tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post6500647861377928809..comments2024-03-25T20:06:39.794-05:00Comments on Grits for Breakfast: Texas Senate committee begins long march toward private prison oversightGritsforbreakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-79773052691260805362007-10-16T21:49:00.000-05:002007-10-16T21:49:00.000-05:00TDCJ wanted to replace Pope and created the RED Un...TDCJ wanted to replace Pope and created the RED Unit. Whitmire helped her then and has probably protected the RED Unit for her. After Whitmire recommended her for the TYC position, TDCJ must have figured they didn't have to keep the unit there any longer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-46332533807227899442007-10-15T23:34:00.000-05:002007-10-15T23:34:00.000-05:00Regional bureaucracy's? Did you have to create one...Regional bureaucracy's? Did you have to create one more place to promote your buddies to D'Pope??? What a mess, This is the TYC not a social club. These are our children; not adult offenders. This woman and her Posse must go. The Gov needs to see the TYC for what it has become, a Bottomless Powder Keg, he should seriously consider bringing in some one with a track record of putting these kids best interest in the forefront.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-71830426249323233472007-10-15T13:33:00.000-05:002007-10-15T13:33:00.000-05:00RED Unit was created for a reason, based upon inco...RED Unit was created for a reason, based upon incompetence, please check into this and maybe then we will get a clearer picture.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-69446477948606298482007-10-15T12:07:00.000-05:002007-10-15T12:07:00.000-05:00And why was she removed from that post?And why was she removed from that post?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-6932264476591751732007-10-15T11:24:00.000-05:002007-10-15T11:24:00.000-05:00Y'all, FWIW Pope ran CJAD at TDCJ (i.e., adult pro...Y'all, FWIW Pope ran CJAD at TDCJ (i.e., adult probation) before the RED Group. That's actually a real management gig, and it's where Whitmire said he worked with her previously and she earned his (apparently undying) confidence.Gritsforbreakfasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-38754595946510152642007-10-15T11:18:00.000-05:002007-10-15T11:18:00.000-05:00How does being the chief of "RED" unit qualify som...How does being the chief of "RED" unit qualify someone to head an entire agency? Oh wait -- cronyism at its finest. Thank you, Whitmire, and crooked Texas Politics in general. <BR/><BR/>So it's understandable then, if cronyism installed Pope in the first place, that she appoint all her cronies to TYC positions. It's <I>wrong</I>, but one can see how she believed the practiced was endorsed. <BR/><BR/>I wish we had a good leader. Hell, even a lackluster leader would be an improvement. Good leaders <I>convince</I> their staffers to do things, based on the wisdom and soundness of that leader's ideas. Instead, Pope has to <I>coerce</I> her staffers. This breeds resentment. <BR/><BR/>Pope frustrated the career progression of many fine, competent employees when she appointed her friends to those top positions. If I were one of the aformentioned, I would be worried. As soon as Pope is gone (resigned, ousted, however), her cronies will be S-O-L! Their subordinates will drop the feigned respect. Lateral professionals won't be afraid to criticize. Eventually, they too, will be ousted. <BR/><BR/>I hope they haven't bought any big houses latetly!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-16124094549490819652007-10-15T10:05:00.000-05:002007-10-15T10:05:00.000-05:00Scott, has anybody researched Dimitria Popes backg...Scott, has anybody researched Dimitria Popes background? What are her qualifications? Why was the RED unit developed for her, was it based upon her inability in her prvious post with TDCJ or was this unit developed for a real purpose. Is this unit still operational, if not why?<BR/><BR/>This is all perplexing that we have no real background of this person other than her own account. I believe as well as many others that we should have some historical perspective of a person attempting to lead an agency with a duty to protect and rehabilitate the youth of Texas.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-83482803330248134512007-10-15T09:50:00.000-05:002007-10-15T09:50:00.000-05:00ERJC does too, because other than the newspaper, C...ERJC does too, because other than the newspaper, CO has not put it in black or white for TYC to stop using it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-5111394771100670152007-10-14T21:10:00.000-05:002007-10-14T21:10:00.000-05:00BSH continues to promote the use of force continuu...BSH continues to promote the use of force continuum which places OC spray before physical restraint. Its like the settlement never happened...