State Rep. Dan Gattis, R-Georgetown, who is pushing for more independent inspectors general, said it helps to have them embedded in agencies so they're familiar with how things work but said inspectors general should report to someone outside the agency.
"I have serious concerns about whether or not an inspector general can actually do their job when they have to answer to or pass things through the agency which they're supposed to be having oversight of," Gattis said.
Gattis and fellow Central Texas House members Dawnna Dukes, D-Austin, and Patrick Rose, D-Dripping Springs, were among several lawmakers who tried last year to give more independence to offices of inspector general.
"Clearly, there was opposition from the agencies," Dukes said. They will always "have concerns that you're going to have a new sheriff that's going to come to town."
Opponents of creating a state office of inspector general say the state auditor's office performs many of the same functions.
Inspectors general are typically in the executive branch of state government; a state auditor is in the legislative branch.
"There is probably a turf battle between what does an (office of inspector general) do to what does our auditor do," Gattis said. "It's really a different function."
Gattis put it this way: getting investigated by the state auditor's office is like a visit from your accountant. An inspector general investigation "is more like the Texas Rangers walking in."
Melinda Miguel, Florida's chief inspector general, said she and the state's auditor general avoid duplicating each other's work.
"I find it works very well," she said.
Video of today's hearing is archived here.
UPDATE: The Statesman's editorial board weighs in on the subject.
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74 comments:
On the Federal side, IG's have been around forever. They work for and report directly to the head of that Agency. Until recent years, they were not full fledged criminal investigators (ie badges AND guns).
Make no mistake, they are not like police Internal Affairs. Most IG reports never even get 2 lines in a news media report and are filed away into oblivion.
They are not whistle blowers, again, they send their reports the the head of the agency.
I wonder why there was no discussion of the TYC Ombudsman. They are structurally independent and they seem far more effecive than the TYC OIG. Both have been a breath of fresh air to TYC.
I second the opinion above regarding the ombudsman. However, their powers are limited. In the TYC units I have experience with, I consider the IG to be pretty worthless. They remind me of TEA's role of enforcing education code. Just another fox watching the henhouse.
What has the Ombudsman and his Department done for TYC? Please explain. IMO, I see them as a waste of taxpayers dollars. As far as OIG in TYC, I think if they had a better Chief, they would be more effective. I know JCOs with less than 6 months experience that can write a better report than most OIG personnel.
The ombudsman in TYC is worthless. He ( Mr. W. Harold if that's what he calls himself) is paid a hefty sum of money for not doing anything despict what he makes out with his horse and pony show for the media. He was giving out his personal cell numbers to youths in TYC and for them to call whenever he feels that it needed for his attention. Making empty promises to youths as a bargaining chip on staff is not what I call ethical. More like buying snitches to give wrong information. The IG or OIG in TYC are scared out of their minds. Whenever they were first appointed to TYC they had no idea of what they were doing. Clueless is the word. I believe with the right tools and people to lead them that the IG or OIG might just have a shoot with TYC. Like someone said its like the fox watching the hen house.
"Just another fox watching the henhouse."
We have no real independent oversight of any state agency or function.
And that's the truth.
As an Adult probation officer, I would welcome an agency who would oversee the Director, aka: KING, of my department. Ther is absolutely no one that he has to answer to. Thus the opportunity to hire and fire AT-WILL employees and promote yes men/women has destroyed the publics confidence in the department that is there to protect them, and also there to help those "who want help and to rehabilitate themselves" back into beneficial members of society.
But, then, WHO really cares about the governmental employees welfare?????????????????????????????????
Hey 7:31
Tell us if you still think that after looking at
http://www.tyc.state.tx.us/ombudsman/index.html
1:36,
Yes, I still think it is a waste. The Ombusman has visited some facilities and gave his opinion in a couple of posted reports. Whooptidoo?!?! Waste of taxpayers money, but he does write some nice reports. Guess the ACLU taught him something. Why is it that he and the Chief IG for cause, but everyone else is at-will? What make them special?
