This information may be shared with Legislators, media, potential media sources, members of the Sunset Commission and their staff, the agencies under review, and members of the community. If information, such as your name, is used in our report and published materials it will be accessible to the public.
1. Please Provide
2. If you would like to participate in the Sunset evaluation process and would like us to contact you, or you would simply like more information, please provide your contact information below:
3. If you are willing to help or participate during the Sunset Review, please check the box next to the activity(s) you would be willing to provide (mark any that apply). We will follow up after receiving your response.
Provide oral testimony at public hearings. Provide written testimony, input, or feedback for submission to Sunset Commission and staff. Help others develop written materials or oral testimony. Volunteer with us. Help disseminate handouts/brochures. Contact Commission members and/or Legislators and make phone calls during Sunset Review and Legislative Session. Work with advocacy groups during the Sunset Review. Other (please specify)
4. Please specify the organization(s) on which you wish to provide input (mark all that apply):
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Correctional Managed Health Care Windham School District Other (please specify)
5. Please answer the most important issues that you would like to see changed and improved or that you think are being administered properly
A. Grievance Process
YesNo Is the grievance/disciplinary process fair and effective in resolving problems on the unit? YesNo Is it easy accessing the grieving process, and bringing up a complaint or problem with the agency? Other: (Write in any other Grievance Process issues that should be added to this list.)
A. General Conditions of Employment
B.
YesNo Are the units overcrowded and the space sufficient for inmate and employee safety? YesNo Access to adequate heat during cooler months and/or adequate fans or cooling ventilation during times of extreme heat - also include any issue with heat, such as access to ice during extreme heat. YesNo Is adequate and quality drinking water available and sufficient work breaks to access it YesNo Do the inmates have basic personal health needs - access to showers (especially during hotter months), tooth brush, toothpaste, dental floss, soap, tampons, other women's products, sun protection for working outside, etc. Other: (Write in any other General Conditions of Confinement issues that should be added to this list.)
C. Safety Conditions
YesNo Are the facilities and inmates safe? YesNo Are the safety precautions and procedures that are implemented by the agency effective? YesNo Are there dangerous or threatening conditions in the construction and structures of the facilities themselves? YesNo Is there racism among inmates, guards, staff, or management that threaten the stability of the unit? YesNo Are there dangerous or threatening conditions arising from inmates or staff resulting in a hostile environment, fighting, violence, etc. that is not being addressed by the agency? Other: (Write in any other Safety Condition issues that should be added to this list.)
D. Gangs
YesNo Does the agency properly identify gangs and gang members? YesNo Is there danger for staff and inmates from threats, pressure, coercion to join, and general danger from gangs? YesNo Does the agency take feedback from staff on gangs and gang activity? Other: (Write in any other Gang issues that should be added to this list.)
E. Employee Discipline
YesNo Is the current employee discipline and grievance system working for employees and the agency alike? YesNo Are there consistencies in discipline administration and criteria that makes your job more difficult? YesNo Does the agency use the grievance procedure to improve the operation of the prison system? YesNo Does the current grievance procedure without any mandatory form of third party (not management not labor) oversight effectively and fairly resolve problems? YesNo Does your employee organization have adequate and regular access to the unit so you may discuss important issues with an employee representative to resolve problems? YesNo Do you know anyone who has been unfairly disciplined and as a result was either fired unfairly or quit because of the discipline process? Other: (Write in any other Discipline issues that should be added to this list.)
F. Vocational Training & Education
YesNo Does the agency provide proper training for the challenges of your job? YesNo Is the current mentoring program at one week long enough for new boots? YesNo Would an extended mentoring or coaching program help all officers face challenging situations? YesNo Should training and promotion be more closely linked for officers? YesNo Would you take a bi-lingual course if it was offered? YesNo Should officers be specifically trained to work more closely with rehabilitation programs? Other: (Write in any other Vocational Training & Education issues that should be added to this list.)
G. Rehabilitation & Treatment Programs
YesNo Are the types and variety of rehabilitation and treatment programs available having a positive effect? YesNo Are rehabilitation and treatment programs adequately available to inmates? YesNo Are the programs helpful and produce positive results? YesNo Do the programs need to be improved to produce positive outcomes? YesNo Should TDCJ be taking away the privilege to participate in special programs as a tool of discipline? Other: (Write in any other Rehabilitation & Treatment Program issues that should be added to this list.)
6. Employee Turnover. TDCJ has one of the highest employee turnover rated of the major prison systems in the United States. Please think about these questions and answer any of the following.
Currently, qualified employee organizations are not allowed even in a limited way to turnout sessions to hear about problems working on the unit or access to break areas. What do you think about that policy?
Currently, TDCJ may engage in labor management meetings with qualified employee organizations and sign joint statements to legislative oversight committees in seeking solutions to high employee turnover. They have decided to meet on a voluntary basis with no legislative reporting. Do you think TDCJ should have to meet with those organizations to try and reduce employee turnover?
TDCJ has a zero tolerance drug testing program which has resulted in some problems given medications prescribed by personal physicians. Should TDCJ rewrite these policies to take these concerns in to consideration?
Do you have any suggestions to lower TDCJ employee turnover?
Please provide a description & a solution to any other problem on the job.
7. Overall key questions that you might consider summarizing for the Texas Sunset Committee.
Please provide a brief description of the positive impact of the person, experience, program or treatment identified.
Do you believe you received adequate training for your position?
Do you believe the grievance procedure is fair and effective?
Do you believe there is retaliation on the units as a result of the grievance process?If so, please provide an example.
Do you think you are sufficiently compensated (compared to other departments)?
Have you considered other employment opportunities?Is so, why?