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-14961180685691466692007-10-14T13:15:00.000-05:002007-10-14T13:15:00.000-05:0012:39 p.m. You're funny!!12:39 p.m. You're funny!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-5514830314229485382007-10-14T12:39:00.000-05:002007-10-14T12:39:00.000-05:00Will Owens show up at the hearing this week, or ha...Will Owens show up at the hearing this week, or has even the Lege accepted that he doesn't do anything?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-77262154209899704652007-10-14T07:14:00.000-05:002007-10-14T07:14:00.000-05:00Whitsfoe, dude all the TDCJ regime needs to go and...Whitsfoe, dude all the TDCJ regime needs to go and those promoted during her leadership. Our agency's survival is hanging in the balance and dependent on their removal. I've yet to see d'Pope arrive on a campus without her puppets and henchman. She loves those "yes men/women" and she's an expert at pulling the strings to make them dance. Wish they could see themselves, they'd certainly lose self-respect if they had an inkling of what that is!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-39478520758215869062007-10-13T22:52:00.000-05:002007-10-13T22:52:00.000-05:00I want to see how Jerry Madden handles Pope in his...I want to see how Jerry Madden handles Pope in his hearing. For some reason I think she may not get as warm welcome from Jerry Madden. Scott you should email Jerry Madden your thoughts on the younger youth being contracted out. He might actually be interested in doing something to stop the little boys from being put in contract care. He has always answered my emails when I ragged on him about TYC. I might be totally wrong but I think Rep. Maden is trying to do what is right in the TYC matter. I am even willing to over look the fact he is a Republican.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-56802481577995100792007-10-13T20:26:00.000-05:002007-10-13T20:26:00.000-05:00I was disappointed that variances were only discus...I was disappointed that variances were only discussed by the Jail Standards people. I thought the variances were just as ludicrous as those granted to the private prisons.<BR/><BR/>Four staff to inspect 267 facilities; and there was only one!<BR/><BR/>Hang on everyone; the 81st Legislative Session is only several months away. Help is on the way! Very, very disgusting.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-4667724798995892302007-10-13T19:08:00.000-05:002007-10-13T19:08:00.000-05:00Seems a primary issue with either a new agency or ...Seems a primary issue with either a new agency or a reworking of TCJS is how do you stop the TDCJjr effect? The fact that you NEED competent juvenile program staff is irrelevant, just ask D'Pope.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-49018084683605866892007-10-13T18:27:00.000-05:002007-10-13T18:27:00.000-05:00YO’ Grits -It would be more cost effective and pra...YO’ Grits -<BR/><BR/>It would be more cost effective and practical if they’d consider expanding the role of the Jail Standards Commission and change their name. I think that’d fit; however, they'd need someone with a background in monitoring juvenile justice facilities, not just the physical plant, but the programming as well. If they were to do something along those lines, they’d be overwhelmed by TYC employees looking to jump ship. <BR/><BR/>The situation at the Youth Commission, with TDCJ running shop, is starting to take its toll on facility administrators. I know a few who have been in contact with the Governor’s office, some with their local reps, many with their attorneys, just waiting for their number to come up. <BR/><BR/>The most recent developments, from what I'm hearing from afar, are certainly not encouraging. In fact, it's very dismal, and it all centers around one particular TDCJ transplant, BSH.<BR/><BR/>If BSH can read, he needs to hear this: the TYC has specific personnel policy concerning retaliation. The TYC entered into an agreement with Advocacy Inc. et al concerning the use of pepper spray. You may not have liked it, but that’s the way it rolled. Your directives to use common sense are contrary to that settlement agreement. Point blank, the GAP policy concerning the use of pepper spray on youth in solitary confinement is prohibited according to the policy that was reinstated as a part of the settlement agreement. The fact you are holding these administrators accountable for following that court order is not only inexcusable, but unlawful. If you think for one minute these facility administrators will put their lives and those of their family on the line to please you – think again. <BR/><BR/>BSH needs to go. <BR/><BR/>In the mean time, Alaska is great! You guys should see the King Salmon we’re catching up here! Too bad they don’t have a juvenile problem in this neck of the woods!