I think an independent investigative arm is an excellent idea for most State agencies, but especially for TYC at this point. The investigators should be embedded so they understand the agency and the environment they are investigating, but they should report outside the agency. This is important not just so that they can't be silenced by corrupt executives but also so that when they investigate and do not find rampant abuse or corruption, those results aren't just attributed to silencing from corrupt executives. Independence can lend credibility that works both ways.
>Don Brantley
7/17/2008 07:31:00 AM said:
"What has the Ombudsman and his Department done for TYC?"
On several instances I have personally witnessed the ombudsman's office force TYC to obey the law and deliver proper special ed services to kids who weren't getting them. This is more than I can say for the OIG.
7:13
How quickly we forget! Remember Coke County? Thanks OIO!
Yeah, Coke Co. Take a shot at a contract provider that's an easy target since that is the hoop that Pope wanted Harrell to jump through. There are at least 3 or 4 TYC facilities that are presently and were at the time in worse shape than Coke Co. Step up OIO, make the hard call, be honest in your reports, get out of Nedelkoff's back pocket. Independent? I don't think so.
Dude, go out in the pasture and chase some sheep. The Ombudsmans Office has helped this agency far more than you can grasp, baaah, baaah!!
Hey TYC folks it doesn't matter, TYC is toast. The head guy of the Sunset Commission said it was over for TYC as far as he was concerned.
7:46 - sorry, but TYC lived. We just heard it today. Many changes recommended, but there is a need for a juvenile justice agency in Texas "for Texas' most chronic youthful offenders." Sorry to have to piss on your rumor mongering, but now we can say you're really full of shit. So, why don't you just move on now. - any day now.
Bullshit. Will Harrell has been great for this agency. So, if you're going to talk that smack, and name him, and not focus on issues as opposed to individuals, why not name yourself for the world to see. Go ahead, and let's see what the TYC world thinks of you.
For those mongering the rumor monger, the Sunset report isn't expected until November and any recomendations will be considered by the full legislature next year.
If it helped clear corruption in TDCJ and TYC, then why not do a pilot project at Tx-Dot and HHSC? Makes sense to me.
Oh we know, the ledge will have the final say. But this bullshit post earlier is absolutely contrary to what was reported to the folks doing the LAR. That process is tedious, and we need real leaders now, not the types scatching the back of their heals wondering just what the hell they got themselves into, and we need it now. Otherwise, they, the ledge, will make the decision for TYC, and that will spell doom.
I can't help to appeal to the district judges of this state to tell Maryland that he has no business in Texas. Take Arizona and Florida with you. Texas is Texas, and we're not going to place our citizens in danger if it comes down to a decision to let these troubled teenagers out before they're rehabilitated. Sign it.
It's really funny to read "Texas is Texas, and we're not going to place our citizens in danger if it comes down to a decision to let these troubled teenagers out before they're rehabilitated." MD used to be the butt of Juvenile Justice jokes before Smith arrived. He brought us to where we can now "truly" brag about some of our current practices. We have a long way to go but anything is better then the bottom of the pack.
"So Thanks Texas", due to the headlines that the rest of the country has read over the past yr, you've taken our place as the butt of Juvenile Justice jokes.
Realize that kids aren't rehabilitated when their locked up-that's why facilities have "revolving doors". You turn unhealthy homes into healthy homes they produce healthy kids by providing intensive community based services to parents in their homes. Its time to start holding parents responsible for raising their kids instead of expecting our agencies to do it for them. TYC staff should decide if they want to continue to have unsafe working conditions due to the constant use of secure facilities that produce angry kids. If you don't mind coming to work in an unsafe environment, keep doing what you'd doing. But remember, no matter how many AMP programs you use fix them, you'll keep having angry kids and high numbers of youth on staff assaults. Sooner or later you'll have to accept the fact (just like the rest of us did)that we can't break these kids anymore than they've already been broken (that's why their troubled). You have to fix the homes first or they'll keep coming back to you(except they'll be older, bigger and stronger)and residential staff will be older, more TIRED, and FED UP! MD went through hell with too much oversight (legislators, independent monitors, advocates, DOJ monitors, media hounds). It's not worth the headache, you're going to have to work with your administration. As you already know, starting over gets worse each time so use MD, AZ, and FL to get what you need to make your jobs safer and easier. Make them do their jobs, which is to provide staff with the resources to do your jobs effectively! They wanted their jobs so make them earn their pay for you.
