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Florida DOC Fires Another 32 Workers For Misconduct
September 20, 2014
In what has become a frequent exercise, Department of Corrections Secretary Mike Crews on Friday fired 32 workers accused of breaking the law, including three prison guards involved in the gassing death of an inmate at a Panhandle prison four years ago.
All of the workers fired were on administrative leave pending a review launched earlier this summer. The housecleaning is part of the secretary’s attempt to salvage the reputation of the beleaguered agency in the wake of reports of widespread abuse and corruption, whistleblower complaints and federal investigations surrounding prisoner deaths.
Among the axed workers are Rollin Austin, Randall Johnson and Kevin Hampton, three former prison guards at Franklin Correctional Institution where inmate Randall Jordan-Aparo died after allegedly being repeatedly gassed by guards and then left to die.
Dismissal letters from Crews to the workers say they are being let go because they “participated in a force incident that resulted in the death of an inmate.” None of the fired workers has been arrested or charged with any crimes.
Four Department of Corrections investigators say they’ve been retaliated against for exposing a cover-up about Jordan-Aparo’s September 2010 death. The investigators claim that Gov. Rick Scott’s chief inspector general Melinda Miguel — who refused to grant them whistleblower protection — was aware of the cover-up for at least three years. The DOC investigators, who found that Jordan-Aparo was too ill to warrant being treated as a threat, are themselves now the subjects of internal reviews.
According to a whistleblower lawsuit, Austin gave the order to gas Jordan-Aparo, who died five hours later after being gassed twice more and being left to die. The 27-year-old, coated in yellow residue from the noxious chemicals, was found dead in solitary confinement with a Bible beside his head. Jordan-Aparo was serving an 18-month sentence for fraud and drug charges.
Also fired Friday were nine Charlotte Correctional Institution guards involved in the April 11 death of inmate Matthew Walker, who was allegedly beaten to death while handcuffed. Walker’s death — and that of another inmate who died at the Punta Gorda facility a month later — are among more than 80 inmate deaths now being probed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Fifteen prison guards at Union Correctional Institution, all under investigation for use-of-force incidents against prisoners over the past two years, were also pink-slipped Friday. Another guard at the Raiford prison was also fired for unspecified reasons.
Crews’ review also resulted in three employees being sent back to work, including the assistant warden at the Raiford prison, Nan Jeffcoat, who has been on leave with pay since the death of an inmate two years ago.
Crews has been on a housecleaning mission in the wake of Miami Herald reports earlier this year about Darren Rainey, a mentally ill inmate at Dade Correctional Institution who died after guards allegedly forced him to shower in scalding hot water as punishment two years ago..
“I have made it clear that there is zero tolerance for corruption or abuse at the Department of Corrections, and we continue to root out any-and-all bad actors who do not live up to our expectations. Our standards are high and we will accept nothing less to ensure the safety of our staff and those in our custody, as well as Florida families,” Crews said.
by Dara Kim, The News Service of Florida
Comments
45 Responses to “Florida DOC Fires Another 32 Workers For Misconduct”
REGARDING:
“I was with the program for over 10 years thanks. And I don’t know where you’re getting your info from from it cost on average 40k a year to house 1 inmate. Average salary of a starting C.O. is just over 28k. Might wanna double check your sources.”
Per the Department of Corrections:
http://www.dc.state.fl.us/oth/Quickfacts.html
“Per Diem (Fiscal Year 2012-13)
It costs an average $47.50 a day or $17,338 per year to house an inmate in a Florida prison.
Salaries
Certified entry-level Correctional Officers are paid $30,807.92 annually.
Certified entry-level Correctional Probation Officers are paid $33,478.12 annually.”
David thinking:
If you can’t trust the Department of Corrections, who can you trust?
Michelle I was with the program for over 10 years thanks. And I don’t know where you’re getting your info from from it cost on average 40k a year to house 1 inmate. Average salary of a starting C.O. is just over 28k. Might wanna double check your sources.
There are alot of judges out there that do not even know the real results of these incidents. Mr.Crews is making a big mistake by looking like he is doing the right thing. Yes, the News paper can and will print wrongful words to make it look worst or better which ever suits it at the time. Then a man will tell a lie to make his self look better which ever suits his needs at the time also. but the fact is some of these people are not even in the incidents of what happen and definatly all the facts of the paper are not correct. You all need to remember thoses that give there lives for us to have a better live .. Our Correctional Officers do have to risk there lives every day to protect those in the prisons also. as well as protect themselves and other fellow officers. The Police Officers have to do the same. Our Military have to do the same. Lets just remember that all people will not or do not want those jobs for that reason. Yes being cruel to others is not right but make sure the story is correct before we throw insults, for all is not seen and one will do or say what he needs to to make polticial statements look better for sure if they are running for office.. Yes there is a cruel world ahead, but lets remember who fault it is. God is Good. all the time. never changes and forgives.
