MINUTES AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE FPOA EXECUTIVE BOARD
WASHINGTON, DC
MARCH 5 - 8
Sunday, March 5, 1967.
Present for all Meetings: Albert Wahl, President; Ben S. Meeker, Executive Vice President; Kirkwood L. Hanrahan, Secretary-Treasurer; Edward W. Markowski, Vice President, Northeast; O. Leon Garber, Vice President, Middle Atlantic; James Elmo Turner, Vice President, Southeast; William G. Zastrow, Vice President, Great Lakes; Kennith O. Beighle, Vice President, Central; Leslie C. Reed, Vice President, Far West; Marshall K. McKinney, Editor, FPOA Newsletter.
The meeting was convened by President Al Wahl at 4:00 pm at the Continental Hotel. He welcomed Kirkwood L. Hanrahan, recently elected Secretary-Treasurer, and Vice President William G. Zastrow, appointed to serve in lieu of Ben S. Meeker who had been elected Executive Vice President to the current FPOA Executive Board. Motion was made by O. Leon Garber, seconded by Leslie C. Reed and duly carried to waive the reading of and approve the Minutes of the previous session of the FPOA Executive board held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 11 - 14, 1966, which Minutes had been previously forwarded to each member of the Board.
The Treasurer's Report was presented by the Secretary-Treasurer. Motion was made by Edward W. Markowski, seconded by O. Leon Garber, and duly carried that the Treasurer's Report be accepted and approved as read and a copy of same is attached to these Minutes •. It was moved and seconded that henceforth a copy of the Treasurer's Report be printed in the FPOA Newsletter.
President Al Wahl announced the following Committee Chairmanship appointments: Membership, Edward W. Markowski; Economics, Kennith O. Beighle; Legislative, O. Leon Garber; Professional Standards, Leslie C. Reed; Liaison, Ben S. Meeker; Doyle Award, J. Elmo Turner; Projects, J. Elmo Turner; Research & Training, William G. Zastrow
It was moved, seconded, and carried that the Committee appointments be included in the July issue of the ¥POA Newsletter.
COMMUNICATIONS:
President Al Wahl read a letter to the New Republic expressing the FPOA's approval of Senate Bill 915 (Training Bill)
Letter to Judge Van Deusen to the effect that we hope he will remain on the Probation Committee.
Letter to Senator McClellan requesting that a representative(s) of the FPOA be heard relative to Senate Bill 916.
Letter from Milton Rector, NCCD to the effect that he will not be able to meet with the FPOA Executive Board in Washington, D. C.
President Al Wahl called attention to the fact that all representatives to the NCCD are prison or parole representatives and that no probation representatives have been included on the NCCD Council.
Letter from Chief U. S. Probation Officer Byron T. Morris, Huntington, W. Virginia, relative to the death of Mrs. Marie F. Curtis, Clerk-Stenographer in the Fairmont, W. Virginia Office, who was killed recently by a female parolee. In connection with this it was pointed out that clerk stenographers are also in a hazardous spot and this matter should be taken into consideration by the Legislative and Economics Committees. The letter relative to Mrs. Curtis' death was referred to the Resolutions Committee.
Letter to Mrs. Marie Sanders regarding the death of U. S. Probation Officer Maurice Sanders, Deputy Chief of the New York, New York Office.
All letters regarding the Judicial Salary Plan were referred to the Economics Committee.
Letter from Miss Evelyn Panella, US Probation Officer, Los Angeles, California, endorsed by Arch Sayler, Chief U. S. Probation Officer, New York City, New York, and Chief U. S. Probation Officer Logan Webster, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, regarding the establishment of a senior probation officer position (Grade 13 after 15 years of service) in the Judicial Salary Plan, was referred to the Economics Committee. In connection with this, it was pointed out by members of the Board that the Chief US Probation Officers in small offices suffered as much from the Judicial Salary Plan as any older Probation Officers. It was pointed out by Marshall McKinney that Chief U. S. Probation Officers in all Districts are not a par with the Clerks of Court in the particular District involved. Leslie Reed pointed out that the Justice Department will fight any change in the salary plan at the present time particularly the US Attorney’s section. It was further pointed out that the Probation Committee will not discuss anything of an economic matter until the consolidation argument is resolved. It was agreed that the FPOA will expend its efforts toward the fight against consolidation and move forward in the economics matter thereafter. All salary proposals and other economic matters will be continued until the fall of 1967.