I see that you didn't put your name 8:06? If you are going to throw out lies "Will Harrell has been great for this Agency" why didn't you sign your name? Oh wait, you must be Will or one of his employees that do nothing all day. Get a clue, OIO is a joke.
They're not going to get rid of TYC anytime soon. They can't. It's existence serves two purposes:
(1) It's the dumping ground for kids that public school has failed to serve.
(2) It's another state government jobs program that gives incompetent individuals a place to work. (No offense to the few really conscientious people who work for TYC.)
They may change it, or they may rename it. But, it will always exist in one form or another.
They're not going to get rid of TYC anytime soon. They can't. It's existence serves two purposes:
(1) It's the dumping ground for kids that public school has failed to serve.
Dirty Harry-
You've obviously never worked in a public school. I do and I say: the public schools are a dumping ground for PARENTS that refuse to raise their own children. These so-called parents view the school as a free babysitting service. From day one they send kids to us that are dirty, hungry, tired, angry and aimless. No matter what you think Harry, the public schools aren't equipped to overcome the devastating effects of violence, alcohol, drugs,
homelessness, abuse,and neglect. And why do you and others even expect the public schools to take on such responsibilities? I trained to teach children how to read, not to become their surrogate parent and family. I didn't sign on to instill religious values, family values, or whatever catchy phrase you want to use. My job is to provide kids a safe environment in which they can learn reading, writing and arithmetic (remember the 3 r's?). And when the school environment is unsafe due to the actions of wild kids who haven't been properly trained at home we call those parents to enlist their assistance. And they have no phone, or don't take or return our calls, or agree to do such & such but never follow through. But we don't give up on their child. We keep trying as they disrupt, steal, skip, fight, etc. And what's happening to the other kids(maybe YOURS) while the teacher is struggling to discipline the wild ones AND explain algebra? Are they receiving their education? What is the public school for? Delivering education or not? You can't have it both ways. Stop blaming the public schools for the kids in TYC and put the responsibility where it belongs: the parents.
Blame the parents, that's original. Half the time they're already in prison, so then what? Is it just me, or every time a public school teacher comes on this blog do they all write the same thing -
"they send kids to us that are dirty, hungry, tired, angry and aimless"
"I trained to teach children how to read, not to become their surrogate parent and family. I didn't sign on to instill religious values, family values, or whatever catchy phrase you want to use."
What a whiner! So what you want, what you trained for, what you desire, the judgments you pass, are all that matters. You, you, you, you, you. What a selfish person! Whether you want to or not you are absolutely teaching values to kids 9:46, they're just really selfish and small-minded ones. If you don't care about kids or want to help them maybe you're in the wrong job.
No, 10:24, you're in the wrong job, you should be King of the World b/c you obviously know everything and have all the answers. "What a whiner" talk about original! And you don't expect parenting from parents, that's OK, let's just expect everyone else to do the job. If I object to that position then I'm selfish and it's all about me. And as far as teaching "values" to other people's kids...that's done by every person on the planet in small ways (please, thank-you)and bigger ones (by living an honest, worthwhile life). As far as those already in prison...well you know, everyone has a story, we all have baggage and tragedies and adversity in our lives we've had to overcome. At what point do we shift responsibility from the parent (a child's life teacher) to the individual? When, according to you, is a person held responsible for their choices? And if the person continues to make negative choices, just whose fault is it? Mine, for being such a small-minded, uncaring, selfish teacher who didn't DO SOMETHING for little Johnny back in Middle School? Guess so, since teaching skills, mentoring, tutoring, sponsoring clubs, coaching soccer, lending $ for lunch, rides home, chaperone time, attending games, encouragement, talks, referrals, discipline, celebration just wasn't enough. Believe what you will about me or other teachers, King 10:24, I know what I do for kids and need no validation from someone like you.
