TJA Digital Workbook
40th Annual TJA Conference
May 4-8, 2026 • San Marcos, TX
Claim Your Credit! Please Don’t Forget!
Please be sure to fill out your attendance card in order to receive your credit. If your card is not submitted prior to the close of the conference you will not receive credit. Any agency with an outstanding balance more than two weeks after the close of the conference will forfeit their opportunity to receive TCOLE credit.
There will be no exceptions!
Monday, May 4th
Monday • –
Course Description:
Monday,
7:30am
Registration for Participants
Monday • 7:30am–
Registration for Participants
Course Description:
Monday,
8:30am
9:15am
Veramendi
OPENING CEREMONY
Presentation of Colors
Travis County Sheriff's Office - Honor Guard
Monday • 8:30am–9:15am
Veramendi
OPENING CEREMONY
Presentation of Colors
Travis County Sheriff's Office - Honor Guard
Course Description:
Monday,
8:30am
9:15am
Veramendi
OPENING CEREMONY
National Anthem
Maria Edwards
Monday • 8:30am–9:15am
Veramendi
OPENING CEREMONY
National Anthem
Maria Edwards
Course Description:
Monday,
8:30am
9:15am
Veramendi
OPENING CEREMONY
Welcoming Remarks
Frances Dembowski, Sharese Hurst, Sheriff Anthony Hipolito, Ricky Armstrong
Monday • 8:30am–9:15am
Veramendi
OPENING CEREMONY
Welcoming Remarks
Frances Dembowski, Sharese Hurst, Sheriff Anthony Hipolito, Ricky Armstrong
Course Description:
Monday,
9:15am
9:30am
Veramendi
Election Information and Introduction of Candidates
Monday • 9:15am–9:30am
Veramendi
Election Information and Introduction of Candidates
Course Description:
Monday,
9:30am
9:45am
Break
Monday • 9:30am–9:45am
Break
Course Description:
,
• –
Course Description:
Monday,
9:45am
11:30am
Veramendi
KEYNOTE SESSION
A Plot Against the Downtown Detention Center
Sheriff Daron Hall, Brian Beazley, Cory Witkus, & Thomas Conrad
Monday • 9:45am–11:30am
Veramendi
KEYNOTE SESSION
A Plot Against the Downtown Detention Center
Sheriff Daron Hall, Brian Beazley, Cory Witkus, & Thomas Conrad
Course Description:
Described as bizarre and sinister, this story has drawn national headlines and put a spotlight on Nashville, TN. A prison/jail reform advocate, posing as a construction worker, spends months inside an under-construction jail. Ultimately, just weeks before opening, three loaded guns are found hidden in the walls of the 762-bed maximum-security facility; delaying the jail opening and costing taxpayers millions. How was his deadly plan foiled, why did he do it, and how can it be prevented in future projects?
Daron Hall was elected to his sixth term as Davidson County Sheriff in 2022. He made Nashville history by being the youngest person ever elected to the office and also the longest serving. Sheriff Hall has made arresting the problem, not the person, a focus. He designed and implemented the first-of-its-kind Behavioral Care Center, a diversion program aimed at decriminalizing mental illness.
Sheriff Hall was elected as president of two national associations. The only Tennessee Sheriff to serve as President of the National Sheriffs' Association. He was also elected the 101st President of the American Correctional Association. He has won numerous awards including the prestigious E. R. Cass Award - the highest honor given in the corrections profession.
After 35 years of criminal justice experience, Sheriff Hall is seen as an expert in his field. He has been interviewed by national and international media outlets including the Wall Street Journal, the British Broadcasting Corporation, NPR, the New York Times, Fox News, CNN, and Fortune Magazine.
Brian Beazley began his career with the Davidson County Sheriff's Office as an Application Support Technician 1 in 2017. He continued to work in the IT Division, and was promoted to Application Support 2 in 2020, and again to Technical Specialist 2 in 2022. Working throughout the agency, Brian has been instrumental in facility modernization through digital cameras and storage. As a technical specialist, he oversees hardware and software integration, CCTV cameras and their operations, and is regularly involved with agency technology upgrades.
Cory Witkus began his career with the Davidson County Sheriff's Office as a correctional officer in 2014. Upon graduating from the Sheriff's training academy, he was assigned to the Correctional Development Center. Cory transferred to the Security Division in 2015 and was promoted to Corporal in 2016. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2019 and in 2021 to Lieutenant. Cory is currently a Lieutenant at the Downtown Detention Center (DDC). As a Lieutenant, Cory is responsible for scheduling, training new officers, and overseeing the physical security of the DDC.
Thomas Conrad began his career with the Davidson County Sheriff's Office as a correctional officer in 2006. Upon graduating from the Sheriff's training academy, he was assigned to the Correctional Development Center. He performed duties in the male and female facilities. Thomas was promoted to Corporal at the Criminal Justice Center, then Sergeant, and later to Lieutenant. In 2021, he was named Chief of Security and has served as the Facility Administrator for the Correctional Development Center for Females (CDF), and the Downtown Detention Center. As Administrator, Thomas' scope of responsibilities includes supervision of all correctional staff, facility operations, and security. In 2025, he returned to CDF as the Facility Administrator.
Monday,
11:30am
1:00pm
On Your Own
Lunch
Monday • 11:30am–1:00pm
On Your Own
Lunch
Course Description:
,
• –
Course Description:
Monday,
1:00pm
Kissing Tree Golf Club
Jerry Baggs Annual Golf Tournament
Monday • 1:00pm–
Kissing Tree Golf Club
Jerry Baggs Annual Golf Tournament
Course Description:
,
• –
Course Description:
Monday,
1:00pm
5:00pm
Spring Lake AB
BREAKOUT SESSION I
The Basics
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Monday • 1:00pm–5:00pm
Spring Lake AB
BREAKOUT SESSION I
The Basics
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Course Description:
This course provides an overview of the standards established by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards and their application to daily jail operations. Participants will examine key areas including recreation and exercise, education and rehabilitation programs, inmate work assignments, and required services such as telephone access and correspondence. The course also addresses current trends in jail operations, including observation requirements, suicide prevention, documentation practices, and inspection readiness. Emphasis is placed on understanding compliance requirements, applying standards in real-world scenarios, and recognizing the importance of Technical Assistance (TA) memos as indicators of enforcement priorities. Upon completion, participants will be better equipped to maintain compliance, enhance facility operations, and support safe, effective inmate management.
Todd Allen joined the Texas Commission on Jail Standards in September of 2023. Todd began his corrections career at the Eden Detention Center (CCA) in 1995 before going to work for Tom Green County as a Resident Monitor at CRTC in 1996. He began his career with the Tom Green County Jail in January of 1998. Throughout his career he held the rank of Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and finally retired as a Major. He was appointed as the Jail Administrator in 2009 and remained the JA until retirement in 2023. Todd served on the Texas Jail Association board of directors for 10 years as a Director, Vice President, and President and is now a Past President and the Legislative Committee Chairperson. He is a graduate of the Leader Command College through the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas as well as Jail Administration Management and Operations, Senior Level Leadership and Mid-Level Leadership through the Correctional Management Institute of Texas. He is a graduate of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy Class #4. Todd holds a Master Jailer, Basic Peace Officer, and an Advanced Instructor License. He is the second of three generations of Law Enforcement professionals.
Martin joined the Texas Commission on Jail Standards as a Compliance Monitor on November 16, 2021. Martin began his 27-year career in corrections/law enforcement with the Nueces County Sheriff's Office in 1994 as a jailer. He promoted through the ranks until his retirement as Assistant Chief - Jail Operations (Jail Administrator) in 2021. Martin has attained his TCOLE Master Jailer and Master Peace Officer licenses as well as being a certified instructor.
Mike Garrett started his career with the McLennan County Sheriff's Office in 1994. He was promoted to Corporal in 1996 and to shift Sergeant in 1998. He attended the police academy in 1999. In 2012, Mike was promoted to Lieutenant. During his time as Lieutenant, he managed a shift and later moved into personnel. Mike's duties at that time were interviewing and hiring of new correctional staff along with support staff. In 2019, he was promoted to Captain and assigned to the Jack Harwell Detention Center where he oversaw jail operations until 2022 when he retired. Mike's entire career was spent working in the jail. He served two-year terms as President of the Sheriffs Law Enforcement Association of McLennan County. Mike holds a Master Peace Officer and a Master Jailer certificate. He started his career with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards as an Inspector in August of 2023.
Michael Gravitt began his career with the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office in 1995 as a Tech Officer I. He achieved the ranks of Detention Officer, Corporal, Sergeant, and Lieutenant, mostly working in the booking department and overseeing various other aspects of the jail operations. Gravitt advanced to the rank of Captain in 2008, where he oversaw the Support Services Division, which included procurement, laundry, kitchen operations, bonding, and facilities management liaison. As a Captain, he oversaw the jails inspection readiness and formed the compliance team in 2016. Gravitt retired from Tarrant County after 25 years' service in August of 2020 and joined the Texas Commission on Jail Standards in September 2020 as an inspector.
Jason Jouett began his career as a Correctional Officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at the Price Daniel Unit in 1992, until he joined the U.S. Navy in 1994. He spent eight years in the Navy, serving onboard Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarines. Jouett discharged from the Navy and came back to Texas in 2002. He was hired and promoted to the rank of Lieutenant at the Rolling Plains Regional Jail prior to going to work as a Corrections/Training Officer at the Eden Detention Center in Eden, Texas (CCA). He left CCA in 2014 and accepted the position of Jail Administrator with the Runnels County Jail in Ballinger, Texas, where he served until joining the Texas Commission on Jail Standards on August 1st, 2018. Jason holds a Jailers License, TCOLE Instructors License, TCOLE Firearms Instructors License, Chemical Agents, and Less Lethal Munitions Instructors License, as well as a PPCT Instructors License.
Monday,
1:00pm
5:00pm
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Legislative Update
Greg Whitley
Monday • 1:00pm–5:00pm
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Legislative Update
Greg Whitley
Course Description:
The Legislative Update for the 89th session will cover amendments to the Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, Family Code, Government Code, and Controlled Substances Act relevant to criminal justice professionals and practitioners.
Greg Whitley is a Special Prosecutor and the Criminal & Juvenile Division Chief with the Special Prosecution Unit (SPU) based in Huntsville, TX. SPU is led by Executive Director Jack Choate and is responsible for prosecuting crimes arising out of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) as well as the civil commitment of sexually violent predators. Greg has worked at SPU for the last ten years.
Monday,
1:00pm
5:00pm
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION III
Below 100
Kenny Lemons
Monday • 1:00pm–5:00pm
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION III
Below 100
Kenny Lemons
Course Description:
Below 100 is a law enforcement officer safety program that focuses on the reduction of the number of law enforcement related deaths to below 100 per year; a number that has not been reached since 1943. This class has a vision "to permanently eliminate line of duty deaths and injuries through innovative training and awareness" and a mission "to influence law enforcement culture by providing innovative training and awareness, through presentation, social media, and webinars on identifying the leading causes and current trends in preventable line of duty death and injuries."
Retired Sheriff Kenny Lemons joined TAC in 2019 as a Law Enforcement Consultant and is assigned to the Northeast Region. Prior to joining TAC, he served three terms as Sheriff of Clay County. Lemons has over 30 years of total law enforcement experience, including 20 years with the Clay County Sheriff's Office and 7 years with the Wichita County Sheriff's Office. He holds a Master Peace Officer License and an Advanced TCOLE Instructor Certificate. He is also a CQB Instructor and is certified in Fire/Arson Investigation and advanced SWAT. Lemons graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A.A.S. from Midwestern State University and attained a master's degree in criminal justice from Midwestern State in 2018. Lemons is also a graduate of the LEMIT Leadership Command College. He can be reached at kennyl@county.org or (940) 636-8378.
Monday,
1:00pm
5:00pm
Chautauqua
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Interacting with Veterans in a Jail Setting (TCOLE 4902)
Melvin Bowser
Monday • 1:00pm–5:00pm
Chautauqua
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Interacting with Veterans in a Jail Setting (TCOLE 4902)
Melvin Bowser
Course Description:
This course fulfills the legislative mandate established by SB1563 under Chapter 1701, sections 273 and 310 of the Texas Occupations Code. It provides county corrections officers with essential knowledge and skills for respectfully and effectively interacting with justice-involved veterans, including an overview of military culture, veteran-specific challenges, and trauma-informed communication and de-escalation techniques.
Since May 2020, Melvin Bowser has served as the Mental Health Trainer for the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. Before joining the Commission, he was employed by the Brazos County Sheriff's Office in Bryan, Texas, from May 1997 until he retired in April 2020. While with Brazos County, he served as Patrol Deputy, Crisis Intervention Deputy and Supervisor, and Classification Deputy. Melvin earned his Master Peace Officer certification, Mental Health Peace Officer, Jail Mental Health Officer, TCOLE Instructor Certification, Field Training Officer, and Advanced Crisis Negotiator. He is also a Master Trainer for the Jail Mental Health Officer Course and develops training curriculum related to mental health topics.
,
• –
Course Description:
Monday,
5:00pm
7:00pm
Veranda
Annual Jack Crump Scholarship Fundraiser Bar-b-que
**$10 per person to be collected at the event**
Monday • 5:00pm–7:00pm
Veranda
Annual Jack Crump Scholarship Fundraiser Bar-b-que
**$10 per person to be collected at the event**
Course Description:
,
• –
Course Description:
Tuesday, May 5th
Tuesday • –
Course Description:
Tuesday,
7:00am
11:30am
Veramendi
Exhibitor Set-up
Tuesday • 7:00am–11:30am
Veramendi
Exhibitor Set-up
Course Description:
Tuesday,
8:00am
9:30am
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I
Just Tell Me What You Want to Eat! How Assertiveness Affects Your Wellbeing
Melvin Bowser
Tuesday • 8:00am–9:30am
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I
Just Tell Me What You Want to Eat! How Assertiveness Affects Your Wellbeing
Melvin Bowser
Course Description:
This session explores the critical role of assertiveness in effective communication. Participants will learn practical techniques to develop a more assertive communication style, empowering them to express their needs and boundaries clearly and respectfully.
Since May 2020, Melvin Bowser has served as the Mental Health Trainer for the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. Before joining the Commission, he was employed by the Brazos County Sheriff's Office in Bryan, Texas, from May 1997 until he retired in April 2020. While with Brazos County, he served as Patrol Deputy, Crisis Intervention Deputy and Supervisor, and Classification Deputy. Melvin earned his Master Peace Officer certification, Mental Health Peace Officer, Jail Mental Health Officer, TCOLE Instructor Certification, Field Training Officer, and Advanced Crisis Negotiator. He is also a Master Trainer for the Jail Mental Health Officer Course and develops training curriculum related to mental health topics.
Tuesday,
8:00am
9:30am
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Integrity 101
Jason Davis
Tuesday • 8:00am–9:30am
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Integrity 101
Jason Davis
Course Description:
This is an interactive course focused on the critical importance of ethical conduct and professional behavior in the field of corrections. This course encourages open discussion surrounding the responsibilities of correctional officers and the impact of individual actions on the profession as a whole.
Participants will examine a variety of case-based examples involving ethical and unethical behavior, with emphasis on decision-making, accountability, and maintaining professional standards. The course highlights how ethical practices influence workplace culture, officer safety, public trust, and overall organizational integrity.
Jason Davis brings over 27 years of experience in corrections and law enforcement, having served the citizens of McLennan County, Texas, from 1996 until his retirement in July 2023. He holds Master Jailer and Master Peace Officer licenses through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
Throughout his distinguished career, Jason held a wide range of assignments, including Jailer, founding member of the Special Response Team, D.A.R.E. Officer, Patrol Deputy, and Criminal Investigator. He concluded his tenure as a Lieutenant, serving in both administrative and operational leadership roles, including shift supervisor for the McLennan County Jail.
