Joint Standing Committee on Public Safety and Security.

 

IV.      WARDEN’S REPORT AND DISCUSSION

 

Warden Higgins reviewed recent staffing changes which included a new counselor who will be working with youthful offenders and changes from retirements and promotions. Bergin has approximately 328 staff members. The current population is at 1,031.

 

300 inmates (average) are in need of domestic violence counseling so several counselors have received training on this topic recently. 

 

The GED and vocational programs are having their graduation ceremony May 16th.  Staff discussed the horticulture program.

 

The razor wire installation is still on hold as no contract has been awarded yet.  Installation of the razor wire is a top priority for the Warden.

 

Bergin has re-issued letters regarding the testing of the notification system.  The test will occur on April 22, 2008.

 

V.      CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

 

Ms. Stauder distributed two articles from the Hartford Courant, “CT State: Who’s in the Prisons” (4/8/08) and “Plan for Ex-Prisoners Unites” (4/9/08).  Ms. Stauder noted that one article focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment for offenders and that the second article noted that violent crimes are up.  Warden Higgins stated that the Commissioner is focused on re-entry issues.  Ms. Stauder also recommended watching the Judicial Committee on CPTV which she has found to be very interesting.

 

VI.      OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO SPEAK

 

There was no one from the public who wished to address the committee at this meeting.

 

VII.      NEW BUSINESS

None. 

 

VIII.      ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting adjourned at 1:26 p.m. in order to hear a presentation on gangs and to tour the facility.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Maria E. Capriola, M.P.A.

Assistant to Town Manager