Jason D. Effman

This document outlines the comprehensive five-year Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan for the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), spanning from 2021 to 2025. The plan is designed to embed diversity and inclusion principles across all departmental operations, ensuring fairness and equity in transactions involving employees, applicants, and incarcerated individuals. Key focus areas include developing and monitoring DEI programs, conducting related trainings, collaborating on recruitment efforts, and providing reasonable accommodations, all while ensuring compliance with state and federal human rights laws.

The board discussed the implementation and coaching phases for the Structured Decision-Making Framework following training from the National Institute of Corrections. Attendees reported on a visit to a nursery program facility and acknowledged the arrival of two new Commissioners. The meeting also included a reading of correspondence from a formerly incarcerated individual and an update on an upcoming visit to a senior housing complex. The board concluded by adjourning into an executive session to address legal matters and conduct multiple individual case reviews.

The board discussed the pilot phase of the structured decision-making framework and planned for its full implementation. The chairman announced the resignation of a commissioner and presented an excellence award to the executive deputy director for achieving a high score on a recent audit. Additionally, the board prepared for participation in an upcoming international training conference, conducted delinquent time case reviews, and entered an executive session to address litigation matters and case reviews.

The board discussed the pilot and upcoming full implementation of the Structured Decision-Making Framework. The meeting also addressed the resignation of a Commissioner, recognized the organization's accreditation achievement by the American Correctional Association, and presented an Excellence Award to a staff member for her role in the audit process. Additionally, the board planned upcoming presentations for the APA conference, and concluded with an executive session to conduct full board case reviews and discuss litigation matters.

The meeting commenced with a roll call and a welcome to public attendees. A primary order of business involved the review and acceptance of the minutes from the December 5th, 2016 meeting. Under old business, the status of proposed regulations was discussed, noting that over 400 public comments were received and the regulations remained under review to determine if a second public comment period would be necessary. Announcements included expressions of support for the family of a recently deceased board member, including plans for a collection and a commemorative plaque, and invitations for staff to join the Paroling Association and New York State's Minorities and Criminal Justice Incorporated organization, which offers training opportunities. The distribution of the upcoming board schedule and vacation schedules was also noted. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter into executive session to discuss updated items, followed by adjournment.