Louisiana State Penitentiary : Press Releases
Contact Person: Asst Warden Cathy Fontenot (225) 655-2897
Latest Headlines
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Angola Escapee Henry Smith Apprehended
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"Wildest Show In The South!" 45th Year Of Prison Rodeo
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Chapel Dedications at Louisiana’s Maximum-Security Prison
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LA Justice Hall Of Fame Announces 2009 Honorees
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DOC Cancels Visitation at all State Correctional Facilities
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Governor Bobby Jindal and State Officials Give Update on Possible Swine Flu Cases in LA
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Returning Hearts Celebration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cathy Fontenot
(225) 655-2897September 14, 2009
Angola Escapee Henry Smith Apprehended
 from left: MSgt. Walt Young, Offender Henry Smith, Maj. Jake Baird, and Sgt. Keith Coleman |
Warden Cain stated “Smith will be charged with escape as well as be held responsible for paying restitution in the full amount of this escape. This means he won’t be buying any zuzus for a long time.” Warden Cain also stated, “we were pleased to have received an email at the start of this chase from Department of Administration Commissioner Angelle Davis from Governor Bobby Jindal stressing that money was no option – that public safety was first and foremost and that all state resources would be available to us in order to capture this fugitive.”
This massive man-hunt included a response which literally involved thousands hundreds of local police and Sheriff’s deputies, state correctional officers, probation and parole agents from the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the Louisiana State Police, fugitive agents from the U.S. Marshal’s Service. We offer special thanks to the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association for their constant and unwavering support. We would be remiss if we did not also acknowledge the various and countless non-security, support staff that responded to assist as well. We also recognize the family members of those who came to provide help over the past 5 non-stop days and 4 nights.
U.S. Marshal Henry Geberth is acknowledged for his work in investigating all outside connections possibly involved with Henry Smith.
Department of Public Safety and Corrections Secretary James M. LeBlanc and Chief of Operations Jeff Travis remained at the penitentiary for the entire event to support and coordinate the statewide immobilization of specialized correctional and probation and parole staff.
We appreciate that Sheriff Jeff Wiley from Ascension, Sheriff Mike Cazes from West Baton Rouge, Sheriff Bud Torres from Pointe Coupee and Sheriff Austin Daniel from West Feliciana were actively involved on-site throughout the chase and apprehension efforts.
Police Chief Jimmy Ray Reese from Centreerville, MS, Sheriff Reginald Jackson from Wilkerinson County, MS, Police Chief Jesseie Stewardt from Woodville, MS are acknowledged for their personal response to aid us in following leads in nearby Mississippi.
The following list includes local law enforcement, state and federal agencies that responded and the resources they responded with to aid us.
- U.S. Marshall’s Fugitive Team.
- Louisiana National Guard – chemical infrared light sticks
- Louisiana State Department of Wildlife and Fisheries field agents.
- Louisiana State Department of Public Safety and Corrections – Avoyelles Correctional Center, David Wade Correctional Center, Dixon Correctional Institute, Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, Forcht Wade Correctional Center, J. Levy Dabadie Correctional Center, C. Paul Phelps Correctional Center, B.B. Rayburn Correctional Center and the Division of Probation and Parole.
Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, Dixon Correctional Institute, Avoyelles Correctional Center, Rayborn Correctional Center, Levi D’Abadie Correctional Center, Forcht Wade Correctional Center , and Probation and & Parole Agency.
- Louisiana State Police helicopter unit.
- West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office – all divisions including, Crisis Response Team (helicopters and boats), Special Response Team, Detectives, Maintenance, Uniform Patrol, Communications, Narcotics, Detention and Administrative Staff.
- East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office – Special Operations
- East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office – Special Operations
- West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office – Special Operations
- Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office – Night vision
- St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office – Bear Cat tactical unit, Thermal Imagery, FLIRleer
- LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s Office - Night vision
- Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office – Special Operations
- St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office – Special Operations
- Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office – Night vision
- Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office – Night vision
- St. James ParishJames Parish Sheriff’s Office – Night vision, ATV
- St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office – Special Operations
- Corcordia ParishCorcordia Parish Sheriff’s Office – Night vision
- Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff’s Office - Special- Special Operations
- Baker Police Department – Special Operations
- Zachary Police Department – Special Operations
- Baton Rouge Police Department – Chief Jeff LeDuff offered all resources.
- Baton Rouge Constable’s Office – Uniform Patrol
We appreciate also the offers of assistance from the following Sheriff’s Offices: Calcasieu, Natchitoches, Morehouse, Webster, Orleans, Terrebonne, Madison, and Plaquemines.
We greatly appreciate the patience and vigilance of the public, especially West Feliciana Parish residents and neighboring residents of MS counties, and the support of the print, radio and television media in assisting us in providing updates and closure notifications.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cathy Fontenot
(225) 655-2897
August 28, 2009
"WILDEST SHOW IN THE SOUTH!" 45th YEAR OF PRISON RODEO
Angola Prison Rodeo is the longest running prison rodeo in the world, and is bigger and better than ever
(Angola, La.) – The Angola Prison Rodeo is back every Sunday in October, offering the best in prison rodeo excitement! Warden Burl Cain invites the public to view the wildest rodeo show in the south. Witness black and white striped cowboys compete in heart-stopping events like – Convict Poker, Wild Cow Milking, Bull Riding, and the world famous Guts-n-Glory. The gates to one of the most famous prisons in the world open at 9:00 a.m., and the “Wildest Show in the South!” starts at 2:00 p.m. All seats are only $10.00.
Rodeo fans are encouraged to come early to hear outstanding offender bands, feast on a wide array of the south’s best food, and shop the unique and affordable offender-made arts and crafts, including jewelry, leather craft, paintings, woodwork, lawn and garden furniture, and toys. “Little rodeo fans will also enjoy special attractions just for them, including pony rides, space walks, carnival games, an antique carousel, and lots more!
Tickets can be purchased in advance on-line at www.angolarodeo.com or by calling (225) 655-2030 or (225) 655-2607 Monday thru Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Rodeo proceeds promote moral-rehabilitation initiatives at Angola, as well as throughout the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.