Jason is a graduate of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy (Class #32) and is a certified TCOLE instructor. He is also a certified Jail Mental Health Officer (JMHO) Master Trainer and serves as an instructor for the JMHO Master Trainer course at Sam Houston State University. In addition, he served as a crisis negotiator and team leader for the McLennan County Sheriff's Office Crisis Response Team.
Following his retirement, Jason served as a Complaint Inspector for the Texas Commission on Jail Standards before joining the Brazos County Sheriff's Office, where he currently serves as Security Lieutenant. In this role, he oversees jail floor operations across all shifts, visitation, and the Special Housing Unit.
Jason is an active leader in the profession, serving on the Board of Directors for both the Texas Jail Association and the Bryan Noon Lions Club.
Tuesday,
8:00am
9:30am
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III
Hot Topics
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Tuesday • 8:00am–9:30am
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III
Hot Topics
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Course Description:
This course will equip Texas Jail Administrators and Staff with a clear understanding of current operational challenges, new legislative requirements, and common areas of non compliance, enabling them to strengthen facility practices, improve safety and accountability, and ensure full adherence to Texas Commission on Jail Standards expectations.
Todd Allen joined the Texas Commission on Jail Standards in September of 2023. Todd began his corrections career at the Eden Detention Center (CCA) in 1995 before going to work for Tom Green County as a Resident Monitor at CRTC in 1996. He began his career with the Tom Green County Jail in January of 1998. Throughout his career he held the rank of Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and finally retired as a Major. He was appointed as the Jail Administrator in 2009 and remained the JA until retirement in 2023. Todd served on the Texas Jail Association board of directors for 10 years as a Director, Vice President, and President and is now a Past President and the Legislative Committee Chairperson. He is a graduate of the Leader Command College through the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas as well as Jail Administration Management and Operations, Senior Level Leadership and Mid-Level Leadership through the Correctional Management Institute of Texas. He is a graduate of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy Class #4. Todd holds a Master Jailer, Basic Peace Officer, and an Advanced Instructor License. He is the second of three generations of Law Enforcement professionals.
Martin joined the Texas Commission on Jail Standards as a Compliance Monitor on November 16, 2021. Martin began his 27-year career in corrections/law enforcement with the Nueces County Sheriff's Office in 1994 as a jailer. He promoted through the ranks until his retirement as Assistant Chief - Jail Operations (Jail Administrator) in 2021. Martin has attained his TCOLE Master Jailer and Master Peace Officer licenses as well as being a certified instructor.
Mike Garrett started his career with the McLennan County Sheriff's Office in 1994. He was promoted to Corporal in 1996 and to shift Sergeant in 1998. He attended the police academy in 1999. In 2012, Mike was promoted to Lieutenant. During his time as Lieutenant, he managed a shift and later moved into personnel. Mike's duties at that time were interviewing and hiring of new correctional staff along with support staff. In 2019, he was promoted to Captain and assigned to the Jack Harwell Detention Center where he oversaw jail operations until 2022 when he retired. Mike's entire career was spent working in the jail. He served two-year terms as President of the Sheriffs Law Enforcement Association of McLennan County. Mike holds a Master Peace Officer and a Master Jailer certificate. He started his career with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards as an Inspector in August of 2023.
Michael Gravitt began his career with the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office in 1995 as a Tech Officer I. He achieved the ranks of Detention Officer, Corporal, Sergeant, and Lieutenant, mostly working in the booking department and overseeing various other aspects of the jail operations. Gravitt advanced to the rank of Captain in 2008, where he oversaw the Support Services Division, which included procurement, laundry, kitchen operations, bonding, and facilities management liaison. As a Captain, he oversaw the jails inspection readiness and formed the compliance team in 2016. Gravitt retired from Tarrant County after 25 years' service in August of 2020 and joined the Texas Commission on Jail Standards in September 2020 as an inspector.
Jason Jouett began his career as a Correctional Officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at the Price Daniel Unit in 1992, until he joined the U.S. Navy in 1994. He spent eight years in the Navy, serving onboard Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarines. Jouett discharged from the Navy and came back to Texas in 2002. He was hired and promoted to the rank of Lieutenant at the Rolling Plains Regional Jail prior to going to work as a Corrections/Training Officer at the Eden Detention Center in Eden, Texas (CCA). He left CCA in 2014 and accepted the position of Jail Administrator with the Runnels County Jail in Ballinger, Texas, where he served until joining the Texas Commission on Jail Standards on August 1st, 2018. Jason holds a Jailers License, TCOLE Instructors License, TCOLE Firearms Instructors License, Chemical Agents, and Less Lethal Munitions Instructors License, as well as a PPCT Instructors License.
Tuesday,
8:00am
9:30am
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Corrections Tactical Teams - Risk and Liability Management
Dionisio Dorado & Shawn Garcia
Tuesday • 8:00am–9:30am
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Corrections Tactical Teams - Risk and Liability Management
Dionisio Dorado & Shawn Garcia
Course Description:
Emergency Response Teams are charged with bringing dangerous situations under control. How do you evolve from brute force to controlled tactics? In this class we will discuss how the Travis County Corrections Tactical Unit manages the risk inherent with force application through their philosophy, selection process, de-escalation, tactics, and on-going training.
Dionisio Dorado is the current Lieutenant over the Corrections Tactical Unit for the Travis County Sheriff's Office and has been an operator or supervisor for CTAC for nearly 10 out of his 22-year career in the corrections realm. He holds a Master Jailer's license, is recognized as a Certified Jail Manager by the American Jail Association, and is a certified TCOLE Instructor with a focus on teaching Use of Force in a Jail Setting for the TCSO Training Academy. Lieutenant Dorado is also recognized as a certified Use of Force Analyst by the Legal Liability and Risk Management Institute.
Shawn Garcia has been employed with the Travis County Sheriff's Office for over 14 years, with 12 years as a member of the Corrections Tactical Unit with extensive experience in evaluating threat assessments with uncooperative inmates and mission planning. Officer Garcia is recognized as a Certified Jail Officer by the American Jail Association. He is the current Field Training Officer and Team Leader for the Corrections Tactical Team (CTAC) Team 1. He is currently responsible for the primary training of new CTAC operators and overseeing tactical operations within the jail and is recognized as a certified TCOLE instructor.
Tuesday,
8:00am
9:30am
Chautauqua
BREAKOUT SESSION V
Fighting Fentanyl - The Noah Rodriguez Story
Mark Andrews & Janel Rodriguez
Tuesday • 8:00am–9:30am
Chautauqua
BREAKOUT SESSION V
Fighting Fentanyl - The Noah Rodriguez Story
Mark Andrews & Janel Rodriguez
Course Description:
An informative presentation and discussion on the use and dangers of fentanyl. Deputy Mark Andrews from the Hays County Sheriff's Office discusses trends and statistics about the illicit use of fentanyl in Hays County and around the state of Texas. Janel Rodriguez, the founder of the Forever 15 Project, shares her story about the night her son, Noah Rodriguez, passed away from fentanyl poisoning and how fentanyl has affected her family.
Deputy Mark Andrews holds a master peace officer license and is a TCOLE certified instructor. He began his career as a dispatcher for Boerne Police Department, graduated from the academy in 2001, and became a Deputy in Comal County in 2002. In 2007, he moved to the Hays County Sheriff's Office and is currently assigned to the Community Outreach Unit.
Over the course of his 23-year career, Deputy Andrews has worked in several different capacities, including patrol, environmental crimes, and crime prevention. He obtained his Certified Crime Prevention Specialist certificate in 2018 and enjoys working with the community in all aspects of his current assignment.
Over the summer of 2022, Hays County experienced the loss of several high school-aged children due to fentanyl poisonings. In response, the Sheriff's Office formed a task force to include other area law enforcement agencies and the DEA. Sheriff Cutler tasked Deputy Andrews to learn everything he could possibly learn and present that information to as many people as possible. Deputy Andrews joined Janel Rodriguez, the founder of the Forever 15 Project who lost her son to fentanyl in 2022, to bring a very emotional and moving presentation to anyone and everyone. Together they have presented to more than 50,000 students and adults in more than 400 presentations.
Janel Rodriguez suffered the loss of her 15-year-old son, Noah Rodriguez, a Hays County ISD student, by Fentanyl poisoning August 21, 2022. She has started the organization Forever 15 project and has worked tirelessly across the nation to spread the word about the fentanyl crisis by sharing her story. Hearing from Ms. Rodriguez is life changing for audiences.
,
• –
Course Description:
Tuesday,
9:30am
10:00am
Break
Tuesday • 9:30am–10:00am
Break
Course Description:
Tuesday,
10:00am
11:30am
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I
Finding Your Voice
Ricky Armstrong
Tuesday • 10:00am–11:30am
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I
Finding Your Voice
Ricky Armstrong
Course Description:
This presentation highlights how mentorship empowers individuals to find their voice, stand firm in their values, and speak up for what is right especially when it matters most.
Ricky Armstrong joined the Texas Commission on Jail Standards in May of 2022. He began his 31-year career in law enforcement with McLennan County Sheriff's Office in 1991. He worked his way up from Jailer to Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Major-Jail Administrator. Ricky also served on the board of directors for the Texas Jail Association as Director, Vice President, President and now Past President of the Association. He holds a Master Jailer proficiency as well as Master Peace Officer license.
Tuesday,
10:00am
11:30am
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Staying Out of the Jail You Work In: Let's Talk Liabilities
Aimee Crockett
Tuesday • 10:00am–11:30am
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Staying Out of the Jail You Work In: Let's Talk Liabilities
Aimee Crockett
Course Description:
This presentation provides an overview of liability awareness in detention settings. We will examine the critical role it plays in maintaining safety, professionalism, and legal compliance. It highlights the concept of the "7 Affirmative Links" as a framework for establishing responsibility and accountability, and offers an overview of Qualified Immunity, explaining how it protects staff while also outlining its limitations. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of how their actions connect to potential liability and how to operate within best practices to reduce risk.
Aimee Crockett is a Lieutenant with the Smith County Sheriff's Office in Tyler, Texas. She has been in county corrections for over thirty years, beginning her career at the Dallas County Sheriff's Office. While in Dallas, Aimee worked in all facets of the detention's bureau, the identification/fingerprint section, and she spent a decade in the training academy working with the Basic County Corrections Course. After her time in Dallas, she joined the Correctional Management Institute of Texas (CMIT) as a Project Coordinator. Aimee is a graduate of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy, Class #7, and facilitated the NJLCA program while at CMIT. She also had the opportunity to coordinate the Jail Administration Management and Operations course and the Annual Mental Health Conference during her tenure at CMIT. Lieutenant Crockett serves Smith County as the training Lieutenant over the Jail Training Division.
Aimee is a lifetime member of the Texas Jail Association, currently serving in the position of Treasurer, and is also a member of the American Jail Association. She is a trainer and presenter for CMIT, TJA, AJA, and has attended NIC training for trainers on Direct Supervision.
Tuesday,
10:00am
11:30am
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III
Why Trauma Informed Culture Change is Key to Staff Wellness
Karen Ranus
Tuesday • 10:00am–11:30am
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III
Why Trauma Informed Culture Change is Key to Staff Wellness
Karen Ranus
Course Description:
The focus on and commitment to jail staff wellness programs and resources has grown exponentially in the last few years. While well-intentioned and much needed, studies show few wellness interventions for jail staff are well-utilized or have a significant impact. Most staff are unaware, distrustful of, or reluctant to engage with wellness programs, and it's not surprising. Jails are skipping a valuable and foundational step in building their programs. A broad and integrated trauma-informed culture change can ensure the success and efficacy of staff wellness resources and programs. This culture change requires a commitment to an agency-wide understanding and embracing of the universality of trauma. While more than 70% of the general population have experienced at least one traumatic event, the concentration of trauma is even more pronounced in correction settings. Jail systems and staff are immersed in and impacted by trauma. It's estimated close to 80% of incarcerated people have experienced repeated trauma (4 or more events) and more than 54% of corrections staff report symptoms of PTSD. Understanding trauma and how it impacts the community, your staff, and the people in your jail can shift the focus to a more proactive and de-stigmatized approach to wellness, reducing the barriers to engaging with programs and resources. In this workshop, Travis County Sheriff's Office first Trauma Informed Program Administrator will share their agency's experience integrating a trauma informed approach and provide access to the tools they've successfully developed and implemented. You'll gain a better understanding of trauma-informed culture change, the barriers to change, the simple and effective framework needed to integrate change and tools to quickly gain buy-in from your staff and evaluate success. Doing so will ensure your staff feel confident, inspired and empowered to engage in wellness that supports a safer, healthier, more resilient workplace for everyone.
During her 8-year tenure, Karen Ranus was instrumental in expanding the impact of the Central Texas affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in her role as Executive Director until joining the Travis County Sheriff's Office as its first Trauma Informed Care Program Administrator in 2023. Most recently, she served as the Vice President of Impact for Lucero Speaks, helping launch a health tech brand start-up focused on addressing youth mental health upstream before crisis.
Karen has served on the Steering Committee of the Austin State Hospital System Redesign responsible for the planning of the new hospital which opened in 2024. Additionally, she has provided expertise and insights on the Psychiatric Stakeholders Group, the Travis County Behavioral Health and Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, and the University of Texas Center on Youth Mental Health. She has developed and launched numerous mental health programs and has been recognized locally and nationally for her work, most recently as a Charles Schwab Local Hero.
Karen is currently Board Chair for Austin Clubhouse, serves on Impact Austin's Strategic Impact Advisory Council, on the Governance Committee of the Austin Child Guidance Center, and as a Seedling Mentor. She has been featured in numerous publications focused on mental health policy and issues and is a frequent speaker in the community on mental health topics.
Karen's expertise in developing curriculum, facilitating culture change coupled with a decade of lived experience in navigating mental health systems and policies as well as trauma informed training has been instrumental to ensuring the initial success of the Travis County Sheriff's Office new initiatives in supporting a more trauma-informed approach in the workplace.
Tuesday,
10:00am
11:30am
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Recruitment and Retentions
Rowdee Edwards & Johnny Jaquess
Tuesday • 10:00am–11:30am
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Recruitment and Retentions
Rowdee Edwards & Johnny Jaquess
Course Description:
Staffing challenges continue to be one of the most pressing issues in jail operations. This course provides Sheriffs, Jail Administrators, and Supervisors with practical strategies for recruiting and retaining qualified staff in today's competitive job market. Participants will explore innovative approaches to attracting new hires and improving retention through leadership development, staff wellness initiatives, and strategies to enhance job satisfaction and morale. Attendees will leave with actionable solutions to build and maintain a strong, dedicated workforce in their facilities.
Rowdee Edwards is a Captain for Detention Operations, supervises 78 personnel, and is tasked with overseeing a 1200 bed direct supervision facility. He sits on the S.H.E.R.I.F.F Fund Committee for employee assistance and emergency relief, benefiting employees and families for the Collin County Sheriff's Office. Rowdee has been a Corrections Professional for the past 16 years working for multiple agencies developing professionals and expertise in corrections. During his time, he has helped implement successful FTO programs for multiple counties and aided with the implementation of professional standards. Rowdee holds an Advanced Jailer License and is a TCOLE Instructor. He is a graduate and class President of the 36th National Jail Leadership Command Academy. Additionally, he continues to serve the Texas Jail Association as 1st Vice President and is currently the Chairman for the Texas Jail Association Nomination & Bylaw Committee.
Johnny Jaquess is the Immediate Past President of the Texas Jail Association (TJA) and a retired Assistant Chief and Jail Administrator from the Collin County Sheriff's Office. With more than 27 years of experience in detention operations, he previously served as a Captain with the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office and now works as a consultant supporting jail leadership and operations. He holds Master Jailer and Master Peace Officer licenses, is a TCOLE certified instructor and Mental Health Peace Officer, and is a military veteran who served as an Army Intelligence Officer.
