Shawn Colotario

Introduction

• Under the supervision of the Institutions Division Administrator, serves as a branch liaison with other STG officers for prison gang-related activities and investigations between the State, Federal, IGA's, private vendors and BOP.
• Performs various types of investigative activities including crime prevention, field work, undercover activities, collections and handling of intelligence, gathering and custodial care of evidence, case preparation, and other phases of public assistance related to gang activities.
• Direct participation in investigating and disseminating information that identifies gang membership, illegal activities, and security threat groups who pose a danger to the safety and security of the public, employees and offenders under the departments jurisdiction here in the state and on the continental United States

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Gang-Related (Security Threat Group) Investigations
• Statewide coordinator for Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) gang intelligence, Security Threat Group (STG), for all State of Hawaii correctional facilities. Network with law enforcement agencies (i.e. NED, Sheriffs, Honolulu and county police departments), other agencies (i.e. DOE, DHS)
• Nationwide coordinator for DCR's gang intelligence, STG and network with the National Gang Task Force, federal agencies (i.e. Bureau of Prisons, DEA, FBI, Homeland Security), other state prisons (housing Hawaii inmates on an interstate compact agreement), private prisons (that houses Hawaii inmates), other state law enforcement agencies.
• Collects intelligence from all STG officers private prisons and correctional facilitated in Hawaii regarding gang and gang members. Investigate gang-related crimes which may include involvement of employees.
• Establishes and maintains liaison with other Security Threat Group (STG) officers from state, federal, county and private prisons corporation.
• Coordinates investigations in cooperation with federal, state, county and other agencies that are of mutual interest to include corruption allegations of private prisons personnel, state employees and the illicit drug activity pertaining to promotion of prison contraband at state and private prisons and jails.
• Maintains an exchange of security threat group information between state, federal and county police agencies as well as national and international police agencies.
• Conducts criminal history checks and comprehensive background investigations, in-depth investigation into subversive activities and other related information, which establishes connections to gang membership.
• Monitors various organized crimes and gang related activities within the state and private prisons and jails.
• Complex surveillance work is performed to gather supporting evidence for cases involving dangerous or illegal drugs and/or other prison contraband from persons alleged or known to be trafficking; prepares reports for submission to respective courts for criminal proceedings and/or administrative proceedings.
• Performs investigations uncovering physical or documentary evidence, examining medical records and/or performing in-depth fact finding research for complex threat groups, gangs and organized crime, ensuring that all collected evidence is properly analyzed for court presentation.
• Ensures that the investigative procedures and processes are in compliance with the laws, rules, regulations, established directives and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Prepares investigative reports to include a thorough dialogue of the process, exhibits findings, facts and any other pertinent information. May brief appropriate officials and staff on investigative findings for gang related activity, high profile or complex cases, which may connect gang members at several different prison facilities.
• Provides knowledge of intelligence information and trains correctional (private and state) and law enforcement personnel in the use of that information to proactively target, suppress and/or disrupt gang activity.
• Testifies in court proceedings.
• Attends seminars and specialized training conferences.
• Instructor for departmental recruit classes as well as in-service remedial training to department employees on gang culture in the prison system.
• Performs administrative investigation when instructed to do so.

As the prison's Gang Intelligence Officer/Investigator I was charged with the following:

• Gathering intelligence and conducting surveillance on security threat groups (gangs) operating within the State's prisons and jails.
• Identifying and validating gang members in compliance with statutes, directives and departmental policies and procedures.
• Complex investigations into gang and staff activities that may pose a threat to the safety and security of the facility as well as the safety and security of staff, visitors and inmates. Forwarded qualifying investigation packets and evidence to law enforcement for criminal prosecution.
• Provided armed escorts of inmates to various locations for the purpose of testifying or clandestine meetings with law enforcement agencies.
• Collections and handling the recovered evidence while maintaining chain of custody, Including performing presumptive drug testing (i.e. MobileDetect) on recovered evidence.
• Conduct electronic surveillance on inmate and staff social media accounts, security cameras, inmate telephones and inmate video tablets.
• Generate intelligence reports to facility administration and STG Coordinator.
• Attend training conferences and participate in prison audits.
• Documented findings and prepared detailed reports.
• Assist in searches and shakedowns of facility.
• Collaborated with state and federal agencies on investigations.