For more information, members of the press may contact Louisiana State Penitentiary:
E-mail: GARYYOUNG@doc.la.gov or JDARBONNE@doc.la.gov
Phone numbers:
Gary Young: (225) 655-2838
Joli’ Darbonne: (225) 655-2783
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cathy Fontenot
(225) 655-2897
July 16, 2009
Chapel Dedications at Louisiana’s Maximum-Security Prison
(Angola, La) – The Louisiana State Penitentiary is dedicating the chapel at Camp C on Friday July 17, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. This Chapel will serve the needs of inmates within the confines of Camp C. Inmate Bible College graduates and ministers will participate in the program, along with distinguished guest speakers from the Louisiana Prison Chapel Foundation.
In 1998, Warden Burl Cain set out to build a chapel in every inmate-housing unit at LSP. This vision soon grew to include a chapel in all Louisiana prisons. The Louisiana Prison Chapel Foundation is the driving force behind the prison chapels being built across the state.
LSP is recognized throughout the country for emerging from its 1970’s reputation as the “bloodiest prison in America” to today being one of the most secure, humane, and efficiently run prisons in the country. Warden Cain attributes this amazing transformation to the Prison Chapels and the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. There are approximately 2500 inmates participating in moral rehabilitation programs at LSP. These men strive for moral rehabilitation and it shows: Since 1995, inmate violence has steadily declined to an all-time low.
Following the Camp C Chapel dedication, we are honored to announce the dedication of the B-Line Chapel at 4:00 p.m. This chapel, which will serve the religious needs of the B-Line community, was made possible through the generosity of Evangelist Franklin Graham and Samaritan’s Purse.
All media may contact:
Cathy Fontenot at 225-655-2897 cathyfontenot@doc.la.gov
Gary Young at 225-655-2838 garyyoung@doc.la.gov
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cathy Fontenot
(225) 655-2897
June 15, 2009
LA Justice Hall Of Fame Announces 2009 Honorees
(Angola, LA) Department of Public Safety and Corrections Secretary James M. LeBlanc, Louisiana State Penitentiary Warden Burl Cain and The Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum Foundation are proud to announce the following, highly distinguished individuals, as 2009 inductees to the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame.
The Late Sheriff Bolivar Bishop (DeRidder)
Chief Judge Burrell J. Carter First Circuit Court of Appeals (Greensburg)
The Honorable Morris E. Easley, Jr. (Greensburg)
The Late Honorable Camille Francis Gravel, Jr. (Alexandria)
The Honorable Harry J. Morel, Jr. (Hahnville)
Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Chet D. Traylor (Columbia)
Sheriff Jeffrey F. Wiley (Donaldsonville)
In addition to these awards, the prestigious Sheriff Harry Lee Memorial Law Enforcement Award of Excellence will be presented to the Honorable Deputy Joe D. Smith of Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum is proud home to the LA Justice Hall of Fame and encourages all interested to attend the tribute and appreciation events honoring the above “heroes in justice” on Friday, July 10, 2009.
1:30 p.m. A free, open to the public reception at the Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum, located just outside the gates of the historic prison at the end of Highway 66 in West Feliciana Parish.
2:00 p.m. Ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Museum to reveal exhibit cases on the lives and accomplishments of the inductees.
5:00 p.m. Pre-purchased $50.00 ticket required to attend the banquet and formal ceremonies at Baton Rouge’s Boudreaux’s Restaurant at 2647 Government Street (ticket price includes catered meal with entertainment by the award-winning Governor Jimmie Davis Band).
Tickets and information may be obtained by calling the Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum at 225-655-2592 or www.angolamuseum.org.
All media may contact:
Cathy Fontenot at 225-655-2897 cathyfontenot@corrections.state.us
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| State of Louisiana | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| Office of the Governor | April 30, 2009 |
| GOVERNOR BOBBY JINDAL | Press Office: Melissa Sellers, Kyle Plotkin |
| Contact: Pam Laborde | (225) 219-0499 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DOC Cancels Visitation at all State Correctional Facilities
Other Precautionary Measures Taken to Minimize Potential H1N1 Impact
(Baton Rouge) Due to the increased number of H1N1 (swine flu) cases confirmed in the United States and out of an abundance of caution, the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C) is canceling offender visitation starting Friday,
May 1, 2009 and continuing for up to two weeks. There will be no visitation at any of the state’s 13 correctional facilities.
Facility tours and volunteer visits during this time are also canceled, as is an event
planned at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center between incarcerated fathers/grandfathers
and their children/grandchildren.
Parole Board hearings are canceled from May 4 – 8, 2009 as a precaution as well.
DPS&C Secretary James M. Le Blanc says the precautions aren’t meant to cause
alarm, but they are aimed at significantly limiting any threat of exposure to correctional
staff and the offender population throughout the state. On any given day and especially
during visitation, there are hundreds of people from across Louisiana and many other
states that come in and out of our facilities that have contact with offenders and staff.
“The best way to fight the spread of the virus is through containment,” said Secretary Le
Blanc. “We regret the inconvenience this may cause but we feel that these steps are
necessary to prevent possible spread of the virus from an unsuspecting member of the
public to staff and offenders.”
There are no suspected cases of the H1N1 virus within the offender population and the
Department is diligently working to keep it that way. Corrections Headquarters is
coordinating preparedness and response measures for all state correctional facilities. Regular updates are provided to both staff and offenders and the Department’s Incident
Management Center is now activated to track facility needs and responses.
DPS&C will provide updates to the public as necessary through the media and the
department website, www.doc.louisiana.gov. The Department will make modifications
to the timelines above as necessary.
| State of Louisiana | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| Office of the Governor | April 30, 2009 |
| GOVERNOR BOBBY JINDAL | Press Office: Melissa Sellers, Kyle Plotkin |
| Contact: 225-342-8006 | (c) 225-328-3755 |
Governor Bobby Jindal and State Officials Give Update on Possible Swine Flu Cases in LA
BATON ROUGE – Today, Governor Bobby Jindal and state officials held a press conference to give an update on eight possible H1N1 (swine flu) cases in Louisiana and what precautions the state is taking to prevent against the further spread of illness.