Back to the original post: Independent investigators would be great if they were truely independent and understood the agency they were investigating. My past personal experience however is with politically connected nitwits that rarely get out of the office given the power to "investigate" things they don't even understand. Also, when you start getting into monitoring people, who is going to monitor the monitors?
Hey 9:46 I work in TYC and I stood up and applauded you for writing that piece. I have kids in public schools and I don't want trouble makers around my kids. I want my kids safe. So keep on referring those little bad boys out. We'll take care of them where they belong. Locked up.
7/18/2008 09:46:00 AM said:
"Dirty Harry-
You've obviously never worked in a public school. I do and I say: the public schools are a dumping ground for PARENTS that refuse to raise their own children."
I'm going on my 13th year as a special ed and student/parent advocate. I've spent plenty of time in public school trying to sort out the problems between the parties involved. If you don't like to be the "dumping ground" for undesireable students, then start pushing for vouchers and quit taking parents tax dollars if you don't want to earn them. Don't forget, it was public school that gladly took on the responsibility of being surrogate parents. How often do you ever seen anyone turn down something for free?
7/18/2008 09:46:00 AM said:
"And why do you and others even expect the public schools to take on such responsibilities?"
Because that is what you get paid for. Have a look at your contract.
7/18/2008 09:46:00 AM said:
"Stop blaming the public schools for the kids in TYC and put the responsibility where it belongs: the parents."
Over 46 percent of the population in TYC is special ed. Most of those got there because public school turned their back on them and didn't give them the services they needed to be successful in the regular academic setting. Education is the key. Without it, they become misfits in society, and turn to criminal behavior, and end up in the juvenile justice system. Public school can quit ignoring them and give them the services they need, or we can pay the price two-fold later.
Hey here is an awesome idea. instead of adding more impotent layers onto an already broken , grotesque system; Let's go back and look at the system for what they have made it, recreate it in a slimmer more rewarding system for the populace instead of the few that enjoy power over the people that pay their salaries.
4:57,
You can lead a special ed kid to water, but you can't make him drink.
In other words: You can't always inspire the unwilling. It MUST start in the home...First there must be a home.
Signed,
A VERY dedicated TYC teacher
4:57 note:
Kids did not become special ed, because schools turned their back on them. Sorry, not a true statement.
Look up IDEA or the new RTI and you will see that no matter what they did in public school, they had to Qualify for services for special education.
You don't make someone special ed because you did not give them attention or teach them well.
I do not believe the contract states that teachers must be the parent and take on the responsibility of raising the student and become liable for the students behavior and drug deals? Maybe you should read a contract if you know someone who has one.
Since we are so high paid in public school and worthless and the blame for all wrongs with kids in school,maybe we should all just quit and let you not certified people teach them yourself at home. Then you can quit your job.
Have you checked the state base pay for a whining teacher? You can make more at What a Burger with out that 30,000 + degree.
What gets me is that we all are responsible for the down fall of kids, society as a whole, its morals and values that we have lost. But as human beings we have to cast the blame on someone else because in our minds we as individuals are never at fault.
one more thought, have you ever thought about just what a teacher can do for a kid that is outlined in the policy of a public school? Over step those policies and loose your license or get sued. Some are just waiting for that teacher to do something so they can sue those districts that you pay big bucks to in taxes, they want YOUR MONEY in their POCKETS. Educate yourself on the topic before you start bashing all of us, please. We are not bashing your profession. Same goes for that TYC teacher.
7/18/2008 11:48:00 PM said:
"You can lead a special ed kid to water, but you can't make him drink."
Oh, get real! Heck, if it was that easy, we wouldn't have a problem with special ed or MR to begin with. But, this is beside the point. The point is, public school teachers (including TYC teachers) are paid to deal with problem students. If you avoid this responsibility, you are stealing your paycheck.
7/18/2008 11:48:00 PM said:
"In other words: You can't always inspire the unwilling. It MUST start in the home...First there must be a home."
Some of these kids don't even have the IQ necessary to have the will to learn. Does that mean you automatically get to pick and choose which ones you serve and which ones you ignore? That's not what the law, or your job description says. And, you can give up trying to blame the parents. Public education stepped right up into the "free parenting" slot long before you began teaching. Blame public education for your predicament. Besides, if you really are a dedicated TYC teacher, then you have probably observed that when it comes to special ed kids and their parents, the apple often doesn't fall far from the tree. Are you going to hold these parents responsible too?