• Conducted complex investigations into collective bargaining contract violation complaints which included the collection of evidence, interviewing witnesses and submission of complex reports. Application of the Seven Tests of Just Cause.
• Provided education to union members on collective bargaining rights, Hawaii Revised Statutes, National Labor Law and state and federal supreme court labor decisions.
• Filed grievances and cease and desist orders with respective employer representatives and serving notices of intent to arbitrate.
• Testify in Interest Arbitration hearings and depositions.
• Generate settlement agreements, provide recommendations to pursue prohibited practice complaints. Coordinated and hosted grievance meetings with employee and employer.
• Serve as representative in due process meetings, employee discharge hearings and pre-disciplinary hearings.
• Provided key administrative assistance to senior management.
• Assisted individuals in navigating processes and procedures to resolve issues, understand rights and express views.
• Kept up-to-date on case progress by frequently reviewing records and reporting findings to clients.
• Collected and prepared pre-trial discoveries, records and evidence displays.
• Assisted litigation attorneys with research, depositions, trial preparation, discovery and document drafts for court submittal.
• Participated in professional development initiatives for consistent improvement and up-to-date knowledge of emerging trends and best practices.
• Worked effectively with fellow team members to coordinate effective solutions to any question or concern.

• Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
• Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
• Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
• Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
• Supervised the day to day operations and Nine corrections officers (intake, transportation, and uranalysis).
• Submitted detailed reports.
• Reviewed court documents, analyzed fingerprints, collected DNA samples, maintained offender database.
• Maintained medical and court transport schedule. Ensured adequate armed security escort was provided and notifications to law enforcement agencies were made.
• Searched inmates and their properties to prevent the introduction of contraband into the prison.
• Coordinated and oversaw armed escort for inter-island charter flights between counties.
• Provided regular training on booking and release procedures as well as transporting procedures in accordance with department directives, policies and procedures and applicable laws.
• Liaison to all medical and hospital facilities that treated inmates.
• Maintained strict compliance to HIPAA and ADA laws.
• Maintained inventory and programming of facility two-way radio system.
• Conducted training on radio operations and emergency response.

• Tracked inmates through head counts, visitor logs, and scheduled activities.
• Observed and supervised inmates throughout visits, meal time, recreation, phone calls, and showers.
• Completed intake paperwork, fingerprints, and searches.
• Observed behavior of residents individually and in groups.
• Conducted routine and emergency head counts.
• Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records, and activity journals.
• Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
• Searched cells of inmates to identify and confiscate contraband and other prohibited items.
• Received and accounted for personal possessions and determined inmate work assignments.
• Interviewed inmates to obtain information and assess needs.
• Built solid relationships with staff and residents to keep institution safe and secure.
• Established positive working relationships and maintained boundaries with resident offenders.
• Made rounds at specified intervals and conducted head counts and roll calls.
• Responded to emergency situations and de-escalated hostile confrontations.
• Conducted security checks of inmates and living areas.
• Investigated and responded to incidents of inmate misconduct.
• Supervised inmates during meals, recreation and other activities.
• Provided assistance and guidance to inmates regarding daily activities.
• Administered drug tests to inmates.
• Prepared reports to document incidents and violations.
• Assisted in intake and release of inmates.
• Coordinated with other law enforcement personnel to exchange information.
• Responded to inquiries from inmates and other members of public.
• Interviewed inmates to obtain information and evidence.
• Transported inmates to and from court hearings, medical appointments and other locations.
• Enforced rules and regulations to maintain order among inmates.
• Received and inspected mail, property, and funds from visitors on behalf of designated inmates.
• Documented inmate behavior and activities in logbooks.
• Maintained firearms training qualifications as required.
• Maintained CPR certification as required.
• Maintained certification in suicide prevention.
• Maintained certification in PREA.
• Booked new inmates into facility and processed inmates for release.
• Restrained inmates when disturbances required physical intervention.