Governor Jindal said that the state has now received a total of 148 unique samples to test for the H1N1 virus. The eight suspected cases in four parishes (Orleans, Lafayette, St. Martin and St. Tammany) could not be identified by the Office of Public Health laboratory in New Orleans and have been sent to the CDC lab in Atlanta for confirmation.
Governor Jindal said, “I want to be clear that at this time we still have NO confirmed cases in Louisiana. We expect results to come in from the CDC in two to four days on each of these cases. In the meantime, we are urging Louisianians to continue to use caution against the spread of illness. Wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough, and if you do experience flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor and stay away from large public areas.”
The Governor said that state epidemiological teams are currently onsite in all four parishes conducting investigations on the suspected cases. All family members, friends and contacts of the suspected cases are being swabbed and interviewed.
The Governor also said that the state has begun prepositioning the federal stockpile of antiviral resources – totaling 140,000 courses. Health officials stressed that the federal stockpiles supply are a backup option, and that medical officials should continue to order supplies of the antiviral from private pharmacies as they usually would. The federal resources will be used if private antiviral resources run low. The Governor said that the National Guard is working with State Police to preposition these federal supplies in the state, so they can be available if needed.
Governor Jindal said that those individuals who have an existing heart or respiratory condition should take special precautions at this time, just as they would during any flu season, by avoiding large groups of people. He said this is different than an average flu season because the swine flu is a new virus that individuals would not be able to vaccinate themselves against, as immunocompromised individuals would usually do to prevent against the flu.
SCHOOL GUIDANCE
Governor Jindal said that the U.S. Department of Education today recommended that any schools with a CONFIRMED swine flu case should consider closing for seven days (out from the last positive test result of a student). While there are still no confirmed cases of the swine flu in Louisiana, the Governor said state officials recommend that local schools who may have a student come down with flu-like symptoms contact their local Office of Public Health to determine the best course of action for their students.
GOHSEP ACTION
The Governor said that GOHSEP has been elevated to a Level 4 activation, which means a partial activation of the emergency command structure that will stay in close contact with local officials across the state and consult with them on possible cases. GOHSEP’s Joint Information Center was also activated today.
DOA ACTION
The Division of Administration will be sending a message to all state employees and supervisors to give guidance for how they should prepare to continue their operations while requesting that employees experiencing flu-like symptoms stay at home either on sick leave (if they are sick) or work from home, as needed.
DSS ACTION
The Department of Social Services is communicating precautions and protocols to their 75 group homes to prevent against the possible spread of the virus, and they are also taking necessary actions to protect the health of the 5,000 children under their supervision in foster care.
DOC ACTION
The Department of Corrections is closing visitations to state prisons for the next 14 days, as a precautionary measure to prevent against the possible spread of illness. They are also stopping tours and non-emergency trips, and minimizing transportation. They will have no transfers of inmates for 14 days, and have worked with state officials to suspend parole hearings for one week.
PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY
Governor Jindal stressed again that Louisianians take precautions to protect themselves against the spread of illness. To prevent against the spread of germs:
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
· Avoid close contact with sick people.
· If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Symptoms of swine flu include:
· Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
· If you are experiencing these symptoms – Consult your doctor as soon as possible.
For more information on swine flu you can visit www.flula.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cathy Fontenot
September 8, 2008
(225) 655-2897
Rescheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2009
Angola, LA (9/8/08) – The 2008 Returning Hearts Celebration at Louisiana State Penitentiary, which was previously scheduled for September 13, 2008, has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2009. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST and will be the nation’s largest gathering of children and their inmate fathers.
Awana (www.awana.org/lifeline) is an international ministry that partners with parents and churches to raise kids to know, love and serve God. According to Awana representatives, “each week, more than a million children and youth are involved in Awana through more than 12,000 churches in the U.S. and in over 100 countries. Awana is the only organization with fully integrated evangelism and disciplieship programs for kids from ages 2 to 18 that actively involve parents, church leaders and mentors.”
Awana Lifeline to Angola began in 2003 when Warden Burl Cain invited Awana Co-Founder Art Rorheim and President/CEO Jack Eggar to speak to the prison’s fellowship of incarcerated Christian men. Since the establishment of the Lifeline program, which is a four-part initiative comprised of the annual Returning Hearts Celebration; Malachi Dads program, which offers spiritual, parental, vocational and educational training for inmates; the Awana Church Program, which provides churches in urban neighborhoods with training to start Awana programs for the children of inmates in their areas; and the year-round Lifeline Handbook Program, which enables fathers and their children to work through Awana Bible curriculum in tandem and helps create a long-distance parent/child bond.
Guardians of children participating in the Lifeline program report that children who attend are behaving better at home and school. Volunteers for the Returning Hearts Celebration assist with chaperoning, transportation, games, food service and other tasks travel to Angola, Louisiana’s largest and only maximum-security adult male penitentiary from across the United States.
An anticipated 1,200 children as well as over 800 volunteers were scheduled to attend the 2008 event, however, the prison was not able to accommodate due the planning and response to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Warden Burl Cain’s commitment to ensuring public safety as well as his dedication to promoting recidivism and decreasing future violence and victimization remains evident in his decision to reset the date of this important event – one in which he publically states, “is aimed at breaking the cycle of youth following in their inmate parents footsteps.”
For more information, members of the press may contact cathyfontenot@doc.la.gov at 225.200.2022 or 225.655.2897 or Awana’s Marie Guthrie at marieg@awana.org or 630.540.4600 or 847.946.4983.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cathy Fontenot
August 28, 2008
(225) 655-2897
Louisiana State Penitentiary Prepares for Tropical Storm Gustav
(Angola, LA) – Due to the emergency preparations currently being undertaken by the Louisiana State Department of Public Safety and Corrections, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Gustav, all visitation at the Louisiana State Penitentiary will be canceled at this time. In addition, all Inmate Banquets scheduled for this weekend are being canceled.
Louisiana State Penitentiary would like to assure the public, that the prison is secure and public safety will be maintained through this emergency crisis.
For more information, members of the press may contact Louisiana State Penitentiary:
E-mail: CATHYFONTENOT@doc.la.gov
Additional Contacts:
Gary Young: (225) 655-2838
Joli’ Darbonne: (225) 655-2783
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cathy Fontenot
August 28, 2008
(225) 655-2897
Returning Hearts Celebration to Reunite Kids with Dads at Angola Prison Sept. 13
Gathering will be largest of its kind in U.S.