Not all of these kids will make it. But, a certain percentage of them will make it, only with our help. The only way this will work is by putting education first, and treatment second. And, by setting a good example for them by coming to work and doing your jobs well.
11:39 wrote that "As far as those (with parents) already in prison...well you know, everyone has a story, we all have baggage"
In other words, "F%^# 'em. Not my problem." That's a big help!!
Lemme explain the real world to you primadonna schoolteachers who think you are too good to care about "dirty, hungry, tired" kids because they're inconvenient -- You want to complain about your pay? Everybody on the front line at TYC makes less. You want to complain about dealing with problem kids? You ship all your problems to us!!!!!! Find someone to whine to who doesn't spend every day cleaning up your stupid failures for less money. You'll get no sympathy from me.
Some parents suck. Some parents aren't there. In some cases it would be worse if they WERE there! That's no excuse for you not doing your job and if you think that's only the 3 Rs, like dirtyharry said you need to re-read your contract.
How did this move from a discussion of the OIG model to a back and forth rant about lousy teachers and lousy parents?
7/19/2008 08:39:00 AM said:
"Kids did not become special ed, because schools turned their back on them. Sorry, not a true statement."
I never said they did. Please reread my post.
7/19/2008 08:39:00 AM said:
"You don't make someone special ed because you did not give them attention or teach them well."
No, but you do make their life worse and stiffle their educational progress by ignoring their disability, and also increase the chances that they will end up in places like TYC.
7/19/2008 08:39:00 AM said:
"I do not believe the contract states that teachers must be the parent and take on the responsibility of raising the student and become liable for the students behavior and drug deals? Maybe you should read a contract if you know someone who has one."
Have seen many. Perhaps you need to look at the section in yours that states: "..and other duties as assigned." You might also want to have a look at Texas Education Code. One of the objectives for teachers in chapter 4 states that: "Educators will prepare students to be thoughtful, active citizens who have an appreciation for the basic values of our state and national heritage and who can understand and productively function in a free enterprise society."
Sounds like much more than just teaching the three Rs to me.
7/19/2008 08:39:00 AM said:
"Have you checked the state base pay for a whining teacher? You can make more at What a Burger with out that 30,000 + degree."
What has this got to do with the discussion? Are you telling us that you are in a profession where you feel oppressed and unappreciated? If this is true, then the fact that you haven't escaped this predicament doesn't speak well for your personal abilities.
7/19/2008 08:39:00 AM said:
"one more thought, have you ever thought about just what a teacher can do for a kid that is outlined in the policy of a public school?"
I would turn back flips if all teachers would just do for kids what education law and district policy dictates.
7/19/2008 12:16:00 PM said:
"How did this move from a discussion of the OIG model to a back and forth rant about lousy teachers and lousy parents?"
It might be because I think that the OIG has poorly served TYC, and one of the ways it has done so is that the OIG (in my opinion) seems to ignore the one thing that is key to rehabilitating the inmates. That is, promoting the importance of education by enforcing education law. But, when engaging in discussions of education, you will always have teachers defending a system that was a big factor in kids being incarcerated in TYC to begin with.
To 8:40 and 9:06 on 7/19/08....
Okay, we get it...you are NOT teachers, and you have NO idea what you are talking about.
Why don't you go to school for 4 years and earn your teaching degree and THEN tell us how it's done.
Back to the OIG discussion PLEASE!
I tell you what, I am mad as hell about the OIG in TYC. The Gov brought it in so that the employees couldn't file charges against assault. You heard me correctly. In McLennan Co the sheriff's dept REFUSES to allow any charges to be filed against a TYC youth--even if the youth has committed assault, indecent exposure, whatever. That is against my right as a citizen!!! If I am assaulted in any fashion, I should be allowed to file charges against my offender. That is my RIGHT! But no, you have to file with the OIG, then wait and see if they "decide" to investigate. I am not joking on this. Several staff and teachers at Mart II have been assaulted in recent days and have gone down to the sheriff's office to file charges only to be refused. Is this the Gov's idea of "TRANSPARENCY"????
