Advantages of Reducing Restrictive Housing and Prisons

Introduction:

The current approach to incarceration, characterized by widespread use of restrictive housing and overreliance on prisons, faces growing scrutiny. In recent years, advocates, policymakers, and researchers have emphasized the need to reduce restrictive housing and rethink the prison system. This essay explores the numerous benefits associated with such reforms.

Promotion of Rehabilitation:

Reducing restrictive housing and prisons allows for a shift towards more rehabilitative approaches. Instead of isolating individuals, resources can be redirected towards providing educational, vocational, and therapeutic programs aimed at addressing the root causes of criminal behavior. This promotes the development of essential life skills and reduces recidivism rates.

Cost Savings:

Maintaining prisons and restrictive housing units is financially burdensome for governments. By reducing reliance on these facilities, significant cost savings can be realized. Funds can be reallocated to community-based programs, social services, and initiatives that address the underlying socio-economic factors contributing to crime.

Human Rights and Dignity:

Prolonged isolation in restrictive housing units can have severe psychological effects, amounting to cruel and unusual punishment. By limiting the use of solitary confinement and other harsh disciplinary measures, we uphold the dignity and rights of incarcerated individuals, treating them with humanity and respect.

Reduction in Prison Overcrowding:

Overcrowded prisons exacerbate numerous issues, including violence, poor living conditions, and limited access to essential services. By reducing reliance on incarceration and implementing alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs and community supervision, we alleviate the strain on prison infrastructure and improve overall safety and well-being.

Enhanced Public Safety:

Contrary to popular belief, punitive approaches alone do not necessarily enhance public safety. By focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration, we address the underlying factors contributing to criminal behavior and empower individuals to become productive members of society. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of future offenses and promotes community safety.

Addressing Racial Disparities:

The current criminal justice system disproportionately impacts communities of color, with higher rates of arrest, conviction, and harsh sentencing. By reducing reliance on punitive measures and implementing equitable policies, we can work towards addressing racial disparities and promoting fairness and justice for all individuals.

Restorative Justice:

Emphasizing alternatives to traditional incarceration, such as restorative justice practices, promotes healing and reconciliation between offenders, victims, and communities. By focusing on repairing harm and addressing the needs of all parties involved, we foster a more compassionate and inclusive approach to justice.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the benefits of reducing restrictive housing and prisons are manifold, ranging from promoting rehabilitation and human rights to achieving cost savings and enhancing public safety. By embracing alternative approaches and prioritizing the well-being of individuals and communities, we can create a more equitable and effective criminal justice system for the future.

Leadership and Wellbeing

Leadership and Personal Well-being: A Symbiotic Relationship

Leadership is often associated with guiding others, making tough decisions, and achieving organizational goals. However, an essential aspect of effective leadership that is sometimes overlooked is the profound impact it can have on personal well-being. The relationship between leadership and personal well-being is symbiotic, with each influencing and complementing the other in profound ways.

At its core, effective leadership involves not only directing others but also cultivating a positive work environment that fosters the growth and well-being of individuals. Leaders who prioritize the well-being of their team members create a culture of trust, respect, and support, where employees feel valued, empowered, and motivated to perform at their best. By fostering a positive work environment, leaders contribute to the overall well-being and satisfaction of their team members, leading to increased productivity, engagement, and job satisfaction.

Moreover, effective leaders lead by example, modeling behaviors that promote personal well-being and work-life balance. Leaders who prioritize their own well-being demonstrate to their team members the importance of self-care, stress management, and healthy lifestyle choices. By setting a positive example, leaders inspire their team members to prioritize their own well-being, leading to improved physical health, mental resilience, and overall quality of life.

Furthermore, effective leadership involves recognizing and addressing the diverse needs and concerns of team members, including their personal well-being. Leaders who demonstrate empathy, compassion, and understanding create a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their challenges and seeking assistance when needed. By actively supporting the personal well-being of their team members, leaders foster a sense of belonging, connection, and trust, leading to improved morale, teamwork, and collaboration.

Conversely, personal well-being plays a crucial role in shaping one’s ability to lead effectively. Leaders who prioritize their own well-being are better equipped to manage stress, make sound decisions, and maintain resilience in the face of challenges. By taking care of their physical, mental, and emotional health, leaders can sustain their energy, focus, and effectiveness over the long term, avoiding burnout and exhaustion.

Moreover, personal well-being influences one’s ability to build positive relationships, communicate effectively, and inspire others. Leaders who are physically and mentally healthy are more likely to exude confidence, authenticity, and presence, making them more compelling and influential role models. By investing in their own well-being, leaders enhance their capacity to inspire, motivate, and empower others, driving positive change and achieving collective goals.

In conclusion, the relationship between leadership and personal well-being is symbiotic, with each influencing and supporting the other in profound ways. Effective leadership involves prioritizing the well-being of team members, creating a positive work environment, and leading by example. Similarly, personal well-being is essential for sustaining energy, resilience, and effectiveness as a leader. By recognizing and nurturing this relationship, leaders can create thriving organizations where individuals flourish, collaborate, and achieve shared success.