Tuesday,
10:00am
11:30am
Chautauqua
BREAKOUT SESSION V
Retirement Readiness
Cynthia Gonzales
Tuesday • 10:00am–11:30am
Chautauqua
BREAKOUT SESSION V
Retirement Readiness
Cynthia Gonzales
Course Description:
Retirement is not just about the money. If you are thinking about retiring in the next five years, join TCDRS and EMPLOYER for a webinar about how to plan for a successful retirement. We'll not only talk about the financial aspect of retirement, but the emotional transition as well. Plus, we'll walk you through the steps for processing your TCDRS retirement.
Cynthia Gonzales is the Manager of the Member Services Field Representative department and has been serving TCDRS members for 16 years. She is a Certified Retirement Counselor, accredited from the International Foundation for Retirement Education, and conducts presentations and one-on-one member meetings in both English and Spanish. Cynthia was born and raised in Dallas and is now living in Central Texas. She received both a Bachelor of Business Administration, with a concentration in marketing, and a Latin American Business Certification from Texas State University.
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• –
Course Description:
Tuesday,
11:30am
1:00pm
Veramendi
Exhibit Hall Opens
Lunch and Fellowship for Participants
Tuesday • 11:30am–1:00pm
Veramendi
Exhibit Hall Opens
Lunch and Fellowship for Participants
Course Description:
Tuesday,
11:30am
5:00pm
Blood Bus
Annual Blood Drive
Sponsored by Southern Health Partners
Tuesday • 11:30am–5:00pm
Blood Bus
Annual Blood Drive
Sponsored by Southern Health Partners
Course Description:
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Course Description:
Tuesday,
1:00pm
2:30pm
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I
Just Tell Me What You Want to Eat! How Assertiveness Affects Your Wellbeing
Melvin Bowser
Tuesday • 1:00pm–2:30pm
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I
Just Tell Me What You Want to Eat! How Assertiveness Affects Your Wellbeing
Melvin Bowser
Course Description:
This session explores the critical role of assertiveness in effective communication. Participants will learn practical techniques to develop a more assertive communication style, empowering them to express their needs and boundaries clearly and respectfully.
Since May 2020, Melvin Bowser has served as the Mental Health Trainer for the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. Before joining the Commission, he was employed by the Brazos County Sheriff's Office in Bryan, Texas, from May 1997 until he retired in April 2020. While with Brazos County, he served as Patrol Deputy, Crisis Intervention Deputy and Supervisor, and Classification Deputy. Melvin earned his Master Peace Officer certification, Mental Health Peace Officer, Jail Mental Health Officer, TCOLE Instructor Certification, Field Training Officer, and Advanced Crisis Negotiator. He is also a Master Trainer for the Jail Mental Health Officer Course and develops training curriculum related to mental health topics.
Tuesday,
1:00pm
2:30pm
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Integrity 101
Jason Davis
Tuesday • 1:00pm–2:30pm
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Integrity 101
Jason Davis
Course Description:
This is an interactive course focused on the critical importance of ethical conduct and professional behavior in the field of corrections. This course encourages open discussion surrounding the responsibilities of correctional officers and the impact of individual actions on the profession as a whole.
Participants will examine a variety of case-based examples involving ethical and unethical behavior, with emphasis on decision-making, accountability, and maintaining professional standards. The course highlights how ethical practices influence workplace culture, officer safety, public trust, and overall organizational integrity.
Jason Davis brings over 27 years of experience in corrections and law enforcement, having served the citizens of McLennan County, Texas, from 1996 until his retirement in July 2023. He holds Master Jailer and Master Peace Officer licenses through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
Throughout his distinguished career, Jason held a wide range of assignments, including Jailer, founding member of the Special Response Team, D.A.R.E. Officer, Patrol Deputy, and Criminal Investigator. He concluded his tenure as a Lieutenant, serving in both administrative and operational leadership roles, including shift supervisor for the McLennan County Jail.
Jason is a graduate of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy (Class #32) and is a certified TCOLE instructor. He is also a certified Jail Mental Health Officer (JMHO) Master Trainer and serves as an instructor for the JMHO Master Trainer course at Sam Houston State University. In addition, he served as a crisis negotiator and team leader for the McLennan County Sheriff's Office Crisis Response Team.
Following his retirement, Jason served as a Complaint Inspector for the Texas Commission on Jail Standards before joining the Brazos County Sheriff's Office, where he currently serves as Security Lieutenant. In this role, he oversees jail floor operations across all shifts, visitation, and the Special Housing Unit.
Jason is an active leader in the profession, serving on the Board of Directors for both the Texas Jail Association and the Bryan Noon Lions Club.
Tuesday,
1:00pm
2:30pm
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III
Hot Topics
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Tuesday • 1:00pm–2:30pm
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III
Hot Topics
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Course Description:
This course will equip Texas Jail Administrators and Staff with a clear understanding of current operational challenges, new legislative requirements, and common areas of non compliance, enabling them to strengthen facility practices, improve safety and accountability, and ensure full adherence to Texas Commission on Jail Standards expectations.
Todd Allen joined the Texas Commission on Jail Standards in September of 2023. Todd began his corrections career at the Eden Detention Center (CCA) in 1995 before going to work for Tom Green County as a Resident Monitor at CRTC in 1996. He began his career with the Tom Green County Jail in January of 1998. Throughout his career he held the rank of Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and finally retired as a Major. He was appointed as the Jail Administrator in 2009 and remained the JA until retirement in 2023. Todd served on the Texas Jail Association board of directors for 10 years as a Director, Vice President, and President and is now a Past President and the Legislative Committee Chairperson. He is a graduate of the Leader Command College through the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas as well as Jail Administration Management and Operations, Senior Level Leadership and Mid-Level Leadership through the Correctional Management Institute of Texas. He is a graduate of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy Class #4. Todd holds a Master Jailer, Basic Peace Officer, and an Advanced Instructor License. He is the second of three generations of Law Enforcement professionals.
Martin joined the Texas Commission on Jail Standards as a Compliance Monitor on November 16, 2021. Martin began his 27-year career in corrections/law enforcement with the Nueces County Sheriff's Office in 1994 as a jailer. He promoted through the ranks until his retirement as Assistant Chief - Jail Operations (Jail Administrator) in 2021. Martin has attained his TCOLE Master Jailer and Master Peace Officer licenses as well as being a certified instructor.
Mike Garrett started his career with the McLennan County Sheriff's Office in 1994. He was promoted to Corporal in 1996 and to shift Sergeant in 1998. He attended the police academy in 1999. In 2012, Mike was promoted to Lieutenant. During his time as Lieutenant, he managed a shift and later moved into personnel. Mike's duties at that time were interviewing and hiring of new correctional staff along with support staff. In 2019, he was promoted to Captain and assigned to the Jack Harwell Detention Center where he oversaw jail operations until 2022 when he retired. Mike's entire career was spent working in the jail. He served two-year terms as President of the Sheriffs Law Enforcement Association of McLennan County. Mike holds a Master Peace Officer and a Master Jailer certificate. He started his career with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards as an Inspector in August of 2023.
Michael Gravitt began his career with the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office in 1995 as a Tech Officer I. He achieved the ranks of Detention Officer, Corporal, Sergeant, and Lieutenant, mostly working in the booking department and overseeing various other aspects of the jail operations. Gravitt advanced to the rank of Captain in 2008, where he oversaw the Support Services Division, which included procurement, laundry, kitchen operations, bonding, and facilities management liaison. As a Captain, he oversaw the jails inspection readiness and formed the compliance team in 2016. Gravitt retired from Tarrant County after 25 years' service in August of 2020 and joined the Texas Commission on Jail Standards in September 2020 as an inspector.
Jason Jouett began his career as a Correctional Officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at the Price Daniel Unit in 1992, until he joined the U.S. Navy in 1994. He spent eight years in the Navy, serving onboard Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarines. Jouett discharged from the Navy and came back to Texas in 2002. He was hired and promoted to the rank of Lieutenant at the Rolling Plains Regional Jail prior to going to work as a Corrections/Training Officer at the Eden Detention Center in Eden, Texas (CCA). He left CCA in 2014 and accepted the position of Jail Administrator with the Runnels County Jail in Ballinger, Texas, where he served until joining the Texas Commission on Jail Standards on August 1st, 2018. Jason holds a Jailers License, TCOLE Instructors License, TCOLE Firearms Instructors License, Chemical Agents, and Less Lethal Munitions Instructors License, as well as a PPCT Instructors License.
Tuesday,
1:00pm
2:30pm
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Corrections Tactical Teams - Risk and Liability Management
Dionisio Dorado & Shawn Garcia
Tuesday • 1:00pm–2:30pm
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Corrections Tactical Teams - Risk and Liability Management
Dionisio Dorado & Shawn Garcia
Course Description:
Emergency Response Teams are charged with bringing dangerous situations under control. How do you evolve from brute force to controlled tactics? In this class we will discuss how the Travis County Corrections Tactical Unit manages the risk inherent with force application through their philosophy, selection process, de-escalation, tactics, and on-going training.
Dionisio Dorado is the current Lieutenant over the Corrections Tactical Unit for the Travis County Sheriff's Office and has been an operator or supervisor for CTAC for nearly 10 out of his 22-year career in the corrections realm. He holds a Master Jailer's license, is recognized as a Certified Jail Manager by the American Jail Association, and is a certified TCOLE Instructor with a focus on teaching Use of Force in a Jail Setting for the TCSO Training Academy. Lieutenant Dorado is also recognized as a certified Use of Force Analyst by the Legal Liability and Risk Management Institute.
Shawn Garcia has been employed with the Travis County Sheriff's Office for over 14 years, with 12 years as a member of the Corrections Tactical Unit with extensive experience in evaluating threat assessments with uncooperative inmates and mission planning. Officer Garcia is recognized as a Certified Jail Officer by the American Jail Association. He is the current Field Training Officer and Team Leader for the Corrections Tactical Team (CTAC) Team 1. He is currently responsible for the primary training of new CTAC operators and overseeing tactical operations within the jail and is recognized as a certified TCOLE instructor.
Tuesday,
1:00pm
2:30pm
Chautauqua
BREAKOUT SESSION V
Fighting Fentanyl - The Noah Rodriguez Story
Mark Andrews & Janel Rodriguez
Tuesday • 1:00pm–2:30pm
Chautauqua
BREAKOUT SESSION V
Fighting Fentanyl - The Noah Rodriguez Story
Mark Andrews & Janel Rodriguez
Course Description:
An informative presentation and discussion on the use and dangers of fentanyl. Deputy Mark Andrews from the Hays County Sheriff's Office discusses trends and statistics about the illicit use of fentanyl in Hays County and around the state of Texas. Janel Rodriguez, the founder of the Forever 15 Project, shares her story about the night her son, Noah Rodriguez, passed away from fentanyl poisoning and how fentanyl has affected her family.
Deputy Mark Andrews holds a master peace officer license and is a TCOLE certified instructor. He began his career as a dispatcher for Boerne Police Department, graduated from the academy in 2001, and became a Deputy in Comal County in 2002. In 2007, he moved to the Hays County Sheriff's Office and is currently assigned to the Community Outreach Unit.
Over the course of his 23-year career, Deputy Andrews has worked in several different capacities, including patrol, environmental crimes, and crime prevention. He obtained his Certified Crime Prevention Specialist certificate in 2018 and enjoys working with the community in all aspects of his current assignment.
Over the summer of 2022, Hays County experienced the loss of several high school-aged children due to fentanyl poisonings. In response, the Sheriff's Office formed a task force to include other area law enforcement agencies and the DEA. Sheriff Cutler tasked Deputy Andrews to learn everything he could possibly learn and present that information to as many people as possible. Deputy Andrews joined Janel Rodriguez, the founder of the Forever 15 Project who lost her son to fentanyl in 2022, to bring a very emotional and moving presentation to anyone and everyone. Together they have presented to more than 50,000 students and adults in more than 400 presentations.
Janel Rodriguez suffered the loss of her 15-year-old son, Noah Rodriguez, a Hays County ISD student, by Fentanyl poisoning August 21, 2022. She has started the organization Forever 15 project and has worked tirelessly across the nation to spread the word about the fentanyl crisis by sharing her story. Hearing from Ms. Rodriguez is life changing for audiences.
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Course Description:
Tuesday,
1:30pm
4:00pm
North Parking Lot
Driving Simulator
Tuesday • 1:30pm–4:00pm
North Parking Lot
Driving Simulator
Course Description:
Tuesday,
2:30pm
3:00pm
Veramendi
Break
Visit with Exhibitors
Tuesday • 2:30pm–3:00pm
Veramendi
Break
Visit with Exhibitors
Course Description:
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• –
Course Description:
Tuesday,
3:00pm
4:30pm
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I
Finding Your Voice
Ricky Armstrong
Tuesday • 3:00pm–4:30pm
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I
Finding Your Voice
Ricky Armstrong
Course Description:
This presentation highlights how mentorship empowers individuals to find their voice, stand firm in their values, and speak up for what is right especially when it matters most.
Ricky Armstrong joined the Texas Commission on Jail Standards in May of 2022. He began his 31-year career in law enforcement with McLennan County Sheriff's Office in 1991. He worked his way up from Jailer to Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Major-Jail Administrator. Ricky also served on the board of directors for the Texas Jail Association as Director, Vice President, President and now Past President of the Association. He holds a Master Jailer proficiency as well as Master Peace Officer license.
Tuesday,
3:00pm
4:30pm
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Staying Out of the Jail You Work In: Let's Talk Liabilities
Aimee Crockett
Tuesday • 3:00pm–4:30pm
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Staying Out of the Jail You Work In: Let's Talk Liabilities
Aimee Crockett
Course Description:
This presentation provides an overview of liability awareness in detention settings. We will examine the critical role it plays in maintaining safety, professionalism, and legal compliance. It highlights the concept of the "7 Affirmative Links" as a framework for establishing responsibility and accountability, and offers an overview of Qualified Immunity, explaining how it protects staff while also outlining its limitations. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of how their actions connect to potential liability and how to operate within best practices to reduce risk.
Aimee Crockett is a Lieutenant with the Smith County Sheriff's Office in Tyler, Texas. She has been in county corrections for over thirty years, beginning her career at the Dallas County Sheriff's Office. While in Dallas, Aimee worked in all facets of the detention's bureau, the identification/fingerprint section, and she spent a decade in the training academy working with the Basic County Corrections Course. After her time in Dallas, she joined the Correctional Management Institute of Texas (CMIT) as a Project Coordinator. Aimee is a graduate of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy, Class #7, and facilitated the NJLCA program while at CMIT. She also had the opportunity to coordinate the Jail Administration Management and Operations course and the Annual Mental Health Conference during her tenure at CMIT. Lieutenant Crockett serves Smith County as the training Lieutenant over the Jail Training Division.
Aimee is a lifetime member of the Texas Jail Association, currently serving in the position of Treasurer, and is also a member of the American Jail Association. She is a trainer and presenter for CMIT, TJA, AJA, and has attended NIC training for trainers on Direct Supervision.
Tuesday,
3:00pm
4:30pm
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III
Why Trauma Informed Culture Change is Key to Staff Wellness
Karen Ranus
Tuesday • 3:00pm–4:30pm
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III
Why Trauma Informed Culture Change is Key to Staff Wellness
Karen Ranus
Course Description:
The focus on and commitment to jail staff wellness programs and resources has grown exponentially in the last few years. While well-intentioned and much needed, studies show few wellness interventions for jail staff are well-utilized or have a significant impact. Most staff are unaware, distrustful of, or reluctant to engage with wellness programs, and it's not surprising. Jails are skipping a valuable and foundational step in building their programs. A broad and integrated trauma-informed culture change can ensure the success and efficacy of staff wellness resources and programs. This culture change requires a commitment to an agency-wide understanding and embracing of the universality of trauma. While more than 70% of the general population have experienced at least one traumatic event, the concentration of trauma is even more pronounced in correction settings. Jail systems and staff are immersed in and impacted by trauma. It's estimated close to 80% of incarcerated people have experienced repeated trauma (4 or more events) and more than 54% of corrections staff report symptoms of PTSD. Understanding trauma and how it impacts the community, your staff, and the people in your jail can shift the focus to a more proactive and de-stigmatized approach to wellness, reducing the barriers to engaging with programs and resources. In this workshop, Travis County Sheriff's Office first Trauma Informed Program Administrator will share their agency's experience integrating a trauma informed approach and provide access to the tools they've successfully developed and implemented. You'll gain a better understanding of trauma-informed culture change, the barriers to change, the simple and effective framework needed to integrate change and tools to quickly gain buy-in from your staff and evaluate success. Doing so will ensure your staff feel confident, inspired and empowered to engage in wellness that supports a safer, healthier, more resilient workplace for everyone.