Sounds like you've got a good case for the supreme court to me!
mmmmmmmm, wonder who taught all these people on the blog to read and write and think for themselves? If any have college degrees, must have bought them?
Surely it was not a TEACHER!
7/19/2008 07:05:00 PM said:
"Sounds like you've got a good case for the supreme court to me!"
I'm not aware of any law that dictates a local DA or law enforcement agency has to take action on any complaint if they don't want to. If this law exists, I would like to know about it. To my knowledge, there is no law that says the police even have to come if you call them.
7/19/2008 10:35:00 PM said:
"mmmmmmmm, wonder who taught all these people on the blog to read and write and think for themselves? If any have college degrees, must have bought them?
Surely it was not a TEACHER!"
In my case, it certainly wasn't a public school teacher. As a child I was hyperactive and ADD beyond control. If my parents had forsaken me to public school, I probably would have ended up in prison with the rest of the special ed population.
10:35,
What the hell are you talking about? You don't make sense.
Back to OIG topic PLEASE!
Well that explains your professed comments to be so true of public school teachers. You have not had any experience with them and only go on what you were told as a child. So if you were taught by someone else other than a teacher, you will be successful.Guess if you had college experience you missed out on that public schooling all the way around. Did someone else teach you that too?
Do you think those college professors were not Teachers and at some point worked in a public school.
The world is not about just one special person, how about all the other millions of people out there that have high school diplomas and became lawyers, doctors, and more! Guess they did not learn from a TEACHER either.
If you were as smart as you say you are, then Stop bashing teachers not all are Dead Beats as you put it! We take offense to your statements.
7/19/2008 06:04:00 PM said:
"I tell you what, I am mad as hell about the OIG in TYC. . ."
What you describe is the same scenario in public education oversight. The state puts in an entity to supposedly "crack down" and act as a prosecuting agent for lawbreaking. But, in reality, what they are really there for is to clean up a problem before it sees the light of the media or a real law enforcement agency. That's what the Texas Education Agency does for public school districts. TEA is supposed to enforce state and federal education law. But, in reality, what they really do is "handle" the problem by taking control of oversight, and claim that they are "dealing" with it. If you remember the movie "Pulp Fiction" then you will recall the character named Mr. Wolfe. He never really did the right thing by reporting a problem to the law or punishing the offenders. Rather, what he did do was everything he could to make it look like there never was a problem. TEA is educations' "Mr. Wolfe" and I have no doubt from my experience with them so far that TYCs OIG is no different.
I made this comparison because, among other things, TYC is also in itself a Texas public school district.
7/20/2008 08:17:00 AM said:
"Well that explains your professed comments to be so true of public school teachers. You have not had any experience with them and only go on what you were told as a child. . ."
I deal with public school teachers on a weekly basis. So, you think public school does a wonderful job with the students that need help the most? Here are some numbers for you. Out of the student population in any given school district, about 10 percent of them will be special ed. However, the special ed population of TYC is 46 percent or better. You're a teacher, you do the math.
Trying to make an impact on the lives of these young men sometimes seems near impossible. So much responsibility is put on us. We don't stop and think how much damage has been done to them because their biological fathers have sat it out on the sidelines. What little interaction they did have was negative. We should think about what caused all that rage which flared up at age 11, 12 or 13.
We have to try to make up for the damage of the missing fathers and all the blame goes to us.
The OIG is not in the business of enforcing civil law. They are only in the business of enforcing criminal law (e.g. the Tx Penal Code). The TEA is charged with enforcing the civil law regarding education. That has absolutely nothing to do with Criminal Law Enforcement.
If you want to make a Criminal complaint, call the hotline. Stop trying to do it your own way and then whining because your way didn't work.