This essay explores the symbiotic relationship between leadership and personal well-being, highlighting how effective leadership promotes well-being and vice versa.

Art Dulgov - Excellence in the Pursuit of Justice

 BOP) - The U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) for the Southern District of California honored the Federal Bureau of Prisons and other law enforcement agencies during the second annual Excellence in the Pursuit of Justice Award Ceremony on March 28, 2019. The award recognizes "local, state, and federal officers who achieved extraordinary results in their work to prevent crime, enhance community safety, and seek justice."

MCC San Diego (SDC) collaborated with the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) and the U.S. Marshal Service (USMS) to implement a new immigration enforcement initiative. The increase in immigration-related prosecutions required more bed space options, and new strategies for tracking cases, managing files, and locating and moving thousands of defendants housed in geographically dispersed locations. The team (SDC, USBP, and USMS) worked with the entire court community to address and remove difficult obstacles and solve problems which resulted in the District being able to not only meet their immigration enforcement goals, but to exceed them.

MCC San Diego Executive Staff (Warden Louis Williams II, former AW Robert Garcia [retired], AW Art Dulgov [not pictured], and Senior Counsel Theresa Talplacido) and Senior Deputy Regional Director Dan Sproul, along with their USBP and USMS law enforcement partners accepted the award.

MCC San Diego is an administrative security metropolitan correctional center and houses pre-trial inmates for the Southern District of California. As an administrative facility, MCC San Diego houses inmates of all security levels; male and female inmates in pre-trial and holdover status and male inmates designated to serve their sentence.

Art Dulgov, Associate Warden, MCC San Diego

As the Associate Warden at MCC San Diego from 12/2017 to September 2020, Art Dulgov exercised control over and provided oversight of managers for both Operations and Programs concurrently for a six-month period and separately for approximately one year each.  I have acted in capacity of the Warden during absences, and frequently advised the Warden on matters of institutional safety, security, policies, programs, and operations.   I advised the Warden on personnel issues, administrative matters, as well as decisions involving the custody, treatment, training, and release of inmates.  I have comprehensive knowledge of institution supplements, national policies, and program regulations.  I have experience training subordinates, coordinating functions, directing activities, and evaluating the performance of supervisors.  I have knowledge and experience of correctional operations and ensuring directives are carried out in accordance with policy.

I reviewed and coordinated the development of plans and programs instituted from the Regional Office.  I worked closely with Executive Staff to ensure effective implementation and management of policies and objectives that comply with Bureau goals.

In 2019 the United States Attorney for the Southern District of California awarded me the Excellence in the Pursuit of Justice award for my work with Assistant United States Attorney, AUSA, Border Patrol, Immigration Customs Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations, for implementing the President's Zero Tolerance Border Initiative.   Since my arrival in San Diego I also supervised Correctional Services, Trust Fund and Business office through Superior Program Reviews.   In 2018 I designed and implemented the Warden's Leadership Program at MCC San Diego.

I was the Prison Rape Elimination Act, PREA, Compliance Manager (during the PREA audit all standards were met or exceeded), Public Information Officer, PIO, American Correctional Association, ACA, Accreditation Manager, All standards were met with two waivers, both of which had been in place for years due to institutional design) General Accounting Office Audit of Female Offender Coordinator, and Administrative Duty Officer.   I maintained oversight when we passed the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, AAAHC.  I was the Labor Management Relations Chair and supervised Environmental Management System second-party certifications.  In my role as Associate Warden and Acting Warden I provided administrative oversight of Correctional Services, Correctional Programs, Unit Management, Human Resources, Computer Services, Food Service, DHO, Employees Club, Affirmative Employment, Business Office, Trust Fund, Environmental and Safety Compliance, Education, and Recreation.  I was the first- or second-line supervisor to approximately 230 employees and provide leadership to managers as they planned and implemented institutional goals.

As the Administrative Duty Officer, I ensured after hours situations were handled appropriately and were directed by policy.  I provided guidance to and briefed the CEO on matters related to safety and security of staff and inmates. I was the advisor to the Warden on all matters of strategic importance regarding security, policies, and procedures.   My previous experience at FCC Tucson provided me Executive experience at an FCI, Penitentiary, and Federal Prison Camp.

As Associate Warden and Acting Warden, I lead by example focusing on safety, security, inmate accountability.  I had direct and in-depth experience working with public agencies, I have managed an institution during times significant budget turmoil, while effectively implementing organizational objectives.  I operated the institution with integrity and utilized communication that involves a variety of stakeholders which creates a collaborative working environment and builds consensus.  I developed and implemented policies and procedures in support of the operational mission.