Amen J.J. Amen
First off Jj, according to DOC’s website, it costs about $18,000 a year for each inmate, which is well below the salary of an officer. Second off, the recidivism rate has DROPPED, NOT RISEN. 3rd off, what the article is talking about is comparable to what the inmates have done to get a prison sentence. A crime is a crime whether an inmate or an officer does it. 4th off, we know that positive reinforcement for pro-social behaviors does far more good to rehabilitate inmates and change behavior than physical punishment. Get with the program.
It’s hard to correct criminals when the administration and people in Tallahassee who have never stepped foot on a prison compound keep coming up with more ways to limit officers ability to properly do their job. Florida D.O.C system is a joke, just a daycare for adults. Tallahassee is making it more a hotel than a place for punishment. Make prison not so enjoyable and I bet the recidivism rate goes way down. It’s a shame that hard working Americans are having to pay these outrageous rates for health insurance when these felons in prison get it for free. It’s also a shame that the state pays more to house 1 inmate a year than they pay a Correctional Officer a year. No raise for god knows how long mixed with long shifts, up to 16 hours, day in and day out. That will only last so long before things like this happen. Bottom line is the state needs to worry more about taking care of the Officers and not so worried about being politically correct.
Its unfortunate that it has come to this but unfortunate lay some of it is the fault of a few people that have made it difficult for the rest is us. I hate to see anyone loss job but Mr. Crews is trying to do what is right. We work in a negative environment and are subjected to all types incidents during our shifts but as professional we are given protocol that allows us to deal with incidents follow procedures and policy. It those that go beyond the guidelines that often get themselves n others in trouble. There is a right and wrong way if you chose the wrong way then you pay the cost.The Department has changed and if you choose to work you must change as well. I am thankful for those who want to do what’s right behind the fences. Nothing an inmate can say or do is worth your Job. Be safe and be smart.
I know it is going on at Taylor Correctional also and now because my son complained he is in fear of his life. I am sorry, what they do to get in there has nothing to do with abuse and neglect while in prision. They need to be rehabbed as much as possible especially if they have a short prison term and will be out in a short bit so perhaps they will not repeat the errors that got them in prison, not taught that authority gives you power to do as you want. Poor lesson and also illegal. No one regardless deserves to die in prison at the hands and abuse of the guards. I have tried to get someone in Tallahassee to return my calls about what is going on there at Taylor but no go. I did have medical tell me to call the Warden, but the Warden will just kill my son. I am sure those other deaths prior had complained to love ones also of what was going on and thus got them killed.
I believe in consequences for misconduct, or abuse or any kind. Of course before discipline to any staff their should be proof/evidence. Professionalism, teamwork, ethics, and diligence and much more is required for this career. This Department has many great people who have dedicated their lives to this career. The Department does have high standards as any law enforcement agency does. Each person hired although they represent “the Department” it is also true they make their own decisions. It is imperative that if you are or would like to become a Corrections Officer you exemplify positive professional ethical traits to be a success! We all have to work together to reach this goal to give 100% and build on character and standards that is a great start! God Bless Everyone!
I hope that the Investigators are not finished at Northwest Florida Reception Center. I know for a FACT not all of the “Bully” officers have been fired! Inmates are there as punishment not to be punished at the hands of power hungry flunkies!!!
It is easy to set back and judge Sgt. and CO in DOC. But put your feet in their shoes. Low pay, the retirement has been cut, no pay raise for years and too many hours on the job. The ones at the top make the money and they don’t even come down to compound. You can not just gas a inmate without someone from the top giving you the order. The inmates coming into the system are different from 10 years ago. Many of them have no respect and will kill you in a heart beat. The public only focuses on high paid baby setters. But they have families and bills to pay too. I don’t see the public crying over all the Correctional Officers killed in the line of duty by a inmate out of control. The state wants to do away with the system and run it all with Private Companies. But this is not the answer. Do you think they would do a better job to protect the public. It is sad what has happened but it has been happening for years, but not in just DOC.
get this i’am not saying what the officers done was right they was trained with a higher standard let start with gov. scott no raise, but i bet he got raises cut back,how can the inmates be blameless this is why they are jail convicted of a crime they may or maynot done my point is this we have good officers in ever inst. let not forget the northend the people that work in century are very professonal give them a pat on the shoulders just sayin………
REGARDING:
@DHG,
“Yeah some of this is rough but you have to remember how many good officers there are.”
I assume they are all good until some decide to murder an inmate.
Then I assume they are the only bad ones until others act like they’ll throw a hissy fit if they don’t get to continue murdering inmates.