STREAMWOOD, Ill. (Aug. 22, 2008) – The 2008 Returning Hearts Celebration™ at Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, once deemed the most violent prison in America, is expected to reunite a record number of children with their inmate fathers Sept. 13 for a special day to enjoy crafts, pony rides, inflatable games, sporting events and a meal together. The reunion, which runs from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. CST, will be the nation’s largest gathering of children and their inmate fathers.
About 730 children participated in last year’s Returning Hearts Celebration Angola, and this year more than 1,000 are registered. The event is a joint effort between the penitentiary and Chicago-based Awana, an international children and youth ministry.
In addition to a fun-filled family day in a festive atmosphere, Returning Hearts Celebration is a time when fathers who may not have seen their children in years can ask for forgiveness and begin reconciliation with their daughters and sons, helping to break the cycle of crime. The hard truth is that children of an incarcerated parent are seven times more likely than their peers to end up in prison themselves.
“Returning Hearts is a time when the walls come down between kids and their fathers,” said Lyndon Azcuna, director of cross-cultural ministries for Awana. “This special day gives children an opportunity to be with their fathers physically and to hear them say, ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘I love you.’ It’s also a place for children to experience God’s love through the changed hearts of their fathers.”
“These fathers do not want their children to end up in prison, so they are intentional in encouraging and teaching their children to pursue godly character,” added Jack Eggar, president of Awana.
Awana Lifeline began in 2003 when Warden Burl Cain of Louisiana State Penitentiary, the largest maximum-security prison in the U.S., invited Awana Co-Founder Art Rorheim and President/CEO Jack Eggar to speak to the prison’s fellowship of Christian men. What Rorheim and Eggar found was surprising and inspiring: The inmates wanted to see an evangelism and discipleship program established for their children.
Because of the expertise Awana has in working with children, parents and churches, Cain invited the ministry to help meet this need. Shortly thereafter, the Awana Lifeline program was born.
Awana Lifeline is a four-part initiative. In addition to Returning Hearts Celebration, it is comprised of Malachi Dads, which offers spiritual, parental, vocational and educational training for inmates; the Awana Lifeline Church Program, which provides churches in urban neighborhoods with training to start Awana programs for the children of inmates in their areas; and the year-round Lifeline Handbook Program, which enables fathers and their children to work through Awana Bible curriculum in tandem and helps create a long-distance parent/child bond.
The Lifeline lessons were specifically created for Angola inmates and their children to help them grow in their relationship and faith – and keep kids from following their dads to prison. The hope is that restored relationships between these children and their fathers today will mean better choices for the children tomorrow.
After the 2007 Returning Hearts Celebration, Awana surveyed the guardians and 68% of them said the children who attended are behaving better at home and at school. Because of the success at Angola, Awana recently announced plans to expand its Awana Lifeline program to seven other prisons throughout the nation, including San Quentin.
In addition to programming, Awana also is responsible for coordinating hundreds of volunteers for the day to help with chaperoning, transportation, games, food service and other tasks. Last year Awana volunteers came from 21 states, including Alaska.
Awana is an international ministry that partners with parents and churches to raise kids to know, love and serve God. Each week, more than a million children and youth are involved in Awana through more than 12,000 churches in the U.S. and in over 100 countries. Awana is the only organization with fully integrated evangelism and discipleship programs for kids from ages 2 to18 that actively involve parents, church leaders and mentors. In January, Awana launched Project Joseph, a national campaign designed to raise awareness of the moral and spiritual crisis among youth and to help kids, parents and churches work together to develop strong spiritual champions for Jesus Christ. For more information about Awana Lifeline, visit www.awana.org/lifeline.
For more information or for interviews, contact:
Marie Guthrie at 630.540.4600 office or 847.946.4983 cell /marieg@awana.org
For media credentials to attend Returning Hearts Celebration, contact:
Cathy Fontenot at 225.655.2897 office cathyfontenot@doc.la.gov
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cathy Fontenot
August 18, 2008
(225) 655-2897
“WILDEST SHOW IN THE SOUTH!” IN 44th YEAR OF PRISON RODEO
Angola Prison Rodeo is the longest running prison rodeo in the world, and is bigger and better than ever
(Angola, LA) – The Angola Prison Rodeo is back every Sunday in October, offering the best in prison rodeo excitement! Warden Burl Cain invites the public to witness fearless inmate cowboys compete in heart-stopping events like – Convict Poker, Wild Cow Milking, Bull Riding, and the world famous Guts-n-Glory. The gates to one of the most famous prisons in the world open at 9:00 a.m., and the “Wildest Show in the South!” starts at 2:00 p.m. All seats are only $10.
Rodeo fans are encouraged to come early to hear outstanding inmate bands, feast on a wide array of the south’s best food, and shop the unique and affordable inmate-made arts and crafts, including jewelry, leather craft, paintings, woodwork, lawn and garden furniture, and toys. “Little” rodeo fans will also enjoy special attractions just for them, including pony rides, space walks, carnival games, and lots more!
Tickets can be purchased in advance on-line at www.angolarodeo.com or by calling (225) 655-2030 or 655-2607 Monday thru Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Rodeo proceeds promote moral-rehabilitation initiatives at Angola, as well as throughout the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.
For more information, members of the press may contact Louisiana State Penitentiary:
E-mail: GARYYOUNG@doc.la.gov or JDARBONNE@doc.la.gov
Phone numbers:
Gary Young: (225) 655-2838
Joli’ Darbonne: (225) 655-2783
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2008
Contact: Cathy Fontenot
(225) 655-2897
Angola Art
Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum Board hosts Art Symposium at maximum-security prison
Since its establishment in April 1997, the Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum has proven to be a great resource for all interested in learning more about crime, criminal justice and corrections in Louisiana as well as the infamous history of the state's largest and oldest penitenitiary. An estimated 1,000 visitors each month from across the state, nation and also foreign countries have toured the storied prison and have begun their tour at the Museum. Every year the Museum hosts an open event, free to the public to bring more awareness about Angola's unique museum, the first of its kind in the nation.
