MARIE JOHNSON

I am the primary contact for institutions regarding classification, transfers, policies, and procedures related to the incarcerated persons population. I perform classification reviews of incarcerated persons' cases within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) reception centers and institutions, and approve appropriate incarcerated persons' housing, ensuring conformity with departmental policy and classification objectives. This includes cases involving all custody and placement levels, including RHU, incarcerated persons in the Mental Health Services Delivery System, Developmentally Disabled Program, and Disability Placement Plan, requiring emergency or expedited action for transfer. Review and approve specialized housing placement for incarcerated individuals. Conduct weekly case reviews, and meet regularly with institution administrators to provide suggestions and constructive criticism for classification improvements. Serve as the Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD).

As a Correctional Counselor II (Specialist) in the CSU-Minimum Custody Department within CDCR. I provide subject matter expertise for topics that include: Minimum Custody, Close Custody, Camp, Inmate Classification Score System, “S” Suffix, double celling, Interstate Parole Compact Agreement, confidential information, archive file reviews, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Penal Code section 3060.7, Release Program Study, Reception Center processing, Security Threat Group, Restricted Housing Unit, Mental Health Services Delivery System, Medical Classification System, Sexually Violent Predator, and Mentally Disordered Offender. Prepare, coordinate, track, identify, screen, and review incarcerated person cases in accordance with departmental regulations, policies, and applicable laws; and manage SACCO, ICC, EMP, MVP, and MRP cases. Additionally, coordinate and assist institutions in finding appropriate placement for incarcerated individuals with the DPW code. Furthermore, I research, develop, and revise the Departmental Operations Manual and California Code of Regulations, Title 15 sections pertaining to the inmate classification system, and teach classification training at the Advanced Learning Institute for the Lieutenants and Sergeants Academies as needed.

I completed a Correctional Counselor III Out of Class assignment for the Division of Rehabilitation Programs (DRP) at California Medical Facility. I supervised a Parole Service Associate, Staff Service Assistant, and an Office Technician. As a CCIII, I monitored and enforced program operations and procedures. I facilitated access to the institution via gate clearances, memoranda, identification cards, and/or renewals for visits, training, special events, and tours of the program for those involved. Part of my duties was to serve as a liaison with the institution, DRP, and outside agencies. Establish procedures for random urinalysis testing, and coordinate with the reference lab for the submission of samples and receipt of results. Enforce and ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Armstrong, Clark, and Coleman class action lawsuits. Coordinate and participate in program accountability reviews (PARS). Prepare corrective action plans to assist in the institution and DRP in addressing and targeting remedial action for improvements to existing policies. Oversee the California Identification Program (CAL-ID) process. Work collaboratively with the Classification and Parole Representative to ensure CDCR counselors are trained and have knowledge of DRP programs. Participate in conference calls, staff conferences, and training, as required. Respond to telephone and/or written requests from offenders' family members, correctional counselors, and the public. Complete the DRP activity report, as required, when an unusual incident occurs in the program. Monitor progressive, corrective disciplinary actions within the program, and ensure the completion of appropriate documentation. Respond effectively to emergency situations. Serve as Administrator Officer of the Day (AOD).

I have successfully accomplished the duties of a Correctional Counselor II (Specialist) in the ADA Collaboration and Training Team (ACTT). Within CA as a CCII for ACTT, I was responsible for reviewing and monitoring all aspects of the ADA, DPP, DDP processes, systems, institutional operations, procedures, manuals, policies, and staffing. Track litigation concerning institutional operations, and assist the institution in providing necessary documents regarding litigation requests. Review class members’ central files, DPP/DDP Disciplinary, DPP/DDP Appeals, DPP/DDP SAPMS review, DPP/DDP Program/Services/Activities, DPP/DDP Population Placement & Tracking, and UHR Reviews for compliance with Remedial Plans and court orders. Review (as directed by OLA, ACTT, or the ADA Coordinator), DPP/DDP-related issues or concerns, interview inmates and staff as necessary, review inmate files, and prepare written reports of findings/resolutions. Research and preparation of responses to the Plaintiff's inquiries and advocacy letters, as assigned by ACTT. These responsibilities included generating tracking documents, implementing new policies, and analyzing practices and procedures.

Responsible for a caseload of approximately 100 incaecerated persons, assembling, organizing, analyzing, and recording information necessary for classification and parole planning. Interprets conditions of parole to prospective parolees, and prepares inmates for release on parole or discharge; collects, evaluates, and records social, behavioral, and vocational data on inmates; abstracts and contributes to cumulative case history data, makes recommendations pertinent to classification and assignment planning, and to subsequent study and treatment programs; identifies critical factors, prospects for change in attitude and activities, and prognosis concerning expected adjustment in the institution, and upon release, evaluates inmates for parole and makes recommendations to the paroling authority.

Responsible for protecting the public, staff, and inmates while enforcing state and federal laws. In a correctional institutional environment, disarms, subdues, and applies restraints to inmates; responds to combat/emergencies; supervises the conduct of inmates; stands watch on an armed post or patrols the grounds; watches for illegal activity; writes various reports; transports inmates; prevents escapes; conducts criminal and administrative investigations; maintains firearms and equipment; and may perform noncustodial duties as a minor part of the custodial assignment.