Our Mission:

Providing services

for adult offenders

to enhance public

safety through

effective and inno-

vative programs

supporting positive

choices, construc-

tive behavior and

accountability,

thereby reducing

repeat criminal

behavior.

Our Principals: • We believe change

is possible, and it begins internally.

• We believe all peo-ple are equal and diverse individuals having intrinsic worth who de-serve personal at-tention, support, humor, empower-ment and recogni-tion.

• We believe in cre-ating a challeng-ing environment that emphasizes individual growth, exploration and strength.

• We believe in be-ing proactive par-ticipants in socie-tal, environmental, political and indi-vidual change to promote a safer community.

Spokane County Detention Services

Community Corrections Newsletter

Director John McGrath Lt. Jason Robison

Summer-2018

Geiger IOP Client Leads On Work Crew, Excels In Treatment

Marcus Halligan, age 25, was convicted of DUI in 2016. He served 21 days in 2017, failed to comply with court-ordered restrictions and was re-arrested early this year. “If I had one drink, I’d just keep drinking. There was no moderation,” he lamented.

He was transferred to Geiger Corrections Center and immediately volunteered for Geiger’s Inmate Work Crew, assisting local non-profits and public agencies with a variety of labor-intensive projects.

Marcus met with Geiger case managers Barb McGlothen, inquiring about substance treatment. “I attempted Treatment before, while I wasn’t in custody. I didn’t finish and returned to alcohol, so was ea-ger to re-start with Geiger’s Intensive Out-Patient (IOP) Treatment contractor, Pioneer Human Services.”

Inmates seeking substance treatment at Geiger undergo a multi-dimensional assessment. The evaluation may reveal the inmate

does not have significant substance reliance, or perhaps their reliance is so acute that in-patient residential Treatment is indicated rather than IOP.

ASAM Level Of Care That was the case with Marcus. His 3.5 level of care was higher than the 2.1 level that Geiger’s IOP program is tailored to. In certain cases, though, Pioneer’s assessment counselors will over-ride the 3.5 level-of-care and place the offender in IOP anyway, as there is no in-patient Treat-ment option at Geiger.

Barb explained that typically when a 3.5 level inmate is referred to IOP, the hope is that through diligence, engagement and specialized counseling with the Pioneer’s team of Chemical Depend-ence Professionals, they can lower their level of care to 2.1 by the end of the 16-week program. “Pioneer bases successful completion on progress, not duration of participation, so for somebody coming in at 3.5, getting to 2.1 in an IOP setting can be a challenge.”

Not only did Marcus reach the 2.1 level of care, Barb stated he’s one of the few people be-ginning at level 3.5 who will discharge at level 1.0—having worked through two entire levels of Treatment in the time most people accomplish one.

Tireless Worker Barb told that Marcus struggled with the curriculum at first, seeking extra help from other IOP inmates on his housing unit, remaining positive in his Treatment group and applying himself. “He probably spent more time working on IOP than others, yet he had less opportunity to study be-cause he was away all day on Work Crew. He’d leave Geiger after breakfast at 7 a.m., then wouldn’t get back to start his homework until Treatment concluded at 7 p.m.”

Officer Jayne Buck, supervisor of the Work Crew residential floor, is equally impressed. “He’s very respectful on the floor; probably one of the most well-mannered and genuine offenders I’ve ever encountered. That’s unusual to say, but he keeps his space spotless, volunteers for extra work and fills in as a porter when needed.”

Marcus thinks keeping busy helps make the time go faster. “Sometimes after 11 p.m. when my homework is done, I’ll volunteer for extra work. It might be cleaning the bathroom, scrubbing walls or mopping. My faith helps keep me strong inside, and I have received a lot of really great support from my family here in Spokane.”

Marcus expects to continue on Work Crew until his scheduled October release. He never finished high school—commenting that math is a challenge—and with IOP now completed, will begin working in Geiger’s GED prep and testing program.