Warden Burl Cain often states that allowing inmates to be creative in safe and secure ways allows them to release frustrations and expressions that help to keep the massive prison community non-violent and productive. Inmates have often discovered untapped artistic talents within themselves while incarcerated. Twice a year, thousands of people come to purchase inmate art and hobbycraft during the Angola Prison Rodeos held on the third weekend of April and every Sunday in October. People are amazed at the creativity they discover when attending these sold out events.
This year's symposium will feature inmate art as well as a collection of artwork collected from the people most affected by crime, criminals and corrections. Attendees to this symposium will also see selected paintings, drawings, sculptures and photographs donated for display from crime victims and survivors, family members of inmates and prison employees and thier families. The artwork will be showcased at various historic locations on the prison including the Red Hat Cellblock, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Gates open to the public at 9:00 a.m.on Saturday, June 7, 2008. Registration is free however lunch can be purchased for $5.00 a head. Inmate bands will perform at lunch time. Artists including professionals Debra Luster and CD Wright of One Big Self - Inmates of Louisiana, inmates, and employees will be on hand to discuss the inspiration behind their artwork.
All media is welcome to attend. For media credentials to attend the Angola Art Symposium, contact: Cathy Fontenot at 225.665.2897/cathyfontenot@doc.la.gov
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April 9, 2008 MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Angie Norwood, Cathy Fontenot
(225) 655-2897
BIG Angola Media Events Scheduled Despite Rising Waters of Mississippi River
(ANGOLA, LA) All media representatives are welcome to attend any and all of the following upcoming events to be held at the Louisiana State Penitentiary. Interested journalists should contact Assistant Warden Angie Norwood or Cathy Fontenot at (225) 655-2897 or 655-2002 in order to make arrangements. We are also prepared to send information as well as make prison public information officers available for television appearances. Prison authorities will be obliged to provide tours of the fortified levee system that is currently doing its job to keep rising waters from the "father of waters" away from the Angola mainlands.
The 6th Annual Wardens and Supervisors Conference of Joni and Friends International Disability Center's Wheels for the World is set for April 16-18. Angola's on site program will play host to our counterparts from other prison programs around the country. Workshops featuring wheelchair assembly, inmate testimonies and presentations of other faith-based and community-based partnership programs geared to lower recidivism and increase volunteerism and assistance to those in need will occur throughout the conference.
On Saturday April 19th and Sunday April 20, gates open for the world famous Angola Prison Rodeo. Tickets only $10 bucks! All seats under covered arena. Gates open at 9 a.m. Music, arts and crafts and more concessions than can be imagined available throughout the day. First event kicks off at 2 p.m. sharp and arts and crafts available for an additional hour after the Wildest Show in the South ends at 4 p.m. Don't forget to bring the kids to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Rodeo and the ever-growing Kiddie Land midway - featuring face art, dunking booth, slides, merry-go-round, and bloodhounds!! International media as well as Rolling Stone magazine are signed up to cover this year's event.
We are honored to invite you to attend the Dedication Ceremony of the Chapel at Camp F. Beginning on Sunday, April 20th at 10:30 a.m., inmate gospel musicians, state and local representatives and special guest speaker Evangelist Franklin Graham of Semaritan's Purse will officially dedicate Angola's newest chapel.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2007
CONTACT: ANGIE NORWOOD
(225) 655-2897
Prison Chapel Dedication at Louisiana’s Maximum-Security Prison
LPCF Changing Hearts and Lives by Building Chapels in all Louisiana Prisons
(Angola, LA) – The Louisiana State Penitentiary (LSP) is dedicating the third chapel built on prison grounds at the Main Prison on Friday, December 28 at 11:30 a.m. It is the largest prison chapel of its kind to date, serving more than 2,800 inmates within the confines of the Main Prison. Inmate bible college graduates and ministers will participate in the program, along with distinguished guest speakers from Louisiana and Illinois.
In 1998, Warden Burl Cain set out to build a chapel in every inmate-housing unit at LSP. This vision soon grew to include a chapel in all Louisiana prisons. The chapels at LSP are funded largely through proceeds from the Angola Prison Rodeo and private donations. The Louisiana Prison Chapel Foundation is the driving force behind the prison chapels being built across the state, and the major contributor of those built or under construction at Dixon Correctional Institute, Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, Avoyelles Correctional Center, David Wade Correctional Center, C. Paul Phelps Correctional Center, Forcht-Wade Correctional Center, Rayburn Correctional Center and Winn Correctional Center.
LSP is recognized throughout the country for emerging from its 1970's reputation as the "bloodiest prison in America" to today being one of the most secure, humane, and efficiently run prisons in the country. Warden Cain credits this amazing transformation to moral rehabilitation programs, which include the Angola Extension of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, the only four-year college degree program where inmates can earn a degree from an accredited university, and the Inmate Missionary Program that provides inmate ministers throughout LSP and other Louisiana prisons. "Even if I were an atheist, I’d have a strong religious program in my prison. Religious people do not normally commit murder, rob, or rape," says Warden Cain. There are approximately 3,000 inmates participating in moral rehabilitation programs at LSP. These men strive for moral rehabilitation and it shows: Since 1995, inmate violence has steadily declined to an all-time low by year-end 2006.
Interested media are invited to attend. For press passes or more information, members of the press may contact:
Angie Norwood: (225) 655-2897
E-mail: anorwood@doc.la.gov
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2007
Contact: Angie Norwood
(225) 655-2897
Louisiana State Penitentiary Meets National Standards for Prison Operations
Independent inspection reveals Angola is one of the best run, correctionally sound prisons in the nation!
(Angola, LA) – LSP is recognized throughout the country for emerging from its 1970's reputation as the "bloodiest prison in America" to today being one of the most secure, humane, and efficiently run prisons in the country, due largely to the influence of the American Correctional Association (ACA). For the fifth time since assuming the position of warden at the state’s largest and only maximum-security prison, Warden Burl Cain successfully led the prison through yet another demanding inspection by the ACA.
The ACA and the Commission on Accreditation for Corrections (CAC) are private, nonprofit organizations that administer the only international accreditation program for all components of adult and juvenile corrections. Their purpose is to promote improvement in the management of correctional agencies through the administration of a voluntary accreditation program and the ongoing development and revision of relevant, useful standards that establish the national benchmark for effective operation of correctional systems throughout the United States. The individual standards themselves concentrate on services, programs, and operations essential to good correctional management and reflect practical, up-to-date policies and procedures that safeguard the life, health, and safety of staff and inmates.