During her 8-year tenure, Karen Ranus was instrumental in expanding the impact of the Central Texas affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in her role as Executive Director until joining the Travis County Sheriff's Office as its first Trauma Informed Care Program Administrator in 2023. Most recently, she served as the Vice President of Impact for Lucero Speaks, helping launch a health tech brand start-up focused on addressing youth mental health upstream before crisis.
Karen has served on the Steering Committee of the Austin State Hospital System Redesign responsible for the planning of the new hospital which opened in 2024. Additionally, she has provided expertise and insights on the Psychiatric Stakeholders Group, the Travis County Behavioral Health and Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, and the University of Texas Center on Youth Mental Health. She has developed and launched numerous mental health programs and has been recognized locally and nationally for her work, most recently as a Charles Schwab Local Hero.
Karen is currently Board Chair for Austin Clubhouse, serves on Impact Austin's Strategic Impact Advisory Council, on the Governance Committee of the Austin Child Guidance Center, and as a Seedling Mentor. She has been featured in numerous publications focused on mental health policy and issues and is a frequent speaker in the community on mental health topics.
Karen's expertise in developing curriculum, facilitating culture change coupled with a decade of lived experience in navigating mental health systems and policies as well as trauma informed training has been instrumental to ensuring the initial success of the Travis County Sheriff's Office new initiatives in supporting a more trauma-informed approach in the workplace.
Tuesday,
3:00pm
4:30pm
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Recruitment and Retentions
Rowdee Edwards & Johnny Jaquess
Tuesday • 3:00pm–4:30pm
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Recruitment and Retentions
Rowdee Edwards & Johnny Jaquess
Course Description:
Staffing challenges continue to be one of the most pressing issues in jail operations. This course provides Sheriffs, Jail Administrators, and Supervisors with practical strategies for recruiting and retaining qualified staff in today's competitive job market. Participants will explore innovative approaches to attracting new hires and improving retention through leadership development, staff wellness initiatives, and strategies to enhance job satisfaction and morale. Attendees will leave with actionable solutions to build and maintain a strong, dedicated workforce in their facilities.
Rowdee Edwards is a Captain for Detention Operations, supervises 78 personnel, and is tasked with overseeing a 1200 bed direct supervision facility. He sits on the S.H.E.R.I.F.F Fund Committee for employee assistance and emergency relief, benefiting employees and families for the Collin County Sheriff's Office. Rowdee has been a Corrections Professional for the past 16 years working for multiple agencies developing professionals and expertise in corrections. During his time, he has helped implement successful FTO programs for multiple counties and aided with the implementation of professional standards. Rowdee holds an Advanced Jailer License and is a TCOLE Instructor. He is a graduate and class President of the 36th National Jail Leadership Command Academy. Additionally, he continues to serve the Texas Jail Association as 1st Vice President and is currently the Chairman for the Texas Jail Association Nomination & Bylaw Committee.
Johnny Jaquess is the Immediate Past President of the Texas Jail Association (TJA) and a retired Assistant Chief and Jail Administrator from the Collin County Sheriff's Office. With more than 27 years of experience in detention operations, he previously served as a Captain with the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office and now works as a consultant supporting jail leadership and operations. He holds Master Jailer and Master Peace Officer licenses, is a TCOLE certified instructor and Mental Health Peace Officer, and is a military veteran who served as an Army Intelligence Officer.
Tuesday,
3:00pm
4:30pm
Chautauqua
BREAKOUT SESSION V
Retirement Readiness
Cynthia Gonzales
Tuesday • 3:00pm–4:30pm
Chautauqua
BREAKOUT SESSION V
Retirement Readiness
Cynthia Gonzales
Course Description:
Retirement is not just about the money. If you are thinking about retiring in the next five years, join TCDRS and EMPLOYER for a webinar about how to plan for a successful retirement. We'll not only talk about the financial aspect of retirement, but the emotional transition as well. Plus, we'll walk you through the steps for processing your TCDRS retirement.
Cynthia Gonzales is the Manager of the Member Services Field Representative department and has been serving TCDRS members for 16 years. She is a Certified Retirement Counselor, accredited from the International Foundation for Retirement Education, and conducts presentations and one-on-one member meetings in both English and Spanish. Cynthia was born and raised in Dallas and is now living in Central Texas. She received both a Bachelor of Business Administration, with a concentration in marketing, and a Latin American Business Certification from Texas State University.
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• –
Course Description:
Tuesday,
8:00pm
Veramendi Foyer
Singles Cornhole Tournament
Tuesday • 8:00pm–
Veramendi Foyer
Singles Cornhole Tournament
Course Description:
Wednesday, May 6th
Wednesday • –
Course Description:
Wednesday,
8:00am
9:30am
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I
The Power of the Rubber Chicken
Jess Christensen
Wednesday • 8:00am–9:30am
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I
The Power of the Rubber Chicken
Jess Christensen
Course Description:
"The Power of the Rubber Chicken" is a basic look into development, strategies and implementation of negotiators in a correctional institution. Throughout this presentation, attendees will learn basic team development and strategies in crisis management, while learning "tricks of the trade", focusing on crisis negotiation skills and situational understanding. This presentation is designed for everyone. Its design includes individual detention staff members as well as a complete comprehensive crisis team within a facility.
Jess Christensen is a Captain for the Collin County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility. He currently serves as a platoon Captain in detention operations, supervising sixty-five personnel and is tasked with overseeing a 1200 bed direct supervision facility. He is the President of the S.H.E.R.I.F.F Fund Committee for employee assistance and emergency relief, benefiting employees and families for the Collin County Sheriff's Office. He has been a Corrections Professional for the past 17 years working for the Collin County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility. Jess is a licensed TCOLE instructor specializing in mental health, CIT, and negotiations training. He is currently a team leader for the Collin County Sheriff's Office Negotiations Team and lead Crisis Negotiations Instructor. He currently holds a Master Jailer license, Advanced Peace Officer License, and has a Mental Health Peace Officer certificate. He is a graduate of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy, Class #36.
Wednesday,
8:00am
9:30am
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Peer Support: The Beginning, The Middle, No End
Tamara Spencer
Wednesday • 8:00am–9:30am
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Peer Support: The Beginning, The Middle, No End
Tamara Spencer
Course Description:
This session explores the true purpose and power of peer support - an ongoing, mutual relationship where individuals provide emotional, social, and practical support based on shared experiences. Attendees will learn that effective peer support is rooted in empathy, trust, and the understanding that comes from walking a similar path.
Tamara Spencer got her start in law enforcement in 1997 as a League City Patrol Officer. After 10 years on the League City Police force, she was promoted to Sergeant and quickly stepped in to serve as a Special Operations Sergeant.
Tamara, a Master Peace Officer, has a long list of accomplishments and certifications including being certified and trained as a Standardized Field Sobriety test practitioner and instructor, State of Texas expert witness for DWI cases, mental health officer, bicycle and marine patrol officer, TCOLE certified instructor, Collision Avoidance Training instructor, lntoxilyzer Operator, Commander of the League City Honor Guard, advanced Accident Investigator, and a Crash Reconstruction Expert. She is also certified to teach Critical Incident Peer Support, and Suicide Prevention for Law Enforcement, and has done so since 2009 with over 250 classes taught around the United States.
After leaving League City PD, Tamara joined the Texas Municipal Police Association in 2016 as a Field representative for the Houston and East Texas Region. Her duties included assisting officers during critical incidents such as officer involved shootings, fatal crashes, and mental health support to include suicide interventions. Tamara also instructed numerous law enforcement classes around the state. She moved to the FRIDAY/ADAPT Drug and Alcohol Program in 2017 and is a former Law Enforcement Liaison for TMPA. Her duties in the LEL Program included working closely with the Texas Department of Transportation in all aspects of roadway safety, presentations on Distracted Driving, Social Harm, and Child Occupant Restraint Education and grant assistance to police agencies around Texas for Traffic Safety related grants year-long. Tamara was assigned to the Texas Districts of Ft. Worth, Houston, Laredo and Yoakum. She continues to teach Critical Incident and Suicide Prevention courses as well. Tamara is an active member of numerous area coalitions around the state and is the past Vice-Chair of the Bay Area Council on Drugs and Alcohol. She is also certified as a Child Passenger Safety Technician and recently became certified in the Below 100 course.
Tamara is married with four children and four grandchildren. Her husband James is a retired Assistant Chief of Police in League City and currently works for the State Bar of Texas.
Wednesday,
8:00am
9:30am
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III
Don't Be That Guy: Redux
Ray Scifres
Wednesday • 8:00am–9:30am
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III
Don't Be That Guy: Redux
Ray Scifres
Course Description:
You have heard of the ways not to be "that guy." In our third installment of the series, we go in a totally different direction! Around our profession we see peers and employees masking the trauma we experience. In this interactive and entertaining session, we dive into practical examples of why we should ask for help, and how we change the culture of our business in the best possible ways.
Ray Scifres currently serves as Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Lubbock Christian University. He retired from active law enforcement in December 2024, after completing two terms as Sheriff of Hockley County, Texas, and entered the classroom full-time. While Sheriff, he served as the Chairman of the Jail Advisory Committee, a member of the Legislative Committee for the Sheriffs' Association of Texas, and has served on numerous committees and taught at several JAMO sessions for new Jail Administrators and Sheriffs. Ray continues to be a frequent guest lecturer and public speaker discussing jail and mental health issues within the criminal justice system. He is a current member, and past board member, of both the Sheriffs' Association of Texas and the Texas Jail Association and currently serves on the board of directors for the Texas Corrections Association.
Ray is a graduate of Lamar University, where he earned his Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, and his Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and later completed his Doctor of Management at Wayland Baptist University.
Wednesday,
8:00am
9:30am
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Emotional Intelligence: Know Thy Self, Know Thy Co-worker
Heath Crossland
Wednesday • 8:00am–9:30am
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Emotional Intelligence: Know Thy Self, Know Thy Co-worker
Heath Crossland
Course Description:
This course introduces Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence. In modern law enforcement and corrections, the officer is under attack constantly. These attacks are physical, emotional, and psychological. The training we receive usually prepares us for the physical attacks and maybe some of the psychological attacks, like manipulation and being lied to. The emotional attack can be subtle or overt. Oftentimes, when emotions are injected into a tense situation with a suspect or inmate, logic disappears and we lose the ability to regulate our fear, anger, and frustration. This could lead to excessive force complaints and other negative outcomes for the officer.
This session will discuss the importance of knowing yourself and the negative outcomes of certain stimuli. What "triggers" you? When we become more self-aware, we start to see the areas where we can be vulnerable to emotional attack. Understanding Emotional Intelligence (EI), we can start to see similar patterns in our co-workers. Understanding our co-workers' "triggers" can prevent Use of Force situations from getting out of hand. As we have a duty to act and prevent excessive force situations, we can use this information to catch them before they start.
Heath Crossland is the current Chief of Police for the City of Mexia and has worked in law enforcement for 26 years. He is a retired Chief Deputy from Erath County Sheriff's Office. Heath has worked his way through the ranks from Patrol Officer to Chief Deputy and now Chief of Police. Heath is a Tarleton State University Alumni with a degree in Police Administration and holds a master's degree in leadership and organizational development in addition to a graduate certificate in leadership and executive coaching from the University of Texas at Dallas. He graduated the ILEA School for Police Supervision in 2013 and the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT), Class #77, in 2016.
Heath owns a consulting company that has a diverse client base including corporate, municipal, and other types of organizations. The company is called "foresight" spelled 4CITE. Heath and his company are proud to serve the law enforcement and corrections community. He is a consistent presenter in the topics of Leadership Development, Organizational Wellbeing, Individual Wellbeing, Crisis Leadership, Organizational Crisis Recovery, and Change. Heath is a crisis recovery professional focusing on the redevelopment and modernization of law enforcement organizations.
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• –
Course Description:
Wednesday,
9:00am
Foyer
Hays County Jail Tour Departs
Wednesday • 9:00am–
Foyer
Hays County Jail Tour Departs
Course Description:
Wednesday,
9:00am
12:00pm
North Parking Lot
Driving Simulator
Wednesday • 9:00am–12:00pm
North Parking Lot
Driving Simulator
Course Description:
Wednesday,
9:00am
5:00pm
Chautauqua
Jail Standards Showdown
Hosted by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Wednesday • 9:00am–5:00pm
Chautauqua
Jail Standards Showdown
Hosted by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Course Description:
Wednesday,
9:30am
2:00pm
Veramendi
Exhibit Showroom Opens
Wednesday • 9:30am–2:00pm
Veramendi
Exhibit Showroom Opens
Course Description:
Wednesday,
9:30am
10:00am
Veramendi
Break
Visit with Exhibitors
Wednesday • 9:30am–10:00am
Veramendi
Break
Visit with Exhibitors
Course Description:
,
• –
Course Description:
Wednesday,
10:00am
11:30am
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I (continued)
The Power of the Rubber Chicken
Jess Christensen
Wednesday • 10:00am–11:30am
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I (continued)
The Power of the Rubber Chicken
Jess Christensen
Course Description:
"The Power of the Rubber Chicken" is a basic look into development, strategies and implementation of negotiators in a correctional institution. Throughout this presentation, attendees will learn basic team development and strategies in crisis management, while learning "tricks of the trade", focusing on crisis negotiation skills and situational understanding. This presentation is designed for everyone. Its design includes individual detention staff members as well as a complete comprehensive crisis team within a facility.
Jess Christensen is a Captain for the Collin County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility. He currently serves as a platoon Captain in detention operations, supervising sixty-five personnel and is tasked with overseeing a 1200 bed direct supervision facility. He is the President of the S.H.E.R.I.F.F Fund Committee for employee assistance and emergency relief, benefiting employees and families for the Collin County Sheriff's Office. He has been a Corrections Professional for the past 17 years working for the Collin County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility. Jess is a licensed TCOLE instructor specializing in mental health, CIT, and negotiations training. He is currently a team leader for the Collin County Sheriff's Office Negotiations Team and lead Crisis Negotiations Instructor. He currently holds a Master Jailer license, Advanced Peace Officer License, and has a Mental Health Peace Officer certificate. He is a graduate of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy, Class #36.
Wednesday,
10:00am
11:30am
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II (continued)
Peer Support: The Beginning, The Middle, No End
Tamara Spencer
Wednesday • 10:00am–11:30am
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II (continued)
Peer Support: The Beginning, The Middle, No End
Tamara Spencer
Course Description:
This session explores the true purpose and power of peer support - an ongoing, mutual relationship where individuals provide emotional, social, and practical support based on shared experiences. Attendees will learn that effective peer support is rooted in empathy, trust, and the understanding that comes from walking a similar path.
Tamara Spencer got her start in law enforcement in 1997 as a League City Patrol Officer. After 10 years on the League City Police force, she was promoted to Sergeant and quickly stepped in to serve as a Special Operations Sergeant.
Tamara, a Master Peace Officer, has a long list of accomplishments and certifications including being certified and trained as a Standardized Field Sobriety test practitioner and instructor, State of Texas expert witness for DWI cases, mental health officer, bicycle and marine patrol officer, TCOLE certified instructor, Collision Avoidance Training instructor, lntoxilyzer Operator, Commander of the League City Honor Guard, advanced Accident Investigator, and a Crash Reconstruction Expert. She is also certified to teach Critical Incident Peer Support, and Suicide Prevention for Law Enforcement, and has done so since 2009 with over 250 classes taught around the United States.