David for correct correctional officers
rather than criminal correctional officers
None of these Correctional Officers were arrested or charged with any crime because they’re just accused of being involved in misconduct, hence the word “allegedly.” That’s all it takes in Secretary Crews’ policy of fire everyone for anything. That is, of course, unless you are an Assistant Warden or Chief inspector General, apparently.
Training has nothing more to do with misconduct than “correcting” has to do with recidivism. A proverbial “bad apple” is just that, be it an officer just there for a paycheck, or a career criminal that has no intention of changing their ways. Just know that there’s only a couple of states that require more training than the 620+ hours that Florida requires to be eligible to become a certified Correctional Officer.
Anyone who wants a shot at attempting to do this thankless and dangerous job, they’re always hiring, assuming you’ve never been charged with anything more serious than a minor traffic infraction, that is. Go ahead, the public (and Mr. Crews) is waiting for you to change the world! Good luck!
>>Now do a story on the good people of this area instead of all the “bad apples” who are not even in North Escambia or Santa Rosa county.
We’ve done countless stories about good things at Century CI — from the people, to awards to community involvement — the list just goes on and on.
We do also run stories like thist from our Tallahassee news service about goings on in the DOC because they are of great interest to the DOC employees that read NorthEscambia.com.
perhaps crews and his boys need the axe after all sgts and ofcs are only doing as ordered then used as scape goats realy sad how its been driven into are heads now they are going after the little people and not the ones that have made use this way.you get on board or look for a new job know they want your wole mind set changed over night. you cant get rid of a ant hill by stepping on a couple ants
Florida DOC had made it unsafe for their officers for years. I stopped working there 10 years ago because of unsafe practices. The only bad part was worked with kitchen inmates. They had knives available and lot of tools. They made what is referred to a “buck” prison whiskey. I know it don’t sound like much, but Jeb Bush put a company in place he had lots and lots and lots of money invested in called Armark. These contract low level employees would have sex with inmates, do things against all rules. I saw it coming years ago. an
Where is the Attorney General Pam Bondi on this issue .
Where Gov Scott? This is their fault they have laws
That are too harsh. Florida’s sentencing guidelines are
Too severe. Florida warehouses with no parole no incentives
Too much stress on everyone. Take about a third of the
Prison population and out them on probation
Change how florida warehouses people.
And don’t ever put the FDLE in charge of an investigation
Did anyone really think it world be truly investigated
@ j j
Maybe they better go back to guarding, correcting doesn’t seem to be going so well right now.
@twinkie,
It’s a tough world, letting everyone go doesn’t work either.
@DHG,
Yeah some of this is rough but you have to remember how many good officers there are.
Well waiting for the counter lawsuits for unwarranted terminations. (In some cases)
J.j, if Corrections Officers behave in this manner, they are not guards, they are criminals! Only professionals can carry the name Correction Officer!
One tough issue is to be judged by people that lack occupational experience. If people cared about the inmates they would want better training and higher standards for the officers watching over your family members. Instead they want to look at prisons like a business and cut corners where they can. So the real question is at what point does the government take action and rather than making threats of “we won’t accept this”, saying “your job is tough and we are thankful we don’t have to do it. We just want you to do it well!” Mandate more training and higher standards for officers overall. Understaffing, undertrained and under pay is not the way to get a better outcome.
Everybody just quit and walk away let the ones on top run it
I work in corrections as well. In my state we review policies and stay in tuned with use of force policy.
Twinkle, there are protocols to getting gassed, maybe someone didn’t fill out proper paperwork or didn’t put all the details, but their not @ a play center, as for the one that got put in hot water, that was totally wrong, should not have happened, but you asked a couple questions, not judging your brother, but ask him those questions also, not just the public, but I’m like you, I’d ask those questions myself, it would be a better country, if everybody went back to God & stayed with him & maybe cast some tough love on our kinfolk when they did do wrong instead of overlooking them & judging/talking about others. We all have some bad family members, sometimes you have to pray for them & love them @ a distance & put some space there, if not, you could be pulled down with them.
Well hope we can get some raises now. Same pay no equipment. More violent inmates. Staff assaults and deaths on the rise. But kinder Gentler while we get hurt more and more.
REGARDING:
“I need a job. Can I get a job at this place?”
It certainly seems so.
David for decent people
Mr. Crews you are a sorry leader of DOC. Maybe you should go work at these dangerous prisons and see what you would do when you are attacked by inmates.You bleeding hearts go fill these jobs and see how you do controlling these inmate.