Looking to the day he gets out, Marcus has experience in landscaping, but would like to either

join a logging crew or go on an Alaskan fishing boat. “My pastor taught me about logging. We

worked in the Pullman-Moscow area.”

Page Two

Geiger Corrections Adds Third Drug/Alcohol Treatment Group

Second Time In Treatment, Focus Is On Personal Pitfalls, Relapse, Repetition

Randy Pernell came to Geiger in March 2018 with a warrant for possession of a unlawful firearm. “I was sentenced on a drug conviction in 2014 that resulted in a 20-month prison sentence. I graduated from IOP Treatment while in prison and led a sober life for 8 months after release. I wasn’t prepared to handle the tempta-tions and challenges; it was my first try at staying straight. A relationship I was in went sour, I ended up relapsing at a low moment, violating my probation and go-ing on the run. I knew I needed to turn myself in, but was addicted and couldn’t get sober enough to do it, so I kept running. Eventually, I came to Spokane from Tacoma to meet a friend. That’s when I was arrested and booked on the unlawful firearm charge.”

Upon arrival at Geiger, Case Manager Barb McGlothen asked him if he’d consid-ered re-entering Treatment. “I told her I might be going back to prison where I’d re-start Treatment, but that I’m not getting any younger (age 45), and wanted to start right away. I knew that in Treatment and behavioral cognitive therapy, repeti-tion is everything. More is better. Barb explained that Geiger IOP works mostly with people who have been sentenced, because they need to be in custody long enough to complete the 16-week program. Since I wasn’t sentenced, Barb con-tacted Prosecutor Cruz, who agreed to continue my case long enough for me to complete IOP Treatment. They didn’t have to do that; I appreciate it.”

Geiger IOP Counselor Lois Jensen told that Randy has been a leader in his Treatment group and will successfully com-plete the program. “He’s helpful to the other clients, provides relevant feedback and uses problem-solving skills we teach.”

Randy’s Floor Officer, Ron Joyner, commented that ever since Randy started IOP, his self-esteem has improved, along with his mood and the way he relates to others on the floor. “He’s intelligent, insightful and uses his faith to help him through the day.”

Randy stated that’s right. “Incarceration hurts, but being at Geiger is probably the best chance I’m going to have. The staff is encouraging and pleasant. The buildings are old, but it’s great being able to walk outside to classes and the dining hall. I was lucky to come here.”

Randy also completed Geiger’s Breaking Barriers program and attends re-entry education classes taught by Fulcrum instructor Jennifer Lloyd. “My relapse was partly caused by my inability to constructively cope with inter-personal chal-lenges. We spend a lot of time Jennifer’s Relationship Management processing situational scenarios you might have with co-workers, family or friends. That hits home for me. In some of the other classes we’ve talked about relaxation techniques and breathing to reduce stress. Of course, everybody needs a job, so I’m attending Job Skills to polish up my resume and practice the interview process.”

Randy remains optimistic as his sentencing looms. “Either way, my only option is to succeed.”

Geiger IOP Treatment Grad Randy Pernell (left) and Detention Services Case Manager Barb McGlothen.

Geiger Corrections Center’s Intensive Out-Patient (IOP) substance Treatment program started its third offender group on July 30. Geiger Lt. Jason Robison commented this is a much-needed addition, as the majority of Spokane Co. De-tention Services inmates have alcohol- or drug-related problems.

He explained Geiger IOP substance use Treatment programs aim to maintain a 12-client group size. “Twelve has shown to be about the right number, because it’s small enough to foster individual participation, yet large enough to assure constructive discussion among clients. Treatment is critical in effecting positive change for so many of our inmates, yet only a small percentage are in custody long enough to make any tangible progress. This new third group allows us to serve more of those who actually are here long enough to make progress. It does no good to just have them sit here”

Detention Services contracts with Pioneer Human Services to provide the IOP Treatment program. Each group meets

nine hours a week. Besides leading groups, Pioneer counselors Brittney Wheeler, Lois Jensen and Crystal Thueringer

also conduct substance use assessments of all referred offenders, perform Treatment intake and discharge interviews,

and meet one-on-one at least monthly with each active client. Additionally, they perform substance use assessments for

Spokane County courts and the Detention Services Mental Health team.