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-79582516572092392712007-10-13T17:03:00.000-05:002007-10-13T17:03:00.000-05:00I'm so sick and tired of Whitmire's shit. In 1997,...I'm so sick and tired of Whitmire's shit. In 1997, he held a criminal justice committee hearing on the scandal in Brazoria County involving Missouri inmatesand the subject of contract monitoring came up. It's come up many more times since. It was during those years he took plenty of political contributions from the private companies. <BR/><BR/>As Yogi would say, this is deva ju all over again.<BR/><BR/>I can assure you that if history has taught us a lesson, it's one we've forgotten.<BR/><BR/>Whitmire needs to retire. He's lost his effectiveness.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-70262849014848576212007-10-13T16:56:00.000-05:002007-10-13T16:56:00.000-05:00Oh, and yes, according to testimony by Nick Hudson...Oh, and yes, according to testimony by Nick Hudson at the hearing, contractors must also be accredited by ACA, but most aren't, including the Coke facility.Gritsforbreakfasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-59777064145648428242007-10-13T16:54:00.000-05:002007-10-13T16:54:00.000-05:00Whitsfoe, he not only acknowledged reading Grits, ...Whitsfoe, he not only acknowledged reading Grits, he said he'd seen what I wrote about letting witnesses speak and "took it to heart." I appreciated that, actually; I thought it was big of him to say - he deserved the kudos you gave him on that score.<BR/><BR/>As to what agency should do oversight, IMO either a new agency should be created, or, perhaps more pragmatically, the scope of the Commission on Jail Standards' authority (and staffing, obviously) might be expanded to include private prisons. Jails are quite different from prisons, and TCJS doesn't have that expertise right now, but if you'd have to build a new agency, anyway, they could hire and train the expertise.<BR/><BR/>Bottom line - contract managers for contracting agencies play a very important role, and that job needs to be done better. But inspectors like TCJS have a different role. To avoid incentives for collusion between agency and contractor to cover up abuses, IMO there needs to be regular, outside inspection, as well. best,Gritsforbreakfasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-34494800017078463812007-10-13T15:56:00.000-05:002007-10-13T15:56:00.000-05:00Greetings from afar my brotha' Grits! I just saw t...Greetings from afar my brotha' Grits! I just saw the replay of the hearing and thought "wow, Henson sure cleans up well!"<BR/><BR/>Couple of questions for you. First, if I'm not mistaken, I take it you think an outside agency ought to be monitoring contracted facilties. What state agency? Or are you thinking the state should create a new agency that specifically monitors contracts in both the adult and juvenile systems? I think that'd be great. <BR/><BR/>Second, I know Senate Bill 103 requires the TYC to be accredited by ACA. Does the same hold true for their contracts as well? I don't have the bill handy so I can't tell.<BR/><BR/>Finally, I noticed Whitmire acknowledged your blog. As much as he doesn't want to admit it, he reads these comments. So with that, "Hi Elmer. I noticed you've been behaving here of late. Good for you."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-42975061586825576242007-10-13T13:42:00.000-05:002007-10-13T13:42:00.000-05:00On a similar note, have you followed what is happe...On a similar note, have you followed what is happening with the Mesa group? <BR/><BR/>They had a kid in their custody 60 miles from where he was supposed to be and committed suicide under the care of one of their contract foster parents.<BR/><BR/>These are the people who operate the Williams House in Lometa.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-78919077557544231442007-10-13T11:36:00.000-05:002007-10-13T11:36:00.000-05:00Did you see the pictures from this Coke Co. juvie?...Did you see the pictures from this Coke Co. juvie? Nasty. <BR/>http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2007/oct/06/darby-taking-tyc-action-to-house/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-58207318995419337302007-10-13T11:28:00.000-05:002007-10-13T11:28:00.000-05:00Scott, sadly you missed Elmer telling everyone tha...Scott, sadly you missed Elmer telling everyone that DaPope had the hardest job of all executive directors in the state. His personal thank you to her gagged all watching. Does anyone realize she is responsible for less than 10K youth and can't do that right? And the Grandma tag is already taken. Go bake brownies for your own kids.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com