I am a former Florida DOC Correctional Officer and it is about time this happened. Anyone who has ever worked in corrections knows that these things go on. You may never have witnessed it but you know it happens. There are many more good and honest Correctional Officers than their bad ones but you know what they say one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch. And remember in our society we focus on the bad and not the good.Correctional Officer are fired everyday for things as simple as calling in too often but then also if you are a brown noser or suck up you can get away with murder no pun intended. And unless things have changed with DOC they let you know on a regular basis if you do something to embarrasses the Dept. you could be fired. Anyone who is truly upset over DOC cleaning house is either stupid or upset because their party is being crashed and shut down. And yes I agree it needs to go higher up but you got to start somewhere,
As a reflection of the professionals at Century Correctional Institution and it’s satellite facilities, No one from Century C.I. has even been questioned or second guessed when it comes to corruption and inmate abuse. That is because it is not common practice at Century C.I. or Santa Rosa C.I., which by the way, houses the worst Inmates in the entire state of Florida. Now do a story on the good people of this area instead of all the “bad apples” who are not even in North Escambia or Santa Rosa county.
@JJ, it appears we should hire some guards as your COs seem to be an interesting and remarkable group of characters.
Due to the high rate of recidivism, little seems to be CORRECTED.
You don’t want to work for that place. As soon as you do your job correctly, reporting and completing paperwork the proper way, like with these use of force reports, they will get rid of you. If you don’t give them a reason, they will make one up. And they meaning multiple witnesses to something you didn’t do. It is not worth the small bring home pay. I promise. The only ones that love that job where I worked were the ones in the “good ole boy system.” If you think it doesn’t exist, go to work at a prison not so close to Tallahassee. I could post all day about the majority of the “disorderly conduct” use of force reports don’t show the “actual inmate” being disorderly on camera. The person giving the lead in statement is shown and another officer is in a neighboring cell kicking and screaming. On top of that, you should see the difference between when an inmate enters confinement compared to the way they come out. If only they could take pictures of that. Some look like walking skeletons after 60 days because whatever size ladle they are to use is full of pot liquor, not the actual food. All the institutions have a “heads up” for any inspection, and they scramble to make sure everything appears to be going in accordance with policy and procedure. Most officers don’t report because that job is a necessity to pay the bills in the small town they live in.
BD and C.W. I agree with you both….the firing needs to start at Central Office that’s where the original DOC crooks are located!
I say take the CO’s out of the prisons and let them criminals defend for themselves…let them pay for there crimes. The CO’s doing a job no one wants so if a few die by there hands by most likely doing there job then let the murders, rapist, child molesters and drug dealers defend themselves then we will see how many deaths they will have. Maybe then all them that on death row and life sentences us the tax payers will see our money at work.
#CO’sjustdoingajob!
Lets be honest here, Mr. Crews is doing the right thing. Our Agency is heading in a new direction and you either have to get on board or get out the business. If you cannot keep your affairs in order and maintain a proffessional level on the job and off, then you do not belong in this setting. On the other hand, the job that is done inside those fences cannot be pushed aside. These CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS preform a signigigant duty for the public. They put their lives in harms way everyday and that takes a toll on any person.
…or the prosecution to prove their guilt before putting them in the unemployment line.
These Correctional Officers are not being arrested or charged because there’s not enough evidence against them to warrant such, hence the word “allegedly.” What Secretary Crews is doing is firing anyone who is involved in any type of behavior (on or off the job) that catches the eye of the media or law enforcement. It doesn’t matter if you did it or not, if someone accuses you of it, you’re gone.
Of course that only applies to front line staff. Notice that the Assistant Warden got his job back after being on paid leave for two years and Chief Inspector General Miguel still has her job.
These facilities are already understaffed, so let’s see how good of a plan this “fire everyone for anything” mentality is when they have to get off their asses in their comfy air conditioned offices and go work those hot compounds with one of their only deterrents for unruly behavior being that can of gas.
I don’t believe anyone should be abused, to include staff and inmates, but let these people have their day in court (and be on paid leave like the big wigs) to prove their innocence befo
I need a job. Can I get a job at this place?
This is a sad day for the Department of Corrections. You can be let go without sufficient evidence in cases because of a liberal newspaper article. Shame on you secretary Crews. The house cleaning needs to start at Central office and the people making rules and decisions without ever stepping foot on a compound. DOC has become a joke and this is a travesty.
If there was a true “zero tolerance” policy why haven’t these officers been charged and arrested?
wow why are these guards not being charged? This sounds like out right murder!
C.W.,
It looks like people who should be inmates ARE running the prisons, at least in SOME cases.
David for better people
This is very heartbreaking! I have a brother who is in prison for making poor choices. There is NO reason any person should mistreat another human being. They are in there to serve their time. Not to be beaten or gased. When are we going to become children of God again? When are we going to stop hurting one another? Remember only God can judge you.
Just another example of the “Hug a Thug” program that the Florida D.O.C is implementing. And it’s Correctional Officer, not “guard”.
Did I read that right… “who has been on leave with pay since the death of an inmate two years ago.”
Leave with pay for 2 years!!! Yes please where do I sign up for that gravy job.
I have a idea for Crews. Let the inmates run the prison. After all, its just a case of “the man” being out to get them.