Lt. Robison hopes that in the not-too-distant future IOP and cognitive behavioral therapy can be brought to the jail.

“There are many at the jail not suitable for Geiger’s dorm-like residential floors, yet there’s no Treatment available to

them due to a lack of classroom space and a litany of logistical conflicts. It’s a glaring void we’re trying to figure out how

to address. For now, we’re grateful to have this new group up and running. Thanks to all who helped make it happen.”

Page Three

Geiger Female Work Crew Keeping Spokane Gateway Areas Bright & Inviting

Geiger female Work Crew, under the direction of Officer Greg Rose, spent considera-ble time in June sprucing up downtown gateways prior to Hoopfest. Geiger Work Crews routinely patrol underneath and around the freeway overpass, collecting rub-bish and beautifying public spaces.

With over 250,000 people participating, volunteering or spectating, Hoopfest is Spo-kane’s largest community event. Again this year Geiger Work Crews helped erect the main court, then set up over 400 street courts after traffic was halted 7 p.m. Friday night. They returned late Sunday afternoon to tear it down and take it away, all before 11 p.m.

Another of Geiger’s male crews, Supervised by Officer Ken Conwell, works daily at the Spokane Fairgrounds cleaning, assisting with maintenance projects and helping with event setup. During the Spokane Interstate Fair, Sept. 8-17, Geiger Work Crews will be busy maintaining livestock areas and changing out hay in the pens, keeping public areas shiny, cleaning floors and tending waste receptacles.

Geiger Work Crews Helping Non-Profit Historical Groups Preserve Local Rail Past

Geiger Work Crew inmates recently traveled to Reardan’s Inland NW Rail Museum to assist with on-going site development. This display area of a “speeder” and a baggage cart was beautified with landscaping rocks. Geiger Work Crews previously helped the Museum vacate its former location at the Spokane Fairgrounds. Work Crews continue helping with special museum projects requiring lots of labor. The NW Rail Museum inaugurated its Reardan site in 2016.

Not to be out-done, Geiger’s female Work Crew has also been helping preserve a part of the area’s rail lega-cy. Hillyard Heritage Museum Society, 3200 E. Queen, has several rail cars on display. The museum boasts railroad and fire-fighting artifacts from Hillyard’s bygone heyday. The rail cars—a caboose, boxcar, sleeper and maintenance car—house museum displays. Adjacent open-air space just east of Market and Queen routinely hosts community gatherings.

Officer Greg Rose with his fe-male Work Crew at Hoopfest, setting up backboards.

Geiger’s on-site Work Crew helps with maintenance pro-jects, grounds keeping, the community garden and whatever else at Geiger needs lots of labor. Here they pose in front of Geiger’s greenhouse, which they plumbed, wired and made varmint-proof. Among other jobs this summer, they manually dug a 4-foot deep trench to accommodate a new 200-foot con-densate line for Geiger boilers. Some of their tomato plants this year are 7-feet tall and still growing. They also help with on-site event setup, teardown and clean-up. Thanks, guys!

Litter and illegal dump site clean-up continue as a primary on-going job for Geiger Work Crews. Working areas for Spokane County Engineers, Work Crews have collected and disposed of 23,480 pounds through the first six months of 2018, according to Work Crew Sergeant Lewis Wirth. Over 81,400 pounds has been collected at the direction of City of Spokane Code En-forcement, 131,920 pounds for the City of Spokane Valley and 106,580 pounds for the Depart-ment of Ecology. That’s over 343,000 pounds collected and disposed of in the past 6 months.