That's the problem, the hotline doesn't do it either! You call the hotline, then they try to talk you out of filing the charge (if it is student on staff)by totally downplaying the incident, then, if you are persistent with them and don't give in, they assign you a case number and then the charges go off into a black hole somewhere. Now, if it is a student calling...they are VERY interested and are there (at the facility) in a heartbeat. That is why several of the staff at Mart II, who have been assaulted (pretty seriously I might add)went to the sheriff's office to try to file. I don't believe for a minute that the OIG's office is independent of TYC. It is just a screen set up through the Gov's office to keep the data and information of the happenings within the fences from getting to the public or the
media.
Mart II is on lockdown and has been for a week. The danger level is so high, and the violence so rampant, and yet not one investigator from the OIG's office has been there to investigate. The super even put teachers in the dorms as correctional officers to try to help it get back under control. It is not working, so let's see what happens next...
BS! There was an OIG investigator on campus last week. You guys sound like the kids who complain that nothing ever happens with their BS grievances. Try telling the truth.
I hope people reading these TYC blogs realize that each campus has between 2 and 5 resident complainers who post here over and over again with all their doom and gloom. Things are far from ideal in TYC, but the people who are most upset with the changes are those who decry the change from the intimidation mode of control.
This blog is being over run by people who refuse to engage in any meaningful discussion of what Grits puts up as topics. Too bad. For a while, it seemed like a place where issues could be discussed and ideas for solutions offered. It has become a waste of time to even click on it anymore. If some of the people making these comments really are educated, we are in a world of hurt. Gone lookin' for some intelligent blogs. Good luck Henson - and thanks for at least trying to offer a medium for discussing controversial issues in CJ.
8:41,
We all know what area of our anatomy are like opinions...
& everybody has one too, so why don't you run along now 8:41,and leave the rest of us who like this blog site. Everyone's opinion might not meet your standards, but they are entitled to think what they want.
7/20/2008 04:30:00 PM said:
"The OIG is not in the business of enforcing civil law. They are only in the business of enforcing criminal law (e.g. the Tx Penal Code). The TEA is charged with enforcing the civil law regarding education. That has absolutely nothing to do with Criminal Law Enforcement.
TEA is in not in charge of enforcing "civil law." They are in charge of enforcing Texas Education Code which, is part of the Texas Statutes, and that part Texas Administration Code dealing with education. And, there are also sections of penal code that deal with education. (Even though the OIG doesn't seem to acknowledge this.) Although not an enforcement agency for penal code, TEA does have the resposibility of referring criminal actions for criminal prosecution. However, it will be a cold day in Hades when you see them do it.
Although the OIG is in the business of "enforcing" criminal law, they don't really have the power to enforce it, so to speak. All they can really do is no more than TEA can do, which is refer to the local DA for criminal charges. To me, this only makes the OIG a "cover up" agency put in place to keep problems out of sight of the public eye without necessarily doing anything about them. Which, is all I have seen them do so far.
7/20/2008 04:30:00 PM said:
"If you want to make a Criminal complaint, call the hotline. Stop trying to do it your own way and then whining because your way didn't work."
If I wanted to make a criminal complaint regarding TYC, I would do one or any combination of the following three. (1) Call 911. (2) Pay a visit to the local DA's office. (3) Go to the media.
I certainly wouldn't waste my time with the OIG without first causing additional pressure to bear on them to act.
The OIG at Crockett sent an e-mail to all employees instructing that no one contact local law enforcement regarding TYC matters. They followed that up with a visit to local law enforcement informing that that OIG would handle all TYC staff complaints. Talk about a cover-up.
How many cases did the local PD take before there was an OIG?
As for Crockett, the PD never turned away a complainant, and numerous cases were made against youth that assaulted staff. OIG is just pissed because they don't think the Houston County DA in Crockett did his job in presenting to the Grand Jury some of the cases of alleged staff on youth assaults. But the fact of the matter is that OIG investigated those cases and Special Prosecution Unit assisted the DA and the cases sucked. The DA was wise enough to see that OIG was trying to trump some crap up on the staff and the cases lacked evidence, but they still tried to hang the staff out. The DA stood his ground with OIG. Now OIG is taking it out on all the staff. The scary thing is that OIG is in with TYC Administration and if staff try to file charges with the local PD, the TYC powers that be will use the new at-will clause and send the staff packing. It's a sick game.
Amen 10:39! That same thing is going on in McLennan Co also.