After leaving League City PD, Tamara joined the Texas Municipal Police Association in 2016 as a Field representative for the Houston and East Texas Region. Her duties included assisting officers during critical incidents such as officer involved shootings, fatal crashes, and mental health support to include suicide interventions. Tamara also instructed numerous law enforcement classes around the state. She moved to the FRIDAY/ADAPT Drug and Alcohol Program in 2017 and is a former Law Enforcement Liaison for TMPA. Her duties in the LEL Program included working closely with the Texas Department of Transportation in all aspects of roadway safety, presentations on Distracted Driving, Social Harm, and Child Occupant Restraint Education and grant assistance to police agencies around Texas for Traffic Safety related grants year-long. Tamara was assigned to the Texas Districts of Ft. Worth, Houston, Laredo and Yoakum. She continues to teach Critical Incident and Suicide Prevention courses as well. Tamara is an active member of numerous area coalitions around the state and is the past Vice-Chair of the Bay Area Council on Drugs and Alcohol. She is also certified as a Child Passenger Safety Technician and recently became certified in the Below 100 course.
Tamara is married with four children and four grandchildren. Her husband James is a retired Assistant Chief of Police in League City and currently works for the State Bar of Texas.
Wednesday,
10:00am
11:30am
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III (continued)
Don't Be That Guy: Redux
Ray Scifres
Wednesday • 10:00am–11:30am
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III (continued)
Don't Be That Guy: Redux
Ray Scifres
Course Description:
You have heard of the ways not to be "that guy." In our third installment of the series, we go in a totally different direction! Around our profession we see peers and employees masking the trauma we experience. In this interactive and entertaining session, we dive into practical examples of why we should ask for help, and how we change the culture of our business in the best possible ways.
Ray Scifres currently serves as Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Lubbock Christian University. He retired from active law enforcement in December 2024, after completing two terms as Sheriff of Hockley County, Texas, and entered the classroom full-time. While Sheriff, he served as the Chairman of the Jail Advisory Committee, a member of the Legislative Committee for the Sheriffs' Association of Texas, and has served on numerous committees and taught at several JAMO sessions for new Jail Administrators and Sheriffs. Ray continues to be a frequent guest lecturer and public speaker discussing jail and mental health issues within the criminal justice system. He is a current member, and past board member, of both the Sheriffs' Association of Texas and the Texas Jail Association and currently serves on the board of directors for the Texas Corrections Association.
Ray is a graduate of Lamar University, where he earned his Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, and his Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and later completed his Doctor of Management at Wayland Baptist University.
Wednesday,
10:00am
11:30am
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV (continued)
Emotional Intelligence: Know Thy Self, Know Thy Co-worker
Heath Crossland
Wednesday • 10:00am–11:30am
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV (continued)
Emotional Intelligence: Know Thy Self, Know Thy Co-worker
Heath Crossland
Course Description:
This course introduces Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence. In modern law enforcement and corrections, the officer is under attack constantly. These attacks are physical, emotional, and psychological. The training we receive usually prepares us for the physical attacks and maybe some of the psychological attacks, like manipulation and being lied to. The emotional attack can be subtle or overt. Oftentimes, when emotions are injected into a tense situation with a suspect or inmate, logic disappears and we lose the ability to regulate our fear, anger, and frustration. This could lead to excessive force complaints and other negative outcomes for the officer.
This session will discuss the importance of knowing yourself and the negative outcomes of certain stimuli. What "triggers" you? When we become more self-aware, we start to see the areas where we can be vulnerable to emotional attack. Understanding Emotional Intelligence (EI), we can start to see similar patterns in our co-workers. Understanding our co-workers' "triggers" can prevent Use of Force situations from getting out of hand. As we have a duty to act and prevent excessive force situations, we can use this information to catch them before they start.
Heath Crossland is the current Chief of Police for the City of Mexia and has worked in law enforcement for 26 years. He is a retired Chief Deputy from Erath County Sheriff's Office. Heath has worked his way through the ranks from Patrol Officer to Chief Deputy and now Chief of Police. Heath is a Tarleton State University Alumni with a degree in Police Administration and holds a master's degree in leadership and organizational development in addition to a graduate certificate in leadership and executive coaching from the University of Texas at Dallas. He graduated the ILEA School for Police Supervision in 2013 and the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT), Class #77, in 2016.
Heath owns a consulting company that has a diverse client base including corporate, municipal, and other types of organizations. The company is called "foresight" spelled 4CITE. Heath and his company are proud to serve the law enforcement and corrections community. He is a consistent presenter in the topics of Leadership Development, Organizational Wellbeing, Individual Wellbeing, Crisis Leadership, Organizational Crisis Recovery, and Change. Heath is a crisis recovery professional focusing on the redevelopment and modernization of law enforcement organizations.
,
• –
Course Description:
Wednesday,
11:30am
1:00pm
Veramendi
Lunch and Fellowship for Participants
Wednesday • 11:30am–1:00pm
Veramendi
Lunch and Fellowship for Participants
Course Description:
Wednesday,
1:00pm
2:30pm
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I
The Power of the Rubber Chicken
Jess Christensen
Wednesday • 1:00pm–2:30pm
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I
The Power of the Rubber Chicken
Jess Christensen
Course Description:
"The Power of the Rubber Chicken" is a basic look into development, strategies and implementation of negotiators in a correctional institution. Throughout this presentation, attendees will learn basic team development and strategies in crisis management, while learning "tricks of the trade", focusing on crisis negotiation skills and situational understanding. This presentation is designed for everyone. Its design includes individual detention staff members as well as a complete comprehensive crisis team within a facility.
Jess Christensen is a Captain for the Collin County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility. He currently serves as a platoon Captain in detention operations, supervising sixty-five personnel and is tasked with overseeing a 1200 bed direct supervision facility. He is the President of the S.H.E.R.I.F.F Fund Committee for employee assistance and emergency relief, benefiting employees and families for the Collin County Sheriff's Office. He has been a Corrections Professional for the past 17 years working for the Collin County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility. Jess is a licensed TCOLE instructor specializing in mental health, CIT, and negotiations training. He is currently a team leader for the Collin County Sheriff's Office Negotiations Team and lead Crisis Negotiations Instructor. He currently holds a Master Jailer license, Advanced Peace Officer License, and has a Mental Health Peace Officer certificate. He is a graduate of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy, Class #36.
Wednesday,
1:00pm
2:30pm
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Peer Support: The Beginning, The Middle, No End
Tamara Spencer
Wednesday • 1:00pm–2:30pm
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Peer Support: The Beginning, The Middle, No End
Tamara Spencer
Course Description:
This session explores the true purpose and power of peer support - an ongoing, mutual relationship where individuals provide emotional, social, and practical support based on shared experiences. Attendees will learn that effective peer support is rooted in empathy, trust, and the understanding that comes from walking a similar path.
Tamara Spencer got her start in law enforcement in 1997 as a League City Patrol Officer. After 10 years on the League City Police force, she was promoted to Sergeant and quickly stepped in to serve as a Special Operations Sergeant.
Tamara, a Master Peace Officer, has a long list of accomplishments and certifications including being certified and trained as a Standardized Field Sobriety test practitioner and instructor, State of Texas expert witness for DWI cases, mental health officer, bicycle and marine patrol officer, TCOLE certified instructor, Collision Avoidance Training instructor, lntoxilyzer Operator, Commander of the League City Honor Guard, advanced Accident Investigator, and a Crash Reconstruction Expert. She is also certified to teach Critical Incident Peer Support, and Suicide Prevention for Law Enforcement, and has done so since 2009 with over 250 classes taught around the United States.
After leaving League City PD, Tamara joined the Texas Municipal Police Association in 2016 as a Field representative for the Houston and East Texas Region. Her duties included assisting officers during critical incidents such as officer involved shootings, fatal crashes, and mental health support to include suicide interventions. Tamara also instructed numerous law enforcement classes around the state. She moved to the FRIDAY/ADAPT Drug and Alcohol Program in 2017 and is a former Law Enforcement Liaison for TMPA. Her duties in the LEL Program included working closely with the Texas Department of Transportation in all aspects of roadway safety, presentations on Distracted Driving, Social Harm, and Child Occupant Restraint Education and grant assistance to police agencies around Texas for Traffic Safety related grants year-long. Tamara was assigned to the Texas Districts of Ft. Worth, Houston, Laredo and Yoakum. She continues to teach Critical Incident and Suicide Prevention courses as well. Tamara is an active member of numerous area coalitions around the state and is the past Vice-Chair of the Bay Area Council on Drugs and Alcohol. She is also certified as a Child Passenger Safety Technician and recently became certified in the Below 100 course.
Tamara is married with four children and four grandchildren. Her husband James is a retired Assistant Chief of Police in League City and currently works for the State Bar of Texas.
Wednesday,
1:00pm
2:30pm
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III
Don't Be That Guy: Redux
Ray Scifres
Wednesday • 1:00pm–2:30pm
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III
Don't Be That Guy: Redux
Ray Scifres
Course Description:
You have heard of the ways not to be "that guy." In our third installment of the series, we go in a totally different direction! Around our profession we see peers and employees masking the trauma we experience. In this interactive and entertaining session, we dive into practical examples of why we should ask for help, and how we change the culture of our business in the best possible ways.
Ray Scifres currently serves as Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Lubbock Christian University. He retired from active law enforcement in December 2024, after completing two terms as Sheriff of Hockley County, Texas, and entered the classroom full-time. While Sheriff, he served as the Chairman of the Jail Advisory Committee, a member of the Legislative Committee for the Sheriffs' Association of Texas, and has served on numerous committees and taught at several JAMO sessions for new Jail Administrators and Sheriffs. Ray continues to be a frequent guest lecturer and public speaker discussing jail and mental health issues within the criminal justice system. He is a current member, and past board member, of both the Sheriffs' Association of Texas and the Texas Jail Association and currently serves on the board of directors for the Texas Corrections Association.
Ray is a graduate of Lamar University, where he earned his Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, and his Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and later completed his Doctor of Management at Wayland Baptist University.
Wednesday,
1:00pm
2:30pm
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Emotional Intelligence: Know Thy Self, Know Thy Co-worker
Heath Crossland
Wednesday • 1:00pm–2:30pm
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Emotional Intelligence: Know Thy Self, Know Thy Co-worker
Heath Crossland
Course Description:
This course introduces Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence. In modern law enforcement and corrections, the officer is under attack constantly. These attacks are physical, emotional, and psychological. The training we receive usually prepares us for the physical attacks and maybe some of the psychological attacks, like manipulation and being lied to. The emotional attack can be subtle or overt. Oftentimes, when emotions are injected into a tense situation with a suspect or inmate, logic disappears and we lose the ability to regulate our fear, anger, and frustration. This could lead to excessive force complaints and other negative outcomes for the officer.
This session will discuss the importance of knowing yourself and the negative outcomes of certain stimuli. What "triggers" you? When we become more self-aware, we start to see the areas where we can be vulnerable to emotional attack. Understanding Emotional Intelligence (EI), we can start to see similar patterns in our co-workers. Understanding our co-workers' "triggers" can prevent Use of Force situations from getting out of hand. As we have a duty to act and prevent excessive force situations, we can use this information to catch them before they start.
Heath Crossland is the current Chief of Police for the City of Mexia and has worked in law enforcement for 26 years. He is a retired Chief Deputy from Erath County Sheriff's Office. Heath has worked his way through the ranks from Patrol Officer to Chief Deputy and now Chief of Police. Heath is a Tarleton State University Alumni with a degree in Police Administration and holds a master's degree in leadership and organizational development in addition to a graduate certificate in leadership and executive coaching from the University of Texas at Dallas. He graduated the ILEA School for Police Supervision in 2013 and the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT), Class #77, in 2016.
Heath owns a consulting company that has a diverse client base including corporate, municipal, and other types of organizations. The company is called "foresight" spelled 4CITE. Heath and his company are proud to serve the law enforcement and corrections community. He is a consistent presenter in the topics of Leadership Development, Organizational Wellbeing, Individual Wellbeing, Crisis Leadership, Organizational Crisis Recovery, and Change. Heath is a crisis recovery professional focusing on the redevelopment and modernization of law enforcement organizations.
Wednesday,
1:30pm
Foyer
Hays County Jail Tour Departs
Wednesday • 1:30pm–
Foyer
Hays County Jail Tour Departs
Course Description:
Wednesday,
1:30pm
5:00pm
North Parking Lot
Driving Simulator
Wednesday • 1:30pm–5:00pm
North Parking Lot
Driving Simulator
Course Description:
Wednesday,
2:30pm
3:00pm
Foyer
Break
Wednesday • 2:30pm–3:00pm
Foyer
Break
Course Description:
Wednesday,
3:00pm
Private Dining Room One
Sheriffs' Association of Texas Jail Advisory Meeting
Wednesday • 3:00pm–
Private Dining Room One
Sheriffs' Association of Texas Jail Advisory Meeting
Course Description:
Wednesday,
3:00pm
4:30pm
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I (continued)
The Power of the Rubber Chicken
Jess Christensen
Wednesday • 3:00pm–4:30pm
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I (continued)
The Power of the Rubber Chicken
Jess Christensen
Course Description:
"The Power of the Rubber Chicken" is a basic look into development, strategies and implementation of negotiators in a correctional institution. Throughout this presentation, attendees will learn basic team development and strategies in crisis management, while learning "tricks of the trade", focusing on crisis negotiation skills and situational understanding. This presentation is designed for everyone. Its design includes individual detention staff members as well as a complete comprehensive crisis team within a facility.
Jess Christensen is a Captain for the Collin County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility. He currently serves as a platoon Captain in detention operations, supervising sixty-five personnel and is tasked with overseeing a 1200 bed direct supervision facility. He is the President of the S.H.E.R.I.F.F Fund Committee for employee assistance and emergency relief, benefiting employees and families for the Collin County Sheriff's Office. He has been a Corrections Professional for the past 17 years working for the Collin County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility. Jess is a licensed TCOLE instructor specializing in mental health, CIT, and negotiations training. He is currently a team leader for the Collin County Sheriff's Office Negotiations Team and lead Crisis Negotiations Instructor. He currently holds a Master Jailer license, Advanced Peace Officer License, and has a Mental Health Peace Officer certificate. He is a graduate of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy, Class #36.
Wednesday,
3:00pm
4:30pm
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II (continued)
Peer Support: The Beginning, The Middle, No End
Tamara Spencer
Wednesday • 3:00pm–4:30pm
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II (continued)
Peer Support: The Beginning, The Middle, No End
Tamara Spencer
Course Description:
This session explores the true purpose and power of peer support - an ongoing, mutual relationship where individuals provide emotional, social, and practical support based on shared experiences. Attendees will learn that effective peer support is rooted in empathy, trust, and the understanding that comes from walking a similar path.
Tamara Spencer got her start in law enforcement in 1997 as a League City Patrol Officer. After 10 years on the League City Police force, she was promoted to Sergeant and quickly stepped in to serve as a Special Operations Sergeant.
Tamara, a Master Peace Officer, has a long list of accomplishments and certifications including being certified and trained as a Standardized Field Sobriety test practitioner and instructor, State of Texas expert witness for DWI cases, mental health officer, bicycle and marine patrol officer, TCOLE certified instructor, Collision Avoidance Training instructor, lntoxilyzer Operator, Commander of the League City Honor Guard, advanced Accident Investigator, and a Crash Reconstruction Expert. She is also certified to teach Critical Incident Peer Support, and Suicide Prevention for Law Enforcement, and has done so since 2009 with over 250 classes taught around the United States.
