Carter Diers

Hello MACPO Members!

As your MACPO President, I would first like to invite all corrections staff across the state to not only join this unique organization, but also to get involved on a committee.  For me, getting involved with MACPO has led to close friendships and great opportunities for growth.  Our members, volunteer board, and committee members are the best in the business!   

Mark your calendars now for the 2019 MACPO Spring Conference.  With your help, we have made some adjustments, so this next Spring Conference will be one week earlier on May 15, 2019, through May 17, 2019 (Breezy Point).  The MACPO Spring Conference is a dynamic way to get your training in and network with other professionals with your stories and struggles.  Also new is our Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) Track.  Although academic research shows evidence-based practice to offender rehabilitation works, academic research does not always translate into practice.  MACPO is working hard to partner in the training and implementation of such practices.  Please join us at our next spring conference so that you can get your EBP training booster and stay up to date on the latest practices.

MACPO recognizes that correctional work is stressful and can place all employees, to include support staff, with high-risk individuals and in high-risk situations.  This stress, caused by both critical incidents and cumulative job stress, has the potential to jeopardize work performance, safety, health, and relationships.

Further, if we expect agents to effectively engage in evidence-based practices, they need to be engaged and healthy.  There is significant evidence that suggests that staff need to be healthy if there is to be successful implementation of EBP.  This year, MACPO is doubling down on our efforts to deliver this skill to all members by sending three talented MACPO members to Phoenix, AZ to be trained to deliver these strategies to you.  Along with an EBP track, we will be offering peer support and stress management sessions at regional trainings and at the MACPO Spring Conference.

MACPO and MCA have been working toward more collaboration.  These discussions are going to make MACPO and MCA stronger and help bring our members more and better representation.  Stay tuned for more combined trainings, communication, and representation.

Finally, I would like to invite each and every one of you to contact me personally if you have any suggestions. 

Let’s move forward together!

Carter Diers,

MACPO President

President@MACPO.net