As an Associate Warden I frequently review reports from internal external audits then identify deficiencies, weaknesses, or noncompliance and develop corrective actions which are implemented and evaluated.  I prepared reports, and correspondence on a variety of correctional issues that are submitted to Executive Staff, Regional Administrators, and Agency officials in Central Office.   I analyzed issues and prepared reports, for review by the Executive Staff prior to submission to the Regional and Central Offices.  I prepared briefings for Department Heads and Executive Staff.  I worked with the Business Administrator to develop a comprehensive budget that meets the needs of all departments.  I worked with Department Heads and Executive Staff to ensure evaluations, Staff Assists and Operational Reviews are timely, complete and accurate.  All Reviews were evaluated and corrective actions implemented.

Art Dulgov, Warden, FCI Safford, AZ

  From May 2022 to December 2023 served performing the duties of Warden.  Mr. Dulgov was recently recommended by Director Peters and subsequently accepted into the NICs Executive Excellence program.  Mr. Dulgov has responsibility for the supervision of all aspects of institutional functions, including ensuring the safety and security of over 700 Adults in Custody, AIC, and 200 employees.  As Warden Mr. Dulgov has oversight of hiring, training, budgetary management, discipline, inmate programs, medical treatment, rehabilitation programs such Residential Drug Abuse Program, Medication Assisted Treatment, a Unicor factory, legal compliance, relationships with outside stakeholders, and public relations.  As Warden, Mr. Dulgov, establishes goals for the institution and set priorities for Associate Wardens and Department Heads.  Mr. Dulgov implements local policies and operational objectives for day-to-day activities and crisis situations.  He sets a vision that is supported by national policies implemented utilizing local procedures.  Over the past 15-years Mr. Dulgov has developed specialized skills that have prepared me for him for an SES Warden.  Prior to his arrival at the Bureau of Prisons Mr. Dulgov was the owner/founder of a driving school, spent a decade teaching math and science, and obtained a graduate degree all of which provided him a unique skill set.  

Mr. Dulgov has a comprehensive understanding of the correctional setting, including AIC programming, treatment, policies, regulations, and procedures.  Mr. Dulgov is particularly skilled in staff training, his background is education with a master's degree in educational leadership.  He has trained Associate Wardens Captains utilizing a training guide to assist them as they progress in their careers.  When training new leaders Mr. Dulgov focuses on effective prison management, policy compliance, personal wellbeing, while modeling and teaching the maintenance of high standards with an emphasis on ethics and "doing the right thing".  In his first 20-months as Warden he taught four Leadership Development classes (72-hours in total) for future leaders at FCI Safford. The first and fourth classes were designed for bargaining unit staff, the second was a woman's leadership conference which included presentations from Director Peters, RD Rios, AD Thompson, and others.  The third was for current department heads with an emphasis on wellness.

Mr. Dulgov has made changes to Institutional Supplements to strengthen our procedures and practices regarding PREA and visitation.  Mr. Dulgov formed a Policy Review Committee who have compared national policy, institutional supplements, and local procedures and memoranda to eliminate discrepancies.  Mr. Dulgov has modified incoming mail procedures so that all incoming mail now photocopied.  All incoming photographs and literature initially rejected by the mailroom are given a 1° of separation and correspondence review in Truintel, then, if deemed appropriate, the senders email and phone number are blocked for all inmates at FCI Safford to prevent future introduction of contraband.

In an effort to minimize time and the number of inmates in restrictive housing Mr. Dulgov utilizes a combination of service limitations, encumbrances along with special commissary awards and preferred housing.  This combination has proven to be an effective management tool to reduce both the number and amount of time inmates in spend restrictive housing.  I've also worked with the DHO to minimize Disciplinary Segregation time and utilize other consequences such as electronics restriction. 

Mr. Dulgov carefully monitor employee and inmate morale by making frequent rounds to all departments on all shifts.  Mr. Dulgov speaks at AIC graduation and promotion ceremonies demonstrating support for employees who teach and inmates who participate in programming.  Mr. Dulgov conducts regular conference calls on all three shifts, sends informational email to employees, and conduct rounds in an effort to disseminate information, dispel rumors, and address questions that arise.  Mr. Dulgov investigate and address inmate behavior through logical consequences and discipline.  Mr. Dulgov moved continually disruptive inmates from the facility.  Mr. Dulgov has implemented procedures and responded to a variety of incidents and emergency situations.

During a major disturbance, Mr. Dulgov secured the facility and activated the local Disturbance Control, Crises Support, Planning Section, and Emergency Response Teams.  Additionally, Mr. Dulgov requested assistance from WXRO who activated the Arizona Special Operations Response Team and send additional Basic Prisoner Transport Staff from other facilities.  Mr. Dulgov took a hands-on approach from the time the incident kicked off at 5pm until we had a clear count at 8am the following day.   There were zero staff injuries and no damage to government property.  Seven (7) inmates received minor injuries.  All were sustained prior to emergency recall procedures and due to inmate-on-inmate actions.