After leaving League City PD, Tamara joined the Texas Municipal Police Association in 2016 as a Field representative for the Houston and East Texas Region. Her duties included assisting officers during critical incidents such as officer involved shootings, fatal crashes, and mental health support to include suicide interventions. Tamara also instructed numerous law enforcement classes around the state. She moved to the FRIDAY/ADAPT Drug and Alcohol Program in 2017 and is a former Law Enforcement Liaison for TMPA. Her duties in the LEL Program included working closely with the Texas Department of Transportation in all aspects of roadway safety, presentations on Distracted Driving, Social Harm, and Child Occupant Restraint Education and grant assistance to police agencies around Texas for Traffic Safety related grants year-long. Tamara was assigned to the Texas Districts of Ft. Worth, Houston, Laredo and Yoakum. She continues to teach Critical Incident and Suicide Prevention courses as well. Tamara is an active member of numerous area coalitions around the state and is the past Vice-Chair of the Bay Area Council on Drugs and Alcohol. She is also certified as a Child Passenger Safety Technician and recently became certified in the Below 100 course.
Tamara is married with four children and four grandchildren. Her husband James is a retired Assistant Chief of Police in League City and currently works for the State Bar of Texas.
Wednesday,
3:00pm
4:30pm
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III (continued)
Don't Be That Guy: Redux
Ray Scifres
Wednesday • 3:00pm–4:30pm
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III (continued)
Don't Be That Guy: Redux
Ray Scifres
Course Description:
You have heard of the ways not to be "that guy." In our third installment of the series, we go in a totally different direction! Around our profession we see peers and employees masking the trauma we experience. In this interactive and entertaining session, we dive into practical examples of why we should ask for help, and how we change the culture of our business in the best possible ways.
Ray Scifres currently serves as Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Lubbock Christian University. He retired from active law enforcement in December 2024, after completing two terms as Sheriff of Hockley County, Texas, and entered the classroom full-time. While Sheriff, he served as the Chairman of the Jail Advisory Committee, a member of the Legislative Committee for the Sheriffs' Association of Texas, and has served on numerous committees and taught at several JAMO sessions for new Jail Administrators and Sheriffs. Ray continues to be a frequent guest lecturer and public speaker discussing jail and mental health issues within the criminal justice system. He is a current member, and past board member, of both the Sheriffs' Association of Texas and the Texas Jail Association and currently serves on the board of directors for the Texas Corrections Association.
Ray is a graduate of Lamar University, where he earned his Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, and his Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and later completed his Doctor of Management at Wayland Baptist University.
Wednesday,
3:00pm
4:30pm
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV (continued)
Emotional Intelligence: Know Thy Self, Know Thy Co-worker
Heath Crossland
Wednesday • 3:00pm–4:30pm
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV (continued)
Emotional Intelligence: Know Thy Self, Know Thy Co-worker
Heath Crossland
Course Description:
This course introduces Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence. In modern law enforcement and corrections, the officer is under attack constantly. These attacks are physical, emotional, and psychological. The training we receive usually prepares us for the physical attacks and maybe some of the psychological attacks, like manipulation and being lied to. The emotional attack can be subtle or overt. Oftentimes, when emotions are injected into a tense situation with a suspect or inmate, logic disappears and we lose the ability to regulate our fear, anger, and frustration. This could lead to excessive force complaints and other negative outcomes for the officer.
This session will discuss the importance of knowing yourself and the negative outcomes of certain stimuli. What "triggers" you? When we become more self-aware, we start to see the areas where we can be vulnerable to emotional attack. Understanding Emotional Intelligence (EI), we can start to see similar patterns in our co-workers. Understanding our co-workers' "triggers" can prevent Use of Force situations from getting out of hand. As we have a duty to act and prevent excessive force situations, we can use this information to catch them before they start.
Heath Crossland is the current Chief of Police for the City of Mexia and has worked in law enforcement for 26 years. He is a retired Chief Deputy from Erath County Sheriff's Office. Heath has worked his way through the ranks from Patrol Officer to Chief Deputy and now Chief of Police. Heath is a Tarleton State University Alumni with a degree in Police Administration and holds a master's degree in leadership and organizational development in addition to a graduate certificate in leadership and executive coaching from the University of Texas at Dallas. He graduated the ILEA School for Police Supervision in 2013 and the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT), Class #77, in 2016.
Heath owns a consulting company that has a diverse client base including corporate, municipal, and other types of organizations. The company is called "foresight" spelled 4CITE. Heath and his company are proud to serve the law enforcement and corrections community. He is a consistent presenter in the topics of Leadership Development, Organizational Wellbeing, Individual Wellbeing, Crisis Leadership, Organizational Crisis Recovery, and Change. Heath is a crisis recovery professional focusing on the redevelopment and modernization of law enforcement organizations.
Wednesday,
4:00pm
Foyer
Hays County Jail Tour Departs
Wednesday • 4:00pm–
Foyer
Hays County Jail Tour Departs
Course Description:
Wednesday,
4:30pm
6:30pm
Rocky Mountain Grille
Women in Corrections Happy Hour
Hosted by Sustainable Security Solutions, Inc
Wednesday • 4:30pm–6:30pm
Rocky Mountain Grille
Women in Corrections Happy Hour
Hosted by Sustainable Security Solutions, Inc
Course Description:
Wednesday,
8:00pm
Foyer
Cornhole Tournament
Wednesday • 8:00pm–
Foyer
Cornhole Tournament
Course Description:
,
• –
Course Description:
Thursday, May 7th
Thursday • –
Course Description:
Thursday,
7:00am
8:00am
Veramendi BD
Prayer Breakfast
Mason Moore
Thursday • 7:00am–8:00am
Veramendi BD
Prayer Breakfast
Mason Moore
Course Description:
Join us for an uplifting morning of fellowship, faith, and reflection. This gathering offers a welcoming space to connect over a shared meal, hear an inspiring message from host Larry Roy, and unite in prayer for our community, families, and personal growth. Whether you're seeking spiritual renewal or simply a moment of peace in your week, this event is a meaningful way to start your day with purpose and positivity.
With a deep passion for leading people into the presence of God, Mason oversees the creative and spiritual direction of worship across all NorthRock campuses. His heart for excellence, team development, and Spirit-led ministry has helped shape a thriving worship culture that reflects the heart of the church.
Thursday,
8:00am
Veranda
Jail Administrator Photo
Thursday • 8:00am–
Veranda
Jail Administrator Photo
Course Description:
Thursday,
8:15am
Veranda
Sheriffs Photo
Thursday • 8:15am–
Veranda
Sheriffs Photo
Course Description:
,
• –
Course Description:
Thursday,
8:30am
10:00am
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I
The Culture We Create: How Organizational Psychology Shapes Correctional Behavior
Marcy Calnan
Thursday • 8:30am–10:00am
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I
The Culture We Create: How Organizational Psychology Shapes Correctional Behavior
Marcy Calnan
Course Description:
This session explores how the informal values, communication patterns, and leadership norms within correctional organizations shape staff conduct, policy implementation, and ethical decision-making. Drawing from research and classroom discussions in Texas State University's "Contemporary Issues in Corrections" course, the presentation examines how organizational culture can either reinforce integrity and accountability or enable misconduct and burnout. Attendees will discuss real-world scenarios from jails and prisons, consider how leadership and policy reform can shift culture toward professionalism, and identify practical strategies for cultivating organizational climates that support safety, fairness, and employee resilience.
Marcy Calnan is a community college professor who teaches legal studies for the Pathway to Law School and Paralegal Program. Professor Calnan has earned a Juris Doctorate, Master of Education, and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. She is a practicing attorney, a member of the State Bar of Texas, and is a founding faculty member of the Rising Scholars Network providing collegiate educational opportunities to currently incarcerated inmates and formerly incarcerated college students. Marcy has served as a Community Advisor and Department of Justice Liaison for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Palmdale Station and graduated from the Collin County Sheriff's Citizens Academy in McKinney, Texas. She continues to volunteer her time developing educational opportunities at the Collin County Jail and assisting intelligence analysis in the North Texas Fusion Center. To learn more about Marcy, please visit her profile at LinkedInProfile or her portfolio at MarcyACalnan.
Thursday,
8:30am
10:00am
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Suicide Prevention: Did I Kill You or Did You Kill Me?
Tamara Spencer
Thursday • 8:30am–10:00am
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Suicide Prevention: Did I Kill You or Did You Kill Me?
Tamara Spencer
Course Description:
This session confronts one of the most difficult and misunderstood areas of crisis response: recognizing, supporting, and protecting individuals who may be at risk for suicide. Through a blend of education, practical tools, and lived experience, attendees will gain the insight and confidence needed to intervene with clarity, compassion, and purpose.
Tamara Spencer got her start in law enforcement in 1997 as a League City Patrol Officer. After 10 years on the League City Police force, she was promoted to Sergeant and quickly stepped in to serve as a Special Operations Sergeant.
Tamara, a Master Peace Officer, has a long list of accomplishments and certifications including being certified and trained as a Standardized Field Sobriety test practitioner and instructor, State of Texas expert witness for DWI cases, mental health officer, bicycle and marine patrol officer, TCOLE certified instructor, Collision Avoidance Training instructor, lntoxilyzer Operator, Commander of the League City Honor Guard, advanced Accident Investigator, and a Crash Reconstruction Expert. She is also certified to teach Critical Incident Peer Support, and Suicide Prevention for Law Enforcement, and has done so since 2009 with over 250 classes taught around the United States.
After leaving League City PD, Tamara joined the Texas Municipal Police Association in 2016 as a Field representative for the Houston and East Texas Region. Her duties included assisting officers during critical incidents such as officer involved shootings, fatal crashes, and mental health support to include suicide interventions. Tamara also instructed numerous law enforcement classes around the state. She moved to the FRIDAY/ADAPT Drug and Alcohol Program in 2017 and is a former Law Enforcement Liaison for TMPA. Her duties in the LEL Program included working closely with the Texas Department of Transportation in all aspects of roadway safety, presentations on Distracted Driving, Social Harm, and Child Occupant Restraint Education and grant assistance to police agencies around Texas for Traffic Safety related grants year-long. Tamara was assigned to the Texas Districts of Ft. Worth, Houston, Laredo and Yoakum. She continues to teach Critical Incident and Suicide Prevention courses as well. Tamara is an active member of numerous area coalitions around the state and is the past Vice-Chair of the Bay Area Council on Drugs and Alcohol. She is also certified as a Child Passenger Safety Technician and recently became certified in the Below 100 course.
Tamara is married with four children and four grandchildren. Her husband James is a retired Assistant Chief of Police in League City and currently works for the State Bar of Texas.
Thursday,
8:30am
10:00am
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III
The Edge: Combating Complacency in Corrections
Melvin Bowser & Sarah Bigham
Thursday • 8:30am–10:00am
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III
The Edge: Combating Complacency in Corrections
Melvin Bowser & Sarah Bigham
Course Description:
This training will equip jailers with the knowledge and skills to recognize the signs and dangers of complacency in themselves and others, and to implement practical strategies to maintain a constant state of professional awareness and vigilance.
Since May 2020, Melvin Bowser has served as the Mental Health Trainer for the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. Before joining the Commission, he was employed by the Brazos County Sheriff's Office in Bryan, Texas, from May 1997 until he retired in April 2020. While with Brazos County, he served as Patrol Deputy, Crisis Intervention Deputy and Supervisor, and Classification Deputy. Melvin earned his Master Peace Officer certification, Mental Health Peace Officer, Jail Mental Health Officer, TCOLE Instructor Certification, Field Training Officer, and Advanced Crisis Negotiator. He is also a Master Trainer for the Jail Mental Health Officer Course and develops training curriculum related to mental health topics.
Sarah Bigham is currently the Detention Bureau Captain and Jail Administrator for Grayson County Sheriff's Office. She has held this position since January 2020 and has worked at the Grayson County Sheriff's Office since 2002. Captain Bigham is a TCOLE certified instructor, Master Peace Officer, Mental Health Peace Officer, and Jail Mental Health Officer. Her current responsibilities include managing the day-to-day operations of the Grayson County Jail, which holds approximately 400 inmates. The detention facility has about 120 staff members who work 24 hours a day to ensure the care, custody, and control of the inmates in their facility. Captain Bigham has been very involved in advocating for mental health and substance abuse programs inside her facility. These programs help reduce the stress throughout the facility, reduce recidivism and give hope to inmates as well as officers.
Thursday,
8:30am
10:00am
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Corrections K-9 - Narcotics Start to Finish
Charles Lenhard & Jeremy Landen
Thursday • 8:30am–10:00am
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Corrections K-9 - Narcotics Start to Finish
Charles Lenhard & Jeremy Landen
Course Description:
This K9 session invites participation from individuals with little to no experience dealing with K9's to individuals who have programs in place or may be looking for some new K9 ideas. This session will go over:
- Planning, policy, and management of a K9 team
- Certifications and training
- Daily/weekly/monthly/yearly tasks and duties
- General knowledge of a K9 and what to expect before and after you have a K9 team in place.
Charles Lenhard is a K9 Handler with Travis County Sheriff's Office. He has been handling a Police Service Dog with Travis County since November of 2022. He has been with TCSO since 2016. He moved off the floor as a Unit Officer in 2018 where he began working with the Complex Tactical Team until becoming a K9 handler. When Charles began working as a handler, he had no idea how much there was to learn about canines and how fascinating these animals can be. He recently became a Certified Jail Officer, and is currently working on obtaining his Peace Officer License while staying on top of requested K9 duties, required training and taking care of his family and kids.
Jeremy Landen is a retired Marine that served in several combat zones worldwide. He is new to K9 as of November 2024. Jeremy started with Travis County Sheriff's Office in 2018 as a Jailer. In 2020, he began work at the Hospital/Visitation Unit and continued until becoming a Complex Tactical Officer in 2023. During several life-changing events, Jeremy has come to understand the importance of working with canines. Currently, he is being guided through the field training program towards his goal of becoming a handler, while balancing a healthy work/family life.
Thursday,
8:30am
10:00am
Chautauqua
BREAKOUT SESSION V
Report Writing
Jason Davis & Jess Christensen
Thursday • 8:30am–10:00am
Chautauqua
BREAKOUT SESSION V
Report Writing
Jason Davis & Jess Christensen
Course Description:
This course will discuss what is required to prepare an accurate, detailed report involving critical incidents. They will discuss the "who, what, when, where, and why" that is necessary in any incident report. This information will be beneficial for all incidents that occur in your facility.
Jason Davis brings over 27 years of experience in corrections and law enforcement, having served the citizens of McLennan County, Texas, from 1996 until his retirement in July 2023. He holds Master Jailer and Master Peace Officer licenses through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
Throughout his distinguished career, Jason held a wide range of assignments, including Jailer, founding member of the Special Response Team, D.A.R.E. Officer, Patrol Deputy, and Criminal Investigator. He concluded his tenure as a Lieutenant, serving in both administrative and operational leadership roles, including shift supervisor for the McLennan County Jail.
Jason is a graduate of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy (Class #32) and is a certified TCOLE instructor. He is also a certified Jail Mental Health Officer (JMHO) Master Trainer and serves as an instructor for the JMHO Master Trainer course at Sam Houston State University. In addition, he served as a crisis negotiator and team leader for the McLennan County Sheriff's Office Crisis Response Team.
Following his retirement, Jason served as a Complaint Inspector for the Texas Commission on Jail Standards before joining the Brazos County Sheriff's Office, where he currently serves as Security Lieutenant. In this role, he oversees jail floor operations across all shifts, visitation, and the Special Housing Unit.
Jason is an active leader in the profession, serving on the Board of Directors for both the Texas Jail Association and the Bryan Noon Lions Club.
Jess Christensen is a Captain for the Collin County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility. He currently serves as a platoon Captain in detention operations, supervising sixty-five personnel and is tasked with overseeing a 1200 bed direct supervision facility. He is the President of the S.H.E.R.I.F.F Fund Committee for employee assistance and emergency relief, benefiting employees and families for the Collin County Sheriff's Office. He has been a Corrections Professional for the past 17 years working for the Collin County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility. Jess is a licensed TCOLE instructor specializing in mental health, CIT, and negotiations training. He is currently a team leader for the Collin County Sheriff's Office Negotiations Team and lead Crisis Negotiations Instructor. He currently holds a Master Jailer license, Advanced Peace Officer License, and has a Mental Health Peace Officer certificate. He is a graduate of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy, Class #36.
