Twenty Assistant Resident Unit Supervisors recently attended the pilot session of new ARUS Training at the Carson City Correctional Facility.

The training program consists of two weeks of instruction. One week addresses basic supervision and leadership fundamentals, including discriminatory harassment, labor relations issues and transitioning from a line staff person to the role of a supervisor. The second week focuses more directly on the specific role of the ARUS and includes such topics as security classification, writing parole eligibility and lifer review reports, visitor applications, file management and leadership during emergencies.

The primary instructors for the more technical aspects of this training are volunteer ARUSs, RUMs, ADWs and deputy wardens who have both working experience in this challenging role and a willingness to share that knowledge with others. Additional speakers from central office included Diana Judge, who discussed answering prisoner questions about time computation, and Barb Slovisky, who talked about prisoner grievances. Former Warden Kurt Jones came in to discuss administrative hearings.

Director Patricia L. Caruso joined the group on their last day for a candid question and answer session, which centered on budget issues and plans to manage the Department of Corrections in a period of decreasing resources.

Four more sessions will be offered in different areas of the state. Plans are to offer them in Flint, Jackson, Kinross and Baraga in 2007; additional sessions will be offered as needed in the upcoming years. The Office of New Employee Training and Professional Development would like to thank everyone who helped us to make this needed training program a reality.

Michigan Department of Corrections, FYI Newsletter 022207