84-Hour Leave Restriction Arbitration Decision
Officers, In November 2012, Director Brandenburg unilaterally instituted a new policy limiting Officers to 84 consecutive hours of leave. He did this without talking to ACOA, as required by the Contract. ACOA contested this policy in arbitration. Now, finally, this issue has been put to rest when on Friday, July 18, ACOA received a decision from Arbitrator Kathy Fragnoli. She stated: “The Department violated the parties’ Collective Bargaining Agreement when [...]
Superior Judge Rules on 8-Hour Shifts
We received the decision today from the Superior Court Judge on the 8-hour shifts. The Superior Court Judge ruled in ACOA’s favor. He wrote, “The Arbitrator did not commit gross error... The arbitration award does not violate a well-defined public policy..." and "Therefore, the Court will confirm and enforce the arbitration award.” This means the DOC must enact the remedy described in the arbitration decision. Please take a moment and [...]
Watch the Legislative Hearing on Inmate Deaths
Today, July 15, 2014, Senator Hollis French held a Hearing on the recent inmate deaths. Commissioner Schmidt and Laura Brooks (DOC Deputy Director of Admin. Services) spoke first, followed by Jeff Jesse (begins at 37:00) of the Mental Health Trust Authority, ACOA (59:25), and finally family members from two of the deceased inmates (80:50 & 87:50). The focus of the Hearing was on how to prevent future inmate deaths. Brad [...]
Special Legislative Hearing on Inmate Deaths
Senator French has called for a Special Legislative Hearing on the recent rash of inmate deaths. It will be held July 15, 2014. Commissioner Schmidt has been invited to speak at the hearing. The hearing will be held in a room across the street from the Anchorage LIO building, as the LIO building is under construction. It is a small room but it would be nice to fill it with [...]
American Correctional Officer’s Medal Of Honor Nominations
The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor for an outstanding act performed in the line of duty, while in combat against an armed adversary, with the knowledge of the risk involved, and imminent personal hazard to life. This is to be bestowed upon an individual, professional sworn Correctional Officer. Generally presented to its recipient by the Medal of Honor Committee of the American Correctional Officer. [...]