Spokane County

Detention Services

Community

Corrections Programs

Mailing Address:

Geiger Corrections

1100 W Mallon Ave

Spokane WA 99260

Phone: 509-477-3259

Physical Address:

*3507 S Spotted Road

Spokane WA 99224

*No mail delivery

to this address

Geiger Corrections

Center

Lt. Jason Robison

Programs Supervisor:

Sgt. Dan Flint

Work Crew Supervisor:

Sgt. Lewis Wirth

Offender Programs

Case Managers:

Ron Cunningham

Barb McGlothen

Program Officers:

Ted Tofsrud

Ray Gawenit

Staff Writer:

Fred Peterson

Newsletter questions

or comments?

Contact

Suzanne Cavens

Technical Asst. II scavens@spokanecounty.org

We’re on the web:

www.spokanecounty.org/

detentionservices

Page Four

Relapsed Offender Retracing Critical Path To Sobriety

Geiger Inmates Continue Strong GED Testing Results

Nicholas Cozza came to Geiger in late April, following his arrest for failing to surrender one of his firearms in connection with an unadjudi-cated 2017 DV case. That meant he was also out of compliance with court restrictions from a 2015 DUI conviction. “I turned my guns in, but they searched my house and found one more. I wasn’t angry; I knew I needed help with alcohol.”

He was quick to note the DV case and the firearm charge are all still pending. “As of now, I don’t know how long I’m going to be here, or what kind of sentencing I’ll receive, but my priority is getting my life back from alcohol. I’ll be here into October serving on the DUI charge, which is about the only certainty at this point.”

Nicholas began Intensive Out-Patient Treatment (IOP) with Pioneer Human Resources counselors at Geiger in early May. The program is progress-based, requiring 144 classroom hours plus homework. His Treatment counselor reports he is positive, enthusiastic, a leader in group, and is on track to graduate in late August.

“I was in Treatment before and relapsed. I don’t know that it ad-dressed my core problems. Geiger IOP digs into your drug or alcohol history and shows you why you have substance abuse issues. The biggest component of IOP for me is called ‘Thinking For A Change.’ It

demonstrates the flaws in your thinking patterns, then goes about rewiring your decision-making process so you frame dedcisions in a rational and constructive way.”

Nicholas completed Geiger’s Breaking Barriers re-entry program earlier this summer. “Breaking Barriers explores cognitive behavioral basics and conflict resolution. Although it’s not clinical like IOP, it focuses on some of the same decision-making principles. Ms. Butterfield makes it a lot of fun.”

Detention Services Education Director Rebecca Butterfield commented not only was Nicholas one of the leaders in his Breaking Barriers group, he’s been an asset to the entire Education department. “He cleans the Education building’s classrooms and the restrooms, and for the past couple months has been assisting with clerical work. We’re pulling for him to succeed.”

Geiger Case Manager Barb McGlothen commented that besides working in the Ed building, he’s a porter on his housing floor and helps others with their IOP homework lessons.

Nicholas noted great support from his family, and looks forward to resuming work at his fami-ly’s south hill optical shop. “What I’m learning is right on point. My mother came to the Breaking Barriers graduation in June. We sat and talked after the program. It was the best day in a long time, not just because she was here, but because I genuinely felt optimistic about the future.”

Nicholas Cozza feels heightened conflict resolution skills are critical to his alcohol Treatment success.

Detention Services Education Director Rebecca Butterfield reports 19 Geiger inmates have attained their state-accredited GED in so far 2018. Many other Geiger inmates passed one or more of the GED test modules before their release and were referred to SFCC to complete their testing. As of this writing, there were 22 inmates participating in the Geiger GED program.

Rebecca commented that while Geiger GED program has been successful, efforts to bring GED prep and testing to jail inmates are on-going. “Director McGrath and Jail Lt. Hooper con-tinue working towards identifying a designated classroom space inside the jail where we could conduct GED preparation and pre-testing. Available space there is at a huge premium.”

Geiger Work Crews Making A Clean Sweep Of County Litter