Thursday,
9:00am
12:00pm
North Parking Lot
Driving Simulator
Thursday • 9:00am–12:00pm
North Parking Lot
Driving Simulator
Course Description:
Thursday,
10:00am
10:30am
Foyer
Break
Thursday • 10:00am–10:30am
Foyer
Break
Course Description:
,
• –
Course Description:
Thursday,
10:30am
12:00pm
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I
Building Hope Behind Small Walls: Programming in Rural Jails
Marcy Calnan & Robert Whitfield
Thursday • 10:30am–12:00pm
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I
Building Hope Behind Small Walls: Programming in Rural Jails
Marcy Calnan & Robert Whitfield
Course Description:
This session explores how small and rural jails can successfully implement meaningful inmate programming despite limited budgets, staffing, and infrastructure. Co-presented by Professor Marcy Calnan, JD, M.Ed., and Sheriff Robert Whitfield of Yoakum County, the presentation highlights practical steps for introducing educational, vocational, and reentry initiatives in facilities with fewer than 100 beds. Attendees will learn how to leverage community partnerships, volunteers, and funding strategies to build sustainable programs to reduce recidivism, improve officer morale, reduce inmate behavioral issues and strengthen community ties. The discussion will include real examples from Yoakum County's 48-bed facility—demonstrating how even the smallest jails can create big impacts through innovation, collaboration, and a focus on second chances.
Marcy Calnan is a community college professor who teaches legal studies for the Pathway to Law School and Paralegal Program. Professor Calnan has earned a Juris Doctorate, Master of Education, and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. She is a practicing attorney, a member of the State Bar of Texas, and is a founding faculty member of the Rising Scholars Network providing collegiate educational opportunities to currently incarcerated inmates and formerly incarcerated college students. Marcy has served as a Community Advisor and Department of Justice Liaison for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Palmdale Station and graduated from the Collin County Sheriff's Citizens Academy in McKinney, Texas. She continues to volunteer her time developing educational opportunities at the Collin County Jail and assisting intelligence analysis in the North Texas Fusion Center. To learn more about Marcy, please visit her profile at LinkedInProfile or her portfolio at MarcyACalnan.
Robert Whitfield serves as Sheriff of Yoakum County, Texas, where he has led efforts to modernize jail operations, enhance staff training, and expand inmate programming in a 48-bed rural facility. With just under two decades in law enforcement, Sheriff Whitfield is recognized for his pragmatic leadership style and commitment to balancing accountability with rehabilitation. Under his direction, the Yoakum County Sheriff's Office is working toward educational, vocational, and reentry partnerships to reflect his belief that small jails can play a vital role in community safety and second chances. Sheriff Whitfield is a member of the Texas Jail Association and an advocate for rural collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement in local corrections.
Thursday,
10:30am
12:00pm
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Above and Beyond the Basics: Jail Compliance Teams
Jennifer Segura
Thursday • 10:30am–12:00pm
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Above and Beyond the Basics: Jail Compliance Teams
Jennifer Segura
Course Description:
This workshop is designed for jail administrators, supervisors, and officers who are already familiar with the fundamentals of jail compliance and are ready to elevate their approach. Participants will learn practical steps to strengthen risk management, improve mitigation efforts, and enhance staff training through proactive strategies. The session will focus on identifying and analyzing emerging compliance challenges, promoting a culture of accountability, and implementing best practices to support a safer, more efficient jail environment.
Lieutenant Jennifer Segura has proudly served the citizens of Travis County for over 29 years. She applied to the Travis County Sheriff's Office, beginning her career in 1996. She has served in various capacities, which include human resources, experience with all custody levels of inmate housing at the Travis County Jail and Travis County Correctional Complex, prisoner transportation, and the Hospital Visitation Unit. She has worked as both an officer and in a supervisory capacity in several of her assignments.
Lieutenant Segura currently oversees the Standards and Compliance Unit. She has received a master's degree in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management, bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Master Peace Officer, Master Jailer, graduate of several leadership schools to include FBI-LEEDA, Austin Police Department Leadership Academy, Sheriff's Institute for Ethical Leadership Development (SHIELD), and is an adjunct instructor for the Training Academy. She is also a graduate of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy Class #41.
Thursday,
10:30am
12:00pm
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III
Motivating Your Employees From Tip-Off to the Final Buzzer
Alan Johnston
Thursday • 10:30am–12:00pm
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III
Motivating Your Employees From Tip-Off to the Final Buzzer
Alan Johnston
Course Description:
This presentation focuses on reinforcing the critical role of jailers and others in maintaining safety, security, and public trust within correctional and law enforcement environments. The session emphasizes professional responsibility, ethical conduct, and accountability while highlighting the impact of leadership, communication, and decision making on daily operations. Participants will be motivated to take pride in their duties, strengthen professionalism, and recognize how their actions influence inmates, colleagues, and the broader community. The course encourages a commitment to integrity, respect, and continuous improvement in the performance of job responsibilities.
Coach Alan Johnston is a member of the Smith County Sheriff's Office inside the Detention Training Division. Prior to joining the department, he spent 30 years as a teacher/coach in East Texas. His passion for success led him to open an energy consulting business which grew into him traveling the country, training and speaking. He and his wife, Leann, have two children, Rachel & Caleb.
Thursday,
10:30am
12:00pm
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Jail Based Competency Restoration
John Shoemaker, Jennifer Brashear & Keisha Morris
Thursday • 10:30am–12:00pm
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Jail Based Competency Restoration
John Shoemaker, Jennifer Brashear & Keisha Morris
Course Description:
This course provides law enforcement personnel and criminal justice professionals with a comprehensive overview of jail-based competency restoration (JBCR). The training emphasizes early identification of mental health and substance use needs during booking, appropriate screening and diversion decisions at initial court hearings, and the development of structured processes for competency evaluation and restoration within jail settings. Participants will explore the establishment of effective program infrastructure, including multidisciplinary collaboration, clinical protocols, and therapeutic environments, as well as the delivery of legal education necessary to meet competency standards. The course further addresses reentry planning and continuity of care to reduce recidivism and improve long-term outcomes through coordinated community-based support systems. Upon completion, participants will be equipped to support competency restoration efforts in compliance with Texas law and best practices.
John Shoemaker serves as a Lieutenant with the Smith County Sheriff's Office in Tyler, Texas. He has been employed with the Sheriff's Office for approximately 23 years and holds both a Master Peace Officer certification and a Master Jailer license. Throughout his tenure, he has served in a variety of capacities, including Jailer, Patrol Deputy, SWAT Operator, SWAT Team Leader, Detective, and Patrol Sergeant. He currently oversees first-shift jail operations at the Smith County Jail, where he has spent the past ten years dedicated to jail administration. In addition to his law enforcement responsibilities, Lieutenant Shoemaker is a strong advocate for mental health and serves on the board of the Andrews Center, the local mental health provider in Tyler.
Jennifer Brashear has worked in the field of mental health and substance use services since 1996. She has a master's degree in counseling psychology and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has worked with LMHA's since 2007 and began specializing in forensic services in 2015. She is currently the Forensic Program Coordinator at the Andrews Center and oversees outpatient and jail-based competency restoration, outpatient sanity treatment, and jail continuity of care services for Smith, Henderson, Van Zandt, Wood, and Rains Counties.
Keisha Morris, LCDC currently serves as the Chief Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) Officer at Andrews Center, the Local Mental Health Authority for Smith County, Texas. She provides strategic leadership for a broad portfolio of behavioral health and justice-involved programs, including jail-based and outpatient competency restoration, jail continuity of care, mobile crisis outreach, respite services, OSAR for Region 4, and intensive outpatient substance use disorder treatment with extensive experience spanning corrections, legal advocacy for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, substance use counseling, and executive leadership in inpatient substance abuse treatment.
Thursday,
10:30am
12:00pm
Chautauqua
BREAKOUT SESSION V
Tactical Trauma
Jessica Medrano
Thursday • 10:30am–12:00pm
Chautauqua
BREAKOUT SESSION V
Tactical Trauma
Jessica Medrano
Course Description:
Uncontrolled bleeding is one of the leading causes of preventable death following traumatic injury. This session introduces participants to the basic principles of the STOP THE BLEED® initiative and how immediate action can save lives before first responders arrive. Attendees will learn how to recognize life-threatening bleeding, perform a rapid assessment, and apply simple bleeding control techniques such as direct pressure, wound packing, and tourniquet use. The session also highlights basic bleeding control equipment and discusses considerations for responding to traumatic injuries in everyday environments. Participants will leave with a better understanding of how bystanders can act as immediate responders during critical emergencies.
Jessica Medrano joined TAC in 2023 after spending more than a decade with the San Antonio Police Department. During her tenure, Medrano created lesson plans that followed Texas Commission on Law Enforcement standards, was a lead instructor for multiple subjects at the police academy and trained multiple departments on medical practices as a part of the medic program, all while fulfilling her duties as a patrolman. Prior to working at the San Antonio Police Department, Medrano was an information systems technician with the U.S. Air Force Reserve. She holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from American Military University.
Thursday,
12:00pm
1:30pm
On Your Own
Lunch
Thursday • 12:00pm–1:30pm
On Your Own
Lunch
Course Description:
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• –
Course Description:
Thursday,
1:30pm
3:00pm
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I
The Culture We Create: How Organizational Psychology Shapes Correctional Behavior
Marcy Calnan
Thursday • 1:30pm–3:00pm
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I
The Culture We Create: How Organizational Psychology Shapes Correctional Behavior
Marcy Calnan
Course Description:
This session explores how the informal values, communication patterns, and leadership norms within correctional organizations shape staff conduct, policy implementation, and ethical decision-making. Drawing from research and classroom discussions in Texas State University's "Contemporary Issues in Corrections" course, the presentation examines how organizational culture can either reinforce integrity and accountability or enable misconduct and burnout. Attendees will discuss real-world scenarios from jails and prisons, consider how leadership and policy reform can shift culture toward professionalism, and identify practical strategies for cultivating organizational climates that support safety, fairness, and employee resilience.
Marcy Calnan is a community college professor who teaches legal studies for the Pathway to Law School and Paralegal Program. Professor Calnan has earned a Juris Doctorate, Master of Education, and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. She is a practicing attorney, a member of the State Bar of Texas, and is a founding faculty member of the Rising Scholars Network providing collegiate educational opportunities to currently incarcerated inmates and formerly incarcerated college students. Marcy has served as a Community Advisor and Department of Justice Liaison for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Palmdale Station and graduated from the Collin County Sheriff's Citizens Academy in McKinney, Texas. She continues to volunteer her time developing educational opportunities at the Collin County Jail and assisting intelligence analysis in the North Texas Fusion Center. To learn more about Marcy, please visit her profile at LinkedInProfile or her portfolio at MarcyACalnan.
Thursday,
1:30pm
3:00pm
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Suicide Prevention: Did I Kill You or Did You Kill Me?
Tamara Spencer
Thursday • 1:30pm–3:00pm
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Suicide Prevention: Did I Kill You or Did You Kill Me?
Tamara Spencer
Course Description:
This session confronts one of the most difficult and misunderstood areas of crisis response: recognizing, supporting, and protecting individuals who may be at risk for suicide. Through a blend of education, practical tools, and lived experience, attendees will gain the insight and confidence needed to intervene with clarity, compassion, and purpose.
Tamara Spencer got her start in law enforcement in 1997 as a League City Patrol Officer. After 10 years on the League City Police force, she was promoted to Sergeant and quickly stepped in to serve as a Special Operations Sergeant.
Tamara, a Master Peace Officer, has a long list of accomplishments and certifications including being certified and trained as a Standardized Field Sobriety test practitioner and instructor, State of Texas expert witness for DWI cases, mental health officer, bicycle and marine patrol officer, TCOLE certified instructor, Collision Avoidance Training instructor, lntoxilyzer Operator, Commander of the League City Honor Guard, advanced Accident Investigator, and a Crash Reconstruction Expert. She is also certified to teach Critical Incident Peer Support, and Suicide Prevention for Law Enforcement, and has done so since 2009 with over 250 classes taught around the United States.
After leaving League City PD, Tamara joined the Texas Municipal Police Association in 2016 as a Field representative for the Houston and East Texas Region. Her duties included assisting officers during critical incidents such as officer involved shootings, fatal crashes, and mental health support to include suicide interventions. Tamara also instructed numerous law enforcement classes around the state. She moved to the FRIDAY/ADAPT Drug and Alcohol Program in 2017 and is a former Law Enforcement Liaison for TMPA. Her duties in the LEL Program included working closely with the Texas Department of Transportation in all aspects of roadway safety, presentations on Distracted Driving, Social Harm, and Child Occupant Restraint Education and grant assistance to police agencies around Texas for Traffic Safety related grants year-long. Tamara was assigned to the Texas Districts of Ft. Worth, Houston, Laredo and Yoakum. She continues to teach Critical Incident and Suicide Prevention courses as well. Tamara is an active member of numerous area coalitions around the state and is the past Vice-Chair of the Bay Area Council on Drugs and Alcohol. She is also certified as a Child Passenger Safety Technician and recently became certified in the Below 100 course.
Tamara is married with four children and four grandchildren. Her husband James is a retired Assistant Chief of Police in League City and currently works for the State Bar of Texas.
Thursday,
1:30pm
3:00pm
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III
The Edge: Combating Complacency in Corrections
Melvin Bowser & Sarah Bigham
Thursday • 1:30pm–3:00pm
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III
The Edge: Combating Complacency in Corrections
Melvin Bowser & Sarah Bigham
Course Description:
This training will equip jailers with the knowledge and skills to recognize the signs and dangers of complacency in themselves and others, and to implement practical strategies to maintain a constant state of professional awareness and vigilance.
Since May 2020, Melvin Bowser has served as the Mental Health Trainer for the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. Before joining the Commission, he was employed by the Brazos County Sheriff's Office in Bryan, Texas, from May 1997 until he retired in April 2020. While with Brazos County, he served as Patrol Deputy, Crisis Intervention Deputy and Supervisor, and Classification Deputy. Melvin earned his Master Peace Officer certification, Mental Health Peace Officer, Jail Mental Health Officer, TCOLE Instructor Certification, Field Training Officer, and Advanced Crisis Negotiator. He is also a Master Trainer for the Jail Mental Health Officer Course and develops training curriculum related to mental health topics.
Sarah Bigham is currently the Detention Bureau Captain and Jail Administrator for Grayson County Sheriff's Office. She has held this position since January 2020 and has worked at the Grayson County Sheriff's Office since 2002. Captain Bigham is a TCOLE certified instructor, Master Peace Officer, Mental Health Peace Officer, and Jail Mental Health Officer. Her current responsibilities include managing the day-to-day operations of the Grayson County Jail, which holds approximately 400 inmates. The detention facility has about 120 staff members who work 24 hours a day to ensure the care, custody, and control of the inmates in their facility. Captain Bigham has been very involved in advocating for mental health and substance abuse programs inside her facility. These programs help reduce the stress throughout the facility, reduce recidivism and give hope to inmates as well as officers.
Thursday,
1:30pm
3:00pm
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Corrections K-9 - Narcotics Start to Finish
Charles Lenhard & Jeremy Landen
Thursday • 1:30pm–3:00pm
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Corrections K-9 - Narcotics Start to Finish
Charles Lenhard & Jeremy Landen
Course Description:
This K9 session invites participation from individuals with little to no experience dealing with K9's to individuals who have programs in place or may be looking for some new K9 ideas. This session will go over:
- Planning, policy, and management of a K9 team
- Certifications and training
- Daily/weekly/monthly/yearly tasks and duties
- General knowledge of a K9 and what to expect before and after you have a K9 team in place.