On September 10-14, a team of correctional professionals selected by the ACA from across the United States inspected all areas of prison operations and reviewed over 600 standards files for both Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) and Correctional Training Academies (CTA). The result: 100% compliance on all mandatory and 99.1% on all non-mandatory ACI standards; and 100% compliance on both mandatory and non-mandatory CTA standards!
Audit chairman, Richard Bazzle, a South Carolina prison warden, told prison officials and staff, "LSP is very impressive; the facility is run very, very well. All staff is very knowledgeable about their jobs and answered all questions articulately. Auditors heard no complaints from any inmates; nothing negative at all! We had a wonderful experience. And, for LSP to be such a huge complex, it’s run by very competent people."
In a private meeting with Warden Cain, auditors expressed their bafflement and amazement at the "spirit of unity at LSP like none they’d ever witnessed at any other prison." The level of access the warden granted to the general public and the media also amazed them. On average, LSP admits more than 1,000 people per month through its ever-popular museum and tours of the prison. In April and October, LSP opens its gates and admits more than 10,000 people per performance of the world-famous Angola Prison Rodeo.
LSP will be officially awarded re-accreditation during the ACA’s Winter Conference in January, 2008.
For more information and/or photos, members of the press may contact:
Angie Norwood: (225) 655-2897
E-mail: anorwood@doc.la.gov
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2007
Contact: Angie Norwood
(225) 655-2897
Children to Spend Day with their Inmate Fathers at Angola Prison
LSP and AWANA to host second Returning Hearts Celebration at maximum-security prison
ANGOLA, LA, and STREAMWOOD, Ill., (Aug. 22, 2007) – More than 1,000 boys and girls are registered to spend a rare and unforgettable day with their inmate fathers at Louisiana State Penitentiary on September 8, thanks to a joint effort between the penitentiary and Chicago-based Awana, an international children and youth ministry.
The Returning Hearts Celebration, which runs from 8 a.m.–4 p.m., will bring children into a carnival atmosphere at Angola, enabling them to spend a fun-filled day with their fathers enjoying crafts, games and a meal together. About 500 inmates will participate.
Inmates and their children also will have an opportunity to memorize Scripture verses together, the hallmark of the Awana program that emphasizes practical application of the Bible to daily living and runs in thousands of churches worldwide.
“Hope is rising in a place that once was considered little more than a prolonged death sentence,” said Jack Eggar, president of Awana. “We are delighted to bring a spiritual lifeline to Angola inmates and their families, just as we do throughout the world.”
“Returning Hearts is an important step toward reconciliation between inmates and their children. Anyone who has witnessed the joy of this day and the way it bonds families will never forget it,” added Lyndon Azcuna, director of cross-cultural ministries for Awana.
The Louisiana State Penitentiary was once deemed the most violent prison in the nation. Since becoming warden in 1995, Burl Cain has instituted a number of effective programs at the prison aimed towards moral rehabilitation.
“Regardless of circumstances, children need to know their father loves them in order to grow up as emotionally healthy adults that are less likely to repeat the cycle of violence,” Warden Cain said, noting that statistics indicate children of an incarcerated parent are seven times more likely than their peers to end up in prison themselves.
To reverse this trend and bring children and their fathers closer together, Cain contacted Awana in 2003 for help. The result was Awana Lifeline/Angola, a four-part initiative comprised of the Returning Hearts Celebration, Malachi Dads for inmates, Lifeline clubs where their children are located and the year-round Lifeline Handbook program, which enables inmate fathers and their children to work through Awana Bible lessons in tandem.
The Lifeline lessons were specifically created for Angola inmates and their children to help them grow in their relationship and faith – and to keep kids from following their dads to prison.
The September 8 Returning Hearts Celebration is the annual culmination of Lifeline/Angola. However, participation in the Awana program is not a requirement for inmates and their children to attend the event. The criterion is good behavior throughout the year on the part of the inmate.
This year will also mark the completion of the first group of Malachi Dads, which teaches Christian inmates at Angola how to grow into Godly fathers, equipping them to spiritually train their kids from behind bars.
In addition to programming, Awana also is responsible for coordinating hundreds of volunteers for the day to help with chaperoning, transportation, games, food service and other tasks.
For more information about Returning Hearts or to volunteer, visit www.awana.org/lifeline.
Awana is an international ministry that helps children and youth grow morally and spiritually by learning to apply the Bible to their lives. Each week, more than a million kids are involved in Awana through 16,000 churches worldwide. Awana is the only organization with fully integrated evangelism and discipleship programs for children from ages 2-18 that actively involve parents, church leaders and mentors. For nearly 60 years, Awana has been a leader in children’s ministry by helping kids know, love and serve God.
For more information contact:
Don Beehler at 615.566.0776 / dbeehler@ctcreative.com
For media credentials to attend Returning Hearts, contact:
Angie Norwood at 225.665.2897/anorwood@doc.la.gov
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2007
Contact: Angie Norwood
(225) 655-2897
Children of Angola Inmates Attend Ministry Camp on "The Rock"
Incarcerated Fathers Take Advantage of Opportunity Offered by LSP
(Angola, LA) – On Friday, June 22, twenty children of Angola inmates began a journey of a lifetime: a week-long, all-expense paid trip to the Word of Life Ministry Camp 2007 in Schroon Lake, New York.
For the past three years, Warden Burl Cain has enabled fathers incarcerated at Angola to send their children to summer camp. And, what an awesome camp experience it is. The Word of Life Ministry Camp is a camp unlike any other with 45-acres devoted exclusively to teen excitement and growth in Christ. Thousands of teens from across the U.S. and around the world spend a week on the Word of Life Island "The Rock" each summer. Handpicked camp counselors spend all of their time with the campers, mentoring them towards Christlikeness. In addition to the ministry and counseling activities, "The Rock" offers an exciting array of indoor and outdoor sporting activities for both individual and team competitions.
