TOWN OF MANSFIELD/DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
WEDNESDAY, November 12, 2003
Minutes
Members Present: A. Barberet, G. Cole, R. Pellegrine, W. Solenski, W. Stauder
Members Absent: R. Blicher, R. Gergler, Warden Higgins (reassignment), JC Martin, L. Seretny, S. Thomas
Staff: Major Coletti, Counselor Supervisor D. Cyr, M. Hart, Counselor A. Iweka, Counselor Supervisor J. Roache, Deputy Warden Smayda
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairwoman Barberet called the meeting to order at 3:10 p.m. and welcomed everyone present. Major Coletti explained that he was serving as acting warden because Warden Higgins had been appointed to a temporary assignment at another facility.
1. Matt Hart volunteered to serve as the recorder/secretary for the meeting.
2. George Cole made a motion to approve the minutes of September 10, 2003. Richard Pellegrine seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
II. COMMUNICATIONS - Chairwoman Barberet distributed a NY Times article titled “Courts’ Drug Treatment System Is Found to Be Effective” that cites a recent study which found that “nonviolent drug offenders who complete judge-supervised treatment programs are significantly less likely to commit crimes again than those who serve prison time…” Chairwoman Barberet asked the committee “what could be done in Connecticut?” Some discussion ensued and George Cole commented that he thought Connecticut would re-open its drug courts in the near future based on the evidence of their effectiveness.
III. WARDEN’S REPORT AND DISCUSSION
1. Population Status Report – Major Coletti reported that there were no significant changes at the facility, and that everything was going well. The population currently stands at 960 inmates. Other relevant news includes the promotion of one lieutenant to the rank of captain, and two promotions to lieutenant. The facility also has three new counselor supervisors, two of which (Donald Cyr and Joseph Roache) are in attendance at today’s meeting.
[Solenski] How does the DOC assign staff? [Coletti] Internal applicants apply through a competitive process, including and exam and interview, for positions listed at particular facilities.
[Pellegrine] He has seen a blue DOT van in the area with inmates working on roadside clean-up. Are those inmates from Bergin? [Coletti] Probably, yes.
Counselor Iweka reviewed the “September 9, 2003 through November 12, 2003 Transfer and Discharge Report” with the committee. [Stauder] Is there a fewer number of inmates leaving the facility? [Iweka] Not necessarily, as the number fluctuates.
2. List of Offenses – Counselor Iweka reviewed the List of Offenses for inmates currently housed at the facility, and noted that there are no significant changes from previous reports. [Barberet] What does the listing of “youthful offender” mean? [Iweka] This listing means that the state will not disclose the nature of the offense. However, an inmate can use this only once.
[Pellegrine] He sees a number of DUI offenses, is Bergin the first stop for these inmates? [Smayda] Normally the inmate is first housed in a local jail, and then transferred to Bergin.
[Pellegrine] Are DUI offenders segregated? [Iweka] The Deardon wing is dedicated to DUI offenders, but they can also be housed elsewhere in the facility.
[Pellegrine] What is the typical age for a DUI offender? [Smayda] DUI offenders are usually White/Caucasian, and range from a wide age group. DUI inmates are not allowed to furlough under minimum or mandatory sentences. DUI offenses are also typically seasonal in nature, with the upcoming holiday season generating the greatest number.
[Stauder] What happens to an inmate at Bergin when the beds are filled? [Smayda] The inmate is located in an open barracks style space on the compound.
[Solenski] Where do female DUI inmates serve time? [Smayda] Female DUI offenders serve their time at York.
[Barberet] What constitutes “threatening?” [Iweka] The offense of threatening can consist of any number of actions.
[Barberet] Is there any particular age group for repeat offenders? [Iweka] Repeat offenders are normally in their 20’s and 30’s.
IV. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT - None
V. OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO SPEAK - None
VI. OLD BUSINESS - None
VII. NEW BUSINESS - None
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Chairwoman Barberet adjourned the meeting at 3:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Matthew W. Hart
Assistant Town Manager
TOWN OF MANSFIELD CORRECTIONAL FACILITY LIAISON COMMITTEE
November 12, 2003
Members and Staff Present: Same as DOC Public Safety Committee
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairwoman Barberet called the meeting to order at 3:33 p.m.
1. Selection of Recorder – Matt Hart volunteered to serve as the recorder for the meeting.
2. Minutes – George Cole made a motion to approve the minutes of September 10, 2003. Walt Solenski seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
II. COMMUNICATIONS - none
III WARDEN’S REPORT AND DISCUSSION
1. Community Outreach – none
2. Programming Updates – Major Coletti reported on various programs that the facility has underway. In particular, for the holiday season Bergin and area churches sponsor an “angel tree” program for the children of inmates. Bergin also typically sponsors two concerts run by the chaplains. In addition, last month the facility graduated 13 inmates through its most recent GED program.
[Barberet] How can members of the community make a donation? [Smayda] Bergin accepts only gifts, not cash, and area churches coordinate the gift program.
[Barberet] Was Counselor supervisor Sponheimer’s position filled? [Smayda] Her position was filled, and the facility also received two additional supervisors.
[Barberet] Is the rate of domestic violence continuing for returning inmates? [Smayda] Yes, unfortunately.
[Solenski] What is the return rate for inmates who have served time at Bergin? [Smayda] This number is difficult to determine, but the DOC central office has statistics. [Cole] The first year out is crucial to an inmate’s success.
[Barberet] Does the DOC provide assistance to inmates following their end of sentence? [Coletti] Yes, and this is a priority for Commissioner Lantz.
[Barberet] Is there anything the committee can do to assist? [Smayda] Things are going well at the facility.
[Pellegrine] Do former inmates who do well in life ever visit to discuss their experiences? [Smayda] Yes, and this type of program is very effective as the inmates are hearing from an individual who they can identify with.
IV. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO SPEAK - none
V. OLD BUSINESS - none
VI. NEW BUSINESS – none
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Chairwoman Barberet adjourned the meeting at 3:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Matthew W. Hart
Assistant Town Manager