Charles Lenhard is a K9 Handler with Travis County Sheriff's Office. He has been handling a Police Service Dog with Travis County since November of 2022. He has been with TCSO since 2016. He moved off the floor as a Unit Officer in 2018 where he began working with the Complex Tactical Team until becoming a K9 handler. When Charles began working as a handler, he had no idea how much there was to learn about canines and how fascinating these animals can be. He recently became a Certified Jail Officer, and is currently working on obtaining his Peace Officer License while staying on top of requested K9 duties, required training and taking care of his family and kids.
Jeremy Landen is a retired Marine that served in several combat zones worldwide. He is new to K9 as of November 2024. Jeremy started with Travis County Sheriff's Office in 2018 as a Jailer. In 2020, he began work at the Hospital/Visitation Unit and continued until becoming a Complex Tactical Officer in 2023. During several life-changing events, Jeremy has come to understand the importance of working with canines. Currently, he is being guided through the field training program towards his goal of becoming a handler, while balancing a healthy work/family life.
Thursday,
1:30pm
3:00pm
Chautauqua
BREAKOUT SESSION V
Report Writing
Jason Davis & Jess Christensen
Thursday • 1:30pm–3:00pm
Chautauqua
BREAKOUT SESSION V
Report Writing
Jason Davis & Jess Christensen
Course Description:
This course will discuss what is required to prepare an accurate, detailed report involving critical incidents. They will discuss the "who, what, when, where, and why" that is necessary in any incident report. This information will be beneficial for all incidents that occur in your facility.
Jason Davis brings over 27 years of experience in corrections and law enforcement, having served the citizens of McLennan County, Texas, from 1996 until his retirement in July 2023. He holds Master Jailer and Master Peace Officer licenses through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
Throughout his distinguished career, Jason held a wide range of assignments, including Jailer, founding member of the Special Response Team, D.A.R.E. Officer, Patrol Deputy, and Criminal Investigator. He concluded his tenure as a Lieutenant, serving in both administrative and operational leadership roles, including shift supervisor for the McLennan County Jail.
Jason is a graduate of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy (Class #32) and is a certified TCOLE instructor. He is also a certified Jail Mental Health Officer (JMHO) Master Trainer and serves as an instructor for the JMHO Master Trainer course at Sam Houston State University. In addition, he served as a crisis negotiator and team leader for the McLennan County Sheriff's Office Crisis Response Team.
Following his retirement, Jason served as a Complaint Inspector for the Texas Commission on Jail Standards before joining the Brazos County Sheriff's Office, where he currently serves as Security Lieutenant. In this role, he oversees jail floor operations across all shifts, visitation, and the Special Housing Unit.
Jason is an active leader in the profession, serving on the Board of Directors for both the Texas Jail Association and the Bryan Noon Lions Club.
Jess Christensen is a Captain for the Collin County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility. He currently serves as a platoon Captain in detention operations, supervising sixty-five personnel and is tasked with overseeing a 1200 bed direct supervision facility. He is the President of the S.H.E.R.I.F.F Fund Committee for employee assistance and emergency relief, benefiting employees and families for the Collin County Sheriff's Office. He has been a Corrections Professional for the past 17 years working for the Collin County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility. Jess is a licensed TCOLE instructor specializing in mental health, CIT, and negotiations training. He is currently a team leader for the Collin County Sheriff's Office Negotiations Team and lead Crisis Negotiations Instructor. He currently holds a Master Jailer license, Advanced Peace Officer License, and has a Mental Health Peace Officer certificate. He is a graduate of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy, Class #36.
,
• –
Course Description:
Thursday,
3:00pm
3:30pm
Foyer
Break
Thursday • 3:00pm–3:30pm
Foyer
Break
Course Description:
Thursday,
3:30pm
5:00pm
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I
Building Hope Behind Small Walls: Programming in Rural Jails
Marcy Calnan & Robert Whitfield
Thursday • 3:30pm–5:00pm
Spring Lake A
BREAKOUT SESSION I
Building Hope Behind Small Walls: Programming in Rural Jails
Marcy Calnan & Robert Whitfield
Course Description:
This session explores how small and rural jails can successfully implement meaningful inmate programming despite limited budgets, staffing, and infrastructure. Co-presented by Professor Marcy Calnan, JD, M.Ed., and Sheriff Robert Whitfield of Yoakum County, the presentation highlights practical steps for introducing educational, vocational, and reentry initiatives in facilities with fewer than 100 beds. Attendees will learn how to leverage community partnerships, volunteers, and funding strategies to build sustainable programs to reduce recidivism, improve officer morale, reduce inmate behavioral issues and strengthen community ties. The discussion will include real examples from Yoakum County's 48-bed facility—demonstrating how even the smallest jails can create big impacts through innovation, collaboration, and a focus on second chances.
Marcy Calnan is a community college professor who teaches legal studies for the Pathway to Law School and Paralegal Program. Professor Calnan has earned a Juris Doctorate, Master of Education, and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. She is a practicing attorney, a member of the State Bar of Texas, and is a founding faculty member of the Rising Scholars Network providing collegiate educational opportunities to currently incarcerated inmates and formerly incarcerated college students. Marcy has served as a Community Advisor and Department of Justice Liaison for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Palmdale Station and graduated from the Collin County Sheriff's Citizens Academy in McKinney, Texas. She continues to volunteer her time developing educational opportunities at the Collin County Jail and assisting intelligence analysis in the North Texas Fusion Center. To learn more about Marcy, please visit her profile at LinkedInProfile or her portfolio at MarcyACalnan.
Robert Whitfield serves as Sheriff of Yoakum County, Texas, where he has led efforts to modernize jail operations, enhance staff training, and expand inmate programming in a 48-bed rural facility. With just under two decades in law enforcement, Sheriff Whitfield is recognized for his pragmatic leadership style and commitment to balancing accountability with rehabilitation. Under his direction, the Yoakum County Sheriff's Office is working toward educational, vocational, and reentry partnerships to reflect his belief that small jails can play a vital role in community safety and second chances. Sheriff Whitfield is a member of the Texas Jail Association and an advocate for rural collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement in local corrections.
Thursday,
3:30pm
5:00pm
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Above and Beyond the Basics: Jail Compliance Teams
Jennifer Segura
Thursday • 3:30pm–5:00pm
Spring Lake B
BREAKOUT SESSION II
Above and Beyond the Basics: Jail Compliance Teams
Jennifer Segura
Course Description:
This workshop is designed for jail administrators, supervisors, and officers who are already familiar with the fundamentals of jail compliance and are ready to elevate their approach. Participants will learn practical steps to strengthen risk management, improve mitigation efforts, and enhance staff training through proactive strategies. The session will focus on identifying and analyzing emerging compliance challenges, promoting a culture of accountability, and implementing best practices to support a safer, more efficient jail environment.
Lieutenant Jennifer Segura has proudly served the citizens of Travis County for over 29 years. She applied to the Travis County Sheriff's Office, beginning her career in 1996. She has served in various capacities, which include human resources, experience with all custody levels of inmate housing at the Travis County Jail and Travis County Correctional Complex, prisoner transportation, and the Hospital Visitation Unit. She has worked as both an officer and in a supervisory capacity in several of her assignments.
Lieutenant Segura currently oversees the Standards and Compliance Unit. She has received a master's degree in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management, bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Master Peace Officer, Master Jailer, graduate of several leadership schools to include FBI-LEEDA, Austin Police Department Leadership Academy, Sheriff's Institute for Ethical Leadership Development (SHIELD), and is an adjunct instructor for the Training Academy. She is also a graduate of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy Class #41.
Thursday,
3:30pm
5:00pm
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III
Motivating Your Employees From Tip-Off to the Final Buzzer
Alan Johnston
Thursday • 3:30pm–5:00pm
Spring Lake C
BREAKOUT SESSION III
Motivating Your Employees From Tip-Off to the Final Buzzer
Alan Johnston
Course Description:
This presentation focuses on reinforcing the critical role of jailers and others in maintaining safety, security, and public trust within correctional and law enforcement environments. The session emphasizes professional responsibility, ethical conduct, and accountability while highlighting the impact of leadership, communication, and decision making on daily operations. Participants will be motivated to take pride in their duties, strengthen professionalism, and recognize how their actions influence inmates, colleagues, and the broader community. The course encourages a commitment to integrity, respect, and continuous improvement in the performance of job responsibilities.
Coach Alan Johnston is a member of the Smith County Sheriff's Office inside the Detention Training Division. Prior to joining the department, he spent 30 years as a teacher/coach in East Texas. His passion for success led him to open an energy consulting business which grew into him traveling the country, training and speaking. He and his wife, Leann, have two children, Rachel & Caleb.
Thursday,
3:30pm
5:00pm
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Jail Based Competency Restoration
John Shoemaker, Jennifer Brashear & Keisha Morris
Thursday • 3:30pm–5:00pm
San Marcos River
BREAKOUT SESSION IV
Jail Based Competency Restoration
John Shoemaker, Jennifer Brashear & Keisha Morris
Course Description:
This course provides law enforcement personnel and criminal justice professionals with a comprehensive overview of jail-based competency restoration (JBCR). The training emphasizes early identification of mental health and substance use needs during booking, appropriate screening and diversion decisions at initial court hearings, and the development of structured processes for competency evaluation and restoration within jail settings. Participants will explore the establishment of effective program infrastructure, including multidisciplinary collaboration, clinical protocols, and therapeutic environments, as well as the delivery of legal education necessary to meet competency standards. The course further addresses reentry planning and continuity of care to reduce recidivism and improve long-term outcomes through coordinated community-based support systems. Upon completion, participants will be equipped to support competency restoration efforts in compliance with Texas law and best practices.
John Shoemaker serves as a Lieutenant with the Smith County Sheriff's Office in Tyler, Texas. He has been employed with the Sheriff's Office for approximately 23 years and holds both a Master Peace Officer certification and a Master Jailer license. Throughout his tenure, he has served in a variety of capacities, including Jailer, Patrol Deputy, SWAT Operator, SWAT Team Leader, Detective, and Patrol Sergeant. He currently oversees first-shift jail operations at the Smith County Jail, where he has spent the past ten years dedicated to jail administration. In addition to his law enforcement responsibilities, Lieutenant Shoemaker is a strong advocate for mental health and serves on the board of the Andrews Center, the local mental health provider in Tyler.
Jennifer Brashear has worked in the field of mental health and substance use services since 1996. She has a master's degree in counseling psychology and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has worked with LMHA's since 2007 and began specializing in forensic services in 2015. She is currently the Forensic Program Coordinator at the Andrews Center and oversees outpatient and jail-based competency restoration, outpatient sanity treatment, and jail continuity of care services for Smith, Henderson, Van Zandt, Wood, and Rains Counties.
Keisha Morris, LCDC currently serves as the Chief Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) Officer at Andrews Center, the Local Mental Health Authority for Smith County, Texas. She provides strategic leadership for a broad portfolio of behavioral health and justice-involved programs, including jail-based and outpatient competency restoration, jail continuity of care, mobile crisis outreach, respite services, OSAR for Region 4, and intensive outpatient substance use disorder treatment with extensive experience spanning corrections, legal advocacy for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, substance use counseling, and executive leadership in inpatient substance abuse treatment.
Thursday,
3:30pm
5:00pm
Chautauqua
BREAKOUT SESSION V
Tactical Trauma
Jessica Medrano
Thursday • 3:30pm–5:00pm
Chautauqua
BREAKOUT SESSION V
Tactical Trauma
Jessica Medrano
Course Description:
Uncontrolled bleeding is one of the leading causes of preventable death following traumatic injury. This session introduces participants to the basic principles of the STOP THE BLEED® initiative and how immediate action can save lives before first responders arrive. Attendees will learn how to recognize life-threatening bleeding, perform a rapid assessment, and apply simple bleeding control techniques such as direct pressure, wound packing, and tourniquet use. The session also highlights basic bleeding control equipment and discusses considerations for responding to traumatic injuries in everyday environments. Participants will leave with a better understanding of how bystanders can act as immediate responders during critical emergencies.
Jessica Medrano joined TAC in 2023 after spending more than a decade with the San Antonio Police Department. During her tenure, Medrano created lesson plans that followed Texas Commission on Law Enforcement standards, was a lead instructor for multiple subjects at the police academy and trained multiple departments on medical practices as a part of the medic program, all while fulfilling her duties as a patrolman. Prior to working at the San Antonio Police Department, Medrano was an information systems technician with the U.S. Air Force Reserve. She holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from American Military University.
,
• –
Course Description:
Thursday,
7:00pm
9:00pm
Veramendi
Awards Banquet and Dinner
Thursday • 7:00pm–9:00pm
Veramendi
Awards Banquet and Dinner
Course Description:
Thursday,
9:00pm
12:00am
Veramendi
Casino Night
Thursday • 9:00pm–12:00am
Veramendi
Casino Night
Course Description:
Friday, May 8th
Friday • –
Course Description:
Friday,
8:00am
11:30am
Veramendi AF
CLOSING SESSION
Gangs and Social Media: CSTIU Gang Identification
Noe Enciso, Juan Garza & Antolin Torres
Friday • 8:00am–11:30am
Veramendi AF
CLOSING SESSION
Gangs and Social Media: CSTIU Gang Identification
Noe Enciso, Juan Garza & Antolin Torres
Course Description:
This course invites participation from individuals with experience and/or interest in gang culture and how technology and social media has changed the way gangs communicate. Participants of this workshop will be exposed to ways gang members represent their gangs, recruit, network, and advertise their criminal activities on social media. Students will also have a better understanding of the methods that gang members employ to hinder their presence on social media applications and will learn how social media can assist Law Enforcement personnel in identifying and documenting gang members into the State Gang Database (TxGang).
Noe Enciso is a Senior Correctional Officer for Travis County Sheriff's Office in Austin, Texas. He began his career as a Control Room Operator, where he worked for a year before being promoted to a Corrections Officer working primarily in maximum-security units where he spent three and a half years in that role. Currently, Noe is assigned to the Security Threat Unit and serves on the Crisis Negotiation Team. He recently completed the FBI Basic Crisis Negotiation Course as well as earned his Basic TCOLE Instructor License. In early 2024, Noe received the Officer of the Quarter award, and he actively contributes to the development of new officers by assisting in instructing the "Disruptive Groups" course, aimed at those seeking their jailer's license.
Juan Garza served with the Travis County Sheriff's Office from 1991 until retiring in 2024. In May 2025, he returned to work at the Travis County Sheriff's Office. He is currently assigned as a Background Investigator and Gang/Jail Intelligence Officer. He is dual certified and has obtained his Master Jailer and Master Peace Officer Licenses. Juan has had experience in working numerous assignments within the jail and law enforcement. In 2003, Juan was a recipient of The 100 Club award for work assisting the Austin Police Department and the FBI on Federal Rico Gang Investigations. He was awarded the 2004 Travis County Sheriff's Office Intelligence Officer of the year. In 2005 and 2019, he was a recipient of the Texas Gang Investigator's Association- Corrections Officer of the Year Award. Juan has provided gang training to multiple law enforcement, corrections agencies, and gang conferences throughout the years.
Antolin (Tony) Torres is a Senior Corrections Officer for the Travis County Sheriff's Office in Austin, Texas. He started his career in the jail as a Control Room Operator for two years before transitioning to a Corrections Officer. Tony served as an adjunct FTO and Corrections Officer for four years until he found his new home in the Security Threat Intel Unit in 2022. Voted Corrections Officer of the Year (2021) by members of the Travis County Sheriff's Law Enforcement Association and Employee of the Quarter (2024), Tony earned his Basic TCOLE Instructor License in 2023 and currently helps instruct the "Disruptive Groups" portion of TCOLE for new employees seeking their jailer's license.
Friday,
9:30am
San Marcos River
TJA Board Meeting
Friday • 9:30am–
San Marcos River
TJA Board Meeting
Course Description:
Presidential Sponsors
Disclaimer
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