In 2005, Warden Burl Cain, who believes moral rehabilitation is the only real rehabilitation, seized an opportunity offered through the Word of Life Fellowship organization to extend the faith-based programming efforts of the prison beyond the gates and into the lives of children whose fathers were incarcerated at Angola. Understanding that only by ensuring the children of inmates learn, grow and develop into quality individuals and citizens, will we then break the cycle of criminal behavior and imprisonment, Warden Cain worked with Christian leaders of Word of Life Fellowship and Angola to send the first group children to experience first-hand the "Word of Life" with all travel cost, camp tuition and related expenses paid through scholarships, private donations, and inmate club organizations. The children were selected through application by their fathers and, because the experience was such a powerful one that first year, Warden Cain vowed to make it an annual trip.
The trip in June marked the third one to New York for children of Angola inmates. A total of sixty-five children so far have been given this amazing gift of a lifetime – one that will hopefully inspire these children to shape and change this generation for God!
For more information, members of the press may contact Louisiana State Penitentiary:
E-mail: anorwood@doc.la.gov
Phone numbers:
Angie Norwood: (225) 655-2897
Main Angola Number: (225) 655-4411
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May 14, 2007 Contact: Angie Norwood
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (225) 655-2897
MORAL REHABILITATION DIRECT RESULT OF FAITH-BASED INITIATIVES AT ANGOLA
Angola Extension of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary to Award 44 College Degrees during Commencement Exercises
(Angola) Warden Burl Cain of the Louisiana State Penitentiary and Dr. Charles Kelly, president of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS), announce the graduation of forty-four inmate students at its Angola Extension Center on May 22, 2007. The 41-Associate Degrees and 42-Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Christian Ministries will be awarded during commencement exercises at the Tudy Chapel, located within the maximum-security gates of Louisiana State Penitentiary.
The NOBTS began classes on September 11, 1995, at Louisiana State Penitentiary. The program developed from a vision of Warden Cain, who saw a need to instill hope and peace among the inmate population. Warden Cain shared this vision with Dr. T.W. Terrel, director of missions for the Judson Baptist Association in Baton Rouge, who in turn contacted Dr. Chuck Kelly, president of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Through the efforts of these three Christian administrators, an extension center for the NOBTS was established at Angola.
Since inception, the NOBTS college-degree program has been hugely successful in promoting high moral values among the inmate population. The evidence is clear in that the incidents of violence at Angola have dropped drastically, a direct relation to the moral rehabilitation of the prison.
Interested media should contact Angie Norwood (225) 655-2897 for details on media passes.
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April 9, 2007 Contact: Angie Norwood
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(225) 655-2897
ANGOLA AMONG CHOSEN ROUTES FOR THE 2007 BIG RIVER
TANDEM TOUR
Second Year Cyclists Ride Through Maximum Security
Prison
(Angola) On April 10th, day five of the 2007 Big River Tandem Tour, the
Delta Queen will dock at Angola and tandem cyclists from across the country will
disembark for a 10-mile ride across Louisiana’s maximum-security prison.
Cyclists will then follow Highway 66 to St. Francisville where they will be
picked up by the Delta Queen to continue their week-long tour through four
states – Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
The tour is underwritten by Santana Cycles to showcase the tandem lifestyle. Mr.
Mike McCreedy, organizer of this event, will be on-hand to speak to interested
media.
Interested media should contact Angie Norwood (225) 655-2897 for details on
media passes.
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March 19, 2007 Contact: Angie Norwood
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (225) 655-2897
PUBLIC INVITED TO ANGOLA SPRING RODEO
Recent Expansion Means Better Seats
(Angola) LSP Warden Burl Cain invites rodeo fans to the 7th Annual Angola Spring Rodeo April 21 and 22, 2007.
New construction begun on the arena in January will accommodate more rodeo fans and provide a “birds-eye” view of all the wild action. The arena – built by inmates for inmates – will again showcase the incredible job skills training program available to inmates at Angola through Prison Enterprises.
Rodeo fans of “The Wildest Show in the South” are invited to witness more than 100 inmates of Angola’s mostly urban population test their “street-smarts” against professional rodeo stock in events like: Convict Poker, Wild Cow Milking, and the world-famous Guts-n-Glory. Come early to hear outstanding inmate bands, feast on a wide array of the south’s best food, and shop the unique and affordable inmate-made arts and crafts, including jewelry, leather craft, paintings, woodwork, lawn and garden furniture, and toys. “Little” rodeo fans will also enjoy special attractions just for them, including pony rides, space walk, carnival games, and lots more!
Gates open at 9AM and “The Wildest Show in the South” starts at 2PM. All seats are only $10. Tickets can be purchased in advance on-line at www.angolarodeo.com or by calling (225) 655-2030 or 655-2607 Monday thru Friday between 8AM and 4:30PM. Rodeo proceeds promote faith-based initiatives at Angola and have enabled us to provide chapels to the inmate population.
Interested media should contact Angie Norwood (225) 655-2897 for details on media passes.
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For Immediate Release: February 22, 2006
Contact Person: Cathy Fontenot
(225)819-7023
ANGOLA ARCHAEOLOGY: 70 Years of Legend, Science and Reality
Ever wonder what went on at Angola before it became known world over as one of the most famed penitentiaries in America? If so, you are sure to be interested in attending the upcoming symposium at the Louisiana State Penitentiary.
The public is invited, free of charge, to attend this intriguing event highlighting archaeological investigations, presentations by professional archaeologists, exhibits of recovered artifacts, historical photographs and maps, hands on activities, demonstrations of life ways of past inhabitants and bus tours showcasing dig sites on the grounds of the massive 18,000 acre prison farm. Learn directly from those who've played a role in uncovering the mysteries of the past. A mock excavation, artifact identification, prehistoric pot making, soap making and blacksmithing are just a few of the activities lined up for this entertaining and educational day.
The event is slated for Saturday, March 25, 2006. Gates of the prison will open at 9:00 a.m.
The symposium will be held at the David C. Knapps Correctional Officer Training Academy and is sponsored by the Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum Board, the Louisiana State University Museum of Natural Sciences and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Funding has been provided by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.