I see that Evins is staying put and will ride out the hurricane. It's only a cat 1 for now. We know that can change. What the hell is the thinking behind not evacuating? Hell, this thing could sit on that area for awhile and flood the place, effecting electricty, running water and communications. I don't think the wind is a concern, but the flooding is. I don't think I'd feel too good if my kid was in that facility right now. I pray for their safety. I don't think this was well thought out.
Answer: 3 cases in 3 years. Wow! The Crockett PD was really on top of things!
Being from Evins, we should ride this out. We are about 100 miles inland and the winds should simmer down.
The flooding is another thing. The Adminstration did not plan this well. IMO:
The Evac. volunteers should return to Evins and stay at the Cafe, Family Center or Administration, instead of running regular schedule.
They could work 8 to 12 hours shifts for 2 to 3 days, then the relief staff, should cover the floor for the 8 to 12 hour shifts to give them a break.
IMO, It takes an old timer, the ones they prefer to get rid of, to plan this better than what they have in place now.
People, staff driving through the middle of the rainfall is outrageous.
Now what is going to happen is the ones that did volunteer will be the first to call in and not show up for there regular schedule. Seen this happen to many times.
Anyway; Surf's up!!! Lets get ready to ride this out. :)
8:16, you don't have a clue as to what you are talking about. Every complaint that was taken to them was investigated.
That eye is heading right for Evins, and they lost power.
Anybody have any word as to how Evins & the Beto/Tamayo Houses fared today?
I can't believe they didn't evacuate.
tamayo house did evacuate to York and Evins has power, they had two short outages during the day. other place in the surrounding area are evacuating to edinburg so it must be safe although rains are heavy. the hurricane is quickly becoming a tropical storm
Give it up 8:21 TW. Go read all about the Crockett PD in the local news. The Crockett clown show!
Not 8:21, and not TW. Just someone that knows the facts, unlike you.
I was informed this week that our Commissioner over Juvenile Corrections, James Smith was at an out of state conference all week. This came about when our superintendent inquired where he was while we were deciding to ride out the hurricane or head to higher ground.
This news should tell everyone that TYC is finally fixed and that the leaders of the agency can spend time elsewhere rather than worrying about TYC programming.
Sounds like the same TYC to me, too many generals and not enough soldiers. When it's time to make a decision nobody can seem to do it, but the field, then they are scrutinzed and criticized.
So according to emails sent to all TYC employees it looks like the Evins facility made it through the hurricane, the staff did a great job keeping the youth safe but how are the staff, did they have damages to their homes, are they okay? Just wanted to check.
We need to send staff down there to relieve their staff if their homes were damaged. If hotels are available, we need to support those Evins folks. Those kids did Ok so what we are hearing.
Man, screw you other guys wanting to point out each other. We have other things to worry about than than shit, so use your e-mail to air your allegations. - hang in there Evins... and I agree, Maryland should have stayed home - for real. And Texas isn't home for this guy. What a disappointment.
Come on 6:55pm. You've got to admit...even if MD made TX his home, you would find something else to complain about. Instead of typing your ideas about "We need to send staff down there to relieve their staff if their homes were damaged", get in your car and go relieve them.
I'm sure you'll have some excuse though. "What a disappointment" as you said.
Why not discuss the issue of Maryland , this agency is where it's at today based upon ineffective leadership.
We can not move forward until we have real leaders and not sound bites.
"Why not discuss the issue of Maryland , this agency is where it's at today based upon ineffective leadership.We can not move forward until we have real leaders and not sound bites."
TYC is where it is today because TX took it there. Don't blame those who flew in to help. MD has only been in TX for 3 mos and all of a sudden TYC is where it is today because of him? MD didn't sexually assault and physically abuse kids-THAT WAS ALL TEXAS.
Maybe MD, AZ, and FL should go home. Why stay and try to help people who condoned beating and raping kids? You should've stood up for TYC then instead waiting til the smoke clears then speaking up. Now all those pissed off kids are back into the community taking it out on taxpayers. The next time you read the paper or watch the news about juvenile crime in TX, pat yourself on the back because your silence made things worse.
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