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Jail Manager
President’s Commentary
Continued from page 4 Certification Commission
2021–2022

COMMISSION CHAIR
cannot continue to take advantage—or even abuse—their Michael Harris, CJM
commitment to our profession by piling more work hours Superintendent/Special Sheriff
and responsibilities onto their shoulders. Norfolk County Sheriff’s Department
This year, the American Jail Association and our Board of Dedham, Massachusetts
Directors will be addressing the issues of recruitment and mharris@norfolksheriffma.org
retention amongst our nation’s jails. For those of you who
attended the Health and Wellness Summit in Columbus, COMMISSION VICE-CHAIR
Ohio this past October, that was only the beginning. We are Jared Schechter, CJM
here to assist you and provide your agency’s needs through Colonel/Jail Administrator
training, networking, and certifications. Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office
The amazing staff at AJA headquarters can tailor our Wichita, Kansas
training to meet your agency’s specific needs. We can jared.schechter@sedgwick.gov
also provide your staff with several opportunities for
professional development. I cannot think of a better time COMMISSIONERS
to become involved with the American Jail Association. Amber Redmond, CJM
We cannot address these issues alone, but we can do this Deputy Director
together. Douglas County Department of Corrections
Omaha, Nebraska
What Are the Next Steps? amber.redmond@douglascounty-ne.gov
Our next steps are critical to the continued success of
our field. Development of staff, addressing health and Henry Reyes, MAM, MPA, CJM, CCE
Chief Deputy Detention Bureau/Housing
wellness, pay increases, and flexible schedules are just a Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office
few of the areas that we are exploring. I encourage you to Fort Worth, Texas
participate in the surveys, training, and roundtables that we HReyes@tarrantcounty.com
will be delivering this year. Advocacy at this level for our
corrections professionals is critical. John Johnson, PhD, CJM
Delivering knowledge and education to the general Division Chief
public is also critical. The misconceptions of what occur Miami Dade Corrections & Rehabilitation Department
“behind the walls” must be told, shared, and shown. Miami, Florida
Jails across the United States are doing amazing work to John.Johnson@miamidade.gov
assist their populations with addiction, mental health, and
even poverty. Evidenced-based programming to address
criminogenic thinking, medication assisted treatment, and
reentry services are trending. And all of these programs are
aimed at reducing recidivism.
We have much work to do! Change does not occur
overnight, but we must advocate for the men and women
who operate our country’s jails. Criminal justice advocacy is
trending; advocacy for the corrections professionals needs to
be trending—and sooner rather than later.
Be well. Be safe.

MANDY LAMBERT, CJM
President
American Jail Association

AMERICANJails JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2022 | 67