EDITOR'S CORNER

S. Anne Walker may not think what she's accomplished is a big deal, but the subject of this week's profile has been credited with clearing the way for women wanting to work in corrections. Despite rejection early in her career she persevered to make it in a dangerous field once reserved for men. Now with more than 35 years of experience she not only directs a leading and unique corrections agency in her state, she also has become an inspiration for young women everywhere.
Jim, Corrections.com editor

FEATURED STORY

Opening new doors for new generations

By Ann Coppola

Overcoming obstacles, rebuilding lives

Admiring colleagues have called her a trailblazer and gutsy. Armed with a unique balance of southern warmth and tell-it-like-it-is toughness, Anne Walker is the born-and-raised South Carolinian credited with opening several doors for women in the community corrections field. Even so, don’t try telling her she’s a pioneer.

“You don’t do something thinking, ‘I’m going to be different from everyone else,’” Walker maintains. “You just do it because you want to do it. If I’m a pioneer, it’s not something I planned. You don’t plan on being one; it’s just because of the times.”

The times were the 1970s, a decade of great cultural change, including the era of the feminist movement and Equal Rights Amendment. Women held very few positions in corrections, especially in male facilities. The only way a woman found herself in a men’s prison was because of her job, as a secretary or nurse, or because she was related to or married to an inmate. The other way might have been similar to Walker’s experience, as a visiting student during her junior year of college. Read this week's full story.

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READER FEEDBACK

I think this is a great site. I wish there were more like this one. I think everyone needs all the help we can get when dealing with offenders.

I work in West Virginia, where our motto is "A kinder gentler corrections." Boy, do they mean it too. We do not have a lot of violence.

I appreciate all that you're doing to help people. Keep up the good work.
Angela, WV

Regarding Understanding, anticipating and controlling fear, 6/30/08

In reference to the line, " It should offer support to anyone requiring professional counseling without attaching any stigma or reprisal." Apparently, attaching the thought of both ["stigma" and "reprisal"] within this article was important. The sentence could have been written, however, with a positive focus.
Harold Maio
Advisory Board, American Journal of Psychiatric Rehabilitation

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LOOKING AHEAD

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They look to you

After completing basic training, new correctional employees are pumped, and all excited about getting started on the job. Full story

BUSINESS NEWS

Arizona county employee wins award for implementing new technology

Carol File, the Detention Services Records Manager with Yavapai County, recently was awarded the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office 2007 Civilian Employee of the Year Award for the outstanding job she has done by implementing an innovative new Offender Management System from Digital Solutions Inc. and Offender Communication System from Inmate Telephone Inc. More

NCIC Inmate Telephone Services announces international collect calling

NCIC Inmate Telephone Services is pleased to announce its introduction of International Collect Calling for inmate telephone providers. More

NCIC Inmate Telephone Services announces next generation system

NCIC Inmate Telephone Services is pleased to announce its second generation of VOIP-enabled, full-featured inmate phone platform. More

CAREER WATCH

Prison governor supports relationships, new facility Upon accepting the Isle of Man prison governor position in June, Alison Gomme said she is focused on helping the Irish Sea island find unique solutions to its prison challenges. Full story.

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EVENTS

American Probation and Parole Association's 33rd Annual Training Institute

Date: 8/3 - 6/08
Over 70 workshops to attend. Exhibit hall, luncheon, networking and exciting general sessions too!. More information.

American Correctional Association's 138th Congress of Correction

Date: 8/8 - 13/08
Held in New Orleans, Louisiana. For more information, contact Jennifer Bechtel at 703.224.0102. More information

Association of Correctional Food Service Affiliates

Date: 8/24 - 28/08
If you’re new to the correctional food service industry, or a seasoned pro, you’re sure to come away with new tools and a greater understanding of your current working environment. More information.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"I haven't spoken to my wife in years. I didn't want to interrupt her."
- Rodney Dangerfield, U.S. actor and comedian (1921 - 2004)


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