WCCF News (7/2020): What's Happening at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

By Roscoe Barnes III, PhD
Chaplain/PIO, Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

#MTCChangesLives

This is a collection of news briefs I compiled for The Woodville Republican (Woodville, Miss.). The collection is set to appear as a quarter-page ad on Thursday, July 23, 2020. Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF), Woodville, where I serve as chaplain and public information officer (PIO), is publishing its news in this format each quarter in the local newspaper.

WCCF News

What’s Happening at

Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

(July 2020)

 -----------------------

MTC President Scott Marquardt visits

Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

From left: President Scott Marquardt, Senior Vice President of Region IV Sarah Revell, MTC Senior VP of Corrections Leann Bertsch, and Warden Scott Middlebrooks. President Marquardt visited units throughout the facility. He and his team talked to offenders and staff in various departments, including the facility’s gym and medical unit. They examined ongoing construction projects inside the facility and landscaping work around the facility. “It was a nice visit,” said Middlebrooks. “They were pleased to see the progress we’ve made and are continuing to make. We appreciate them taking the time to meet with us.”

Schoettmer is new Chief of Security

Major Matthew Schoettmer is the new Chief of Security at WCCF. Schoettmer previously served as the captain of WCCF’s Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT). He has over 20 years of experience in corrections. Warden Scott Middlebrooks said Schoettmer has done an outstanding job leading the CERT team. “I’m looking forward to working with him in his new position,” Middlebrooks said.

Schoettmer has held important positions in corrections. In addition to having served as a shift supervisor and lead captain at various facilities, he has worked as a special control unit lieutenant over a Segregation Unit. Additionally, he has served as a urinalysis coordinator and K-9 field commander. He was a member of the Canine Unit at Miami Correctional Facility. Schoettmer also helped to train squad and military personnel going overseas to operate military prisons. Schoettmer said he is happy about his new position. “We’re one team with one goal,” he said. “We are all in this together.”

In his new position, Schoettmer will report to the deputy warden of operations and directly supervise the facility captains. He will oversee the training of staff as well as the custody and discipline of inmates. As the chief of security, Schoettmer will respond to emergencies and handle all matters pertaining to safety and security. His essential duties include the supervision of searches for contraband. He will also provide security for staff and the offenders.

WCCF observes Memorial Day and Fourth of July with staff and offenders

Between May and July, WCCF observed two major holidays with special programs for its staff and the incarcerated men they serve. Warden Scott Middlebrooks and his administrative team served holiday meals for the Fourth of July on Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3. They served Memorial Day meals on Monday, May 25. “We had a great time,” said a number of staff members. “The food was good, and everybody was happy. This shows that the people at MTC and WCCF really care about this place.”

Alexander named STG Investigator

Lieutenant Lawanda Alexander is now an STG Investigator at WCCF. In her previous position, which she held from January to June this year, she worked as a case manager. Altogether, she has worked more than 16 years in investigations. “I feel that my new position is going to be challenging, but as I always say, ‘If you’re not challenged, you’re not growing,’” Alexander said. “I am up for the challenge.”

Alexander holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Jackson State University and an associate degree in law enforcement technology from Southwest Mississippi Community College. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Southern Mississippi. A resident of Summit, Alexander is a graduate of Amite County High School in Liberty. Alexander said she is motivated by the love she has for her son. “I have a son that is my motivation to be the best in everything I set forward to do,” she said.

Staff honored as Employees of the Month

WCCF honored three staff members for their hard work over the past three months. In addition to CERT Sgt. Jason Spence, who was named Employee of the Month for May, the facility recognized Laundry Officer Tammy McFarland as Employee of the Month for June and Officer Joyce Jackson for the month of July. Warden Scott Middlebrooks applauded them for dedication and commitment to their respective jobs. “They exemplify what it means to be model employees,” he said.

Jenkins and Amos promoted

Ms. Kelley Jenkins, who has served as sergeant at WCCF, has been promoted to lieutenant. Captain Phillip Griffith said her promotion was “well deserved.” “We are proud of her,” he said. Ms. Kelly Amos has been promoted to case manager. Amos previously worked as a records clerk.

Nine Men do Mock Job Interviews

WCCF held a mock job fair on July 07, 2020 with nine incarcerated men preparing to go home. “These individuals came prepared as though they were going to an actual job interview,” said Keyla Williams, WCCF reentry coordinator. “They came with their resumes that emphasized skills, qualification, education, and professional contributions.” Williams and WCCF staff created mock businesses to conduct the interviews. They included such companies as Wilson’s Welding Inc., Lamberts Construction Co., McDonald Lawn Car LLC., Henderson Farm Championship, H&M Painting and Design, and Foster Farms.

Williams said WCCF’s reentry program is vital to the men preparing to reenter society. “We offer cognitive behavior training, life skills and career planning,” she said. “We also provide training for financial literacy and job skills.”

 #PrivatePrisons #Corrections #MTCChangesLives

  

---------------------------------

ROSCOE BARNES III, Ph.D., is a writer, chaplain, historian, and former newspaper reporter. He is the author of more than a dozen books and Gospel tracts. For more information about his work and history, see his Personal Profile here or visit his website: http://www.roscoebarnes.net. Connect with him on Twitter (@roscoebarnes3) or by email: roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com.