All interested should contact Jenny Borders, Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum Director, at (225)655-2592 or log on to www.angolamuseum.org. To find out more about how the work of archaeologists at Angola has contributed to the history of the region as well as to the discipline of archaeology in general contact Stephanie Perrault at (225)578-3958.
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POSTED 2/21/06
The Franklin Graham Festival is coming to Angola! Click the link below for more details!
Franklin Graham Festival Angola 2006.pdf
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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Thursday, February 3, 2006
Contact Person: Cathy Fontenot, Public Relations
(225)655-2029
RODEO TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE
Get them while they last! Tickets to the “Wildest Show in the South” held
on the grounds of one of the most famous prisons in the world are available
February 6, 2006. This will be the Sixth Annual Spring Angola Prison Rodeo/Arts
and Crafts Festival and will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2006 and Sunday,
April 23, 2006. Beat the crowd and get your tickets early by calling
(225)655-2030 or (225)655-2607 Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 8:00
a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or go to
angolarodeo.com for more information on this “must see” event.
Fans of “The Wildest Show in the South” as well as newcomers to the event will
not be disappointed. This year more unique and affordable inmate made arts and
crafts will be available. You name it we got it. Everything from jewelry,
leather craft, paintings, woodwork, lawn and garden furniture and toys. Gates
open to the public early at 9:00 a.m. and stay open till 5:00 p.m. Come hungry.
Plan on feasting on everything from hot dogs and hamburgers to regional
favorites like jambalaya, crawfish and boudin balls. While you shop and get
ready to witness the most exciting sporting event you have ever seen, you can
listen to outstanding inmate bands and music groups. Fans of gospel, country,
blues, or pop will be surprised at what they hear. Get an Angola souvenir to
prove you’ve spent time in the “Big House.” Angola prison rodeo hats, black and
white striped shirts, seat cushions, binoculars, fans, the official rodeo poster
and many more prison labeled items can be purchased. Children will enjoy pony
rides, space walk, carnival games, and can even take their picture with Ole Red,
our famous bloodhound featured in country music’s Blake Shelton’s smash video.
From 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. witness the heart-stopping, nail-biting action of
the most exciting rodeo in the world. Before returning home take advantage of
the great bargains available in the inmate art and crafts section and purchase
snacks and drinks for your ride home.
All seats only $10.00. Rodeo proceeds promote faith-based initiatives and have
enabled us to provide chapels to the inmate population.
Interested media should contact Cathy Fontenot (225)655-2029 for details on
media passes.
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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2/3/06
CONTACT PERSON: Cathy Fontenot, 225.342.1065
Valentines for VETS
In celebration of all veterans and in recognition of their sacrifices and service in all wars, the Department of Public Safety and Corrections has planned a special event to recognize our love of freedom by honoring the brave veterans of the Louisiana War Vets Home in Jackson on Valentine’s Day. The event is an extension of the Department's participation in the national Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program. The Department of Public Safety and Corrections was one of 15 recipients of the 2005 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award for “above and beyond support of their employees who serve in the Reserve and National Guard” according to a Department of Defense press release.
Secretary Richard L. Stalder says small tokens of thanks are being donated and will be sorted and gift wrapped for presentation to the retired soldiers. “We have not nor will we ever forget their service or their sacrifices,” said Stalder. Secretary of the Department of Louisiana Veterans Affairs Brigadier General Hunt Downer has been asked to be a special guest of honor at the event slated for the morning of February 14.
“General Downer's commitment to the state is without question. His presence at this event serves to remind us of the important, life saving partnerships maintained between the Department of Public Safety and Corrections and his agency. We all benefit from programs that support our troops,” said Stalder.
All interested press should contact the above number. Those interested in finding more information about the ESGR program can log on to http://www.esgr.mil.
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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2/3/06
CONTACT PERSON: Cathy Fontenot, 225.342.1065
Department of Public Safety and Corrections Receives National Exemplary
Offender Program Award
Nashville, TN. The Department of Public Safety and Corrections was awarded the
American Correctional Association’s prestigious 2006 Exemplary Offender Program
Award at the Association’s Winter Conference this week. Each year the American
Correctional Association formally recognizes an outstanding correctional program
that demonstrates successful outcome measures that address offender’s problems
as well as reduce offender rate of return among other public safety criteria.
The Department submitted its Sex Offender Treatment Program, which was
established six-years ago. The risk-management treatment program for sex
offenders was piloted at David Wade Correctional Center in Homer, LA. Due to the
effectiveness of the program, it has been standardized statewide. A total of
approximately 3,000 sex offenders under the custody and supervision of the
Department at 11 state prisons and 10 probation and parole districts participate
in this treatment program that performs risk assessment identification,
monitoring, and surveillance.
In February 2005, two outcome studies of the program found that scientific
evidence demonstrated enhancement of community safety through the prioritizing,
auditing, notifying and documenting of sex offender supervision as well as
enhancement of prison inmate sex offender treatment. Evidence of the program’s
success includes proof that education of sex offenders is successful when
appropriate life skills and cognitive skills are the essence of the program.
Most impressive is the rate of re-offending community-based sex offenders with
the risk management sex offender treatment system is 2.5% whereas the national
average of recidivism with sex offenders is 6%-15%.
Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections Richard L. Stalder
is proud that the Louisiana program stands out as an example of the great
strides made by Louisiana Corrections and Probation and Parole staff in the
effort to maximize public safety and the creation of a safer Louisiana through
the treatment and monitoring of prison and community-based sex offenders. The
program is based on Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and additional clinical topics
to include victim empathy, identification of an individual profile indicating
specific risk factors pertaining to the individual offender, identifying and
confronting cognitive distortions, managing deviant sexual thoughts,
introduction of alternative behaviors, and relapse prevention. It was authored
by Dr. Eric Cohen, an independent consultant, and is directed by Dr. Susan
Tucker of Forcht Wade Correctional Center. Warden Venetia Michael of David Wade
Correctional Center, Warden James LeBlanc of Dixon Correctional Institute and
Director of Probation and Parole Genie Powers were cited as consistent
supporters whose efforts proved to add to the successful growth of the program
statewide. “I am proud of the work performed at every level by every security,
treatment and programming employee of this Department. Our mission of public
safety remains our top priority and this award proves that our efforts are
making a positive difference in the lives of many,” said Stalder.