Letter from Mr. Chandler, Director of the Administrative Office to the effect that crime in the streets is primarily a local matter.
Letter from Judge Youngdahl to the effect that he is opposed to the currently proposed Consolidation Bill and that such a Bill was not approved by the President's Crime Commission. It was further pointed out that the Judicial Probation Committee is against Senate Bill 916.
A question was raised as to whether or not the FPOA can advise Federal Probation Officers of vacancies in other Federal Probation Offices. It currently appears that the Administrative Office is reluctant to do this. This matter was referred to the Liaison Committee for contact with the Administrative Office to determine what, if anything, can be done about such notice of vacancies occurring. It was pointed out that the appointment of James R. Pace, US Probation Officer, Washington, D. C., to the position of Chief U. S. Probation Officer for the Northern District of Indiana certainly is setting a precedent relative to promotions. The possibility of a policy procedure along these lines can be discussed with the Administrative Office and the Probation Committee.
The question of possible increase in mileage was discussed and it was pointed out that the Administrative Office will not consider an increase from l0¢ to l2¢ per mile until the Justice Department has done so. It was pointed out that the Internal Revenue Service now allows 15¢ per mile as a basis for mileage computation on income tax returns.
It was moved, seconded and carried that the annual salary of $1.00 be paid immediately to Mr. Richard Chappell as the yearly retainer fee to represent the FPOA.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Membership Committee reported that as of March 3, 1961 we had a paid-up membership of 339, plus 8 pre-paid members during 1966, for a total paid-up membership to that date of 341, plus 2 pre-paid memberships for 1968.
The Sunday meeting was then adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Monday, March 6, 1967.
The meeting was reconvened by President Wahl at 8:30 a.m. at the Continental Hotel.
The Economics Committee, through its Chairman, Mr. Ed Markowski, submitted its report and a copy of same is made a part of these Minutes.
Mr. Richard Chappell, our Attorney and Consultant, appeared at the meeting and pointed out that hearings will possibly be held before the Committee on Senate Bill 916 on March 7, 8 and 9. It was pointed out by Mr. Chappell that the Attorney General, Honorable Ramsey Clark, will possibly appear on behalf of the Bill on March 7, 1967. Mr. Chappell further pointed out that the Judicial Conference is in opposition to Senate Bill 916. Mr. Chappell further pointed out that there has been some discussion relative to moving the Parole Board from the Department of Justice into the Administrative Office of the U. S. Courts. No definite action, of course, has been taken relative to this matter. The revision of the Criminal Code by an eight man committee was further discussed by Mr. Chappell.
Mr. Chappell further pointed out that there have been delays from time to time as to appointments for the vacancies occurring on the U. S. Board of Parole. He pointed out that the FPOA should prepare a position paper setting forth its opposition to Senate Bill 916 and the comparative Bill in the House and also setting forth a counter proposal. He further pointed out that the Bureau of Prisons is now concerned very much with the establishment of Half-way Houses, the Work Release Program, and the Emergency Furlough Proposals.
The question of Incorporation of the FPOA was raised and Mr. Chappell pointed out there would be no advantage in such incorporation.
A Committee consisting of the National Officers of the FPOA was appointed to develop a position paper in opposition to Senate Bill 916 and the companion Bill in the House. It was moved, seconded and carried that a Subcommittee, consisting of Mr. Ben Meeker, Mr. O. Leon Garber and Mr. William Zastrow, work with Mr. Richard Chappell toward a position paper setting forth our opposition to the Consolidation Bills and possible counter proposals regarding same. It was suggested that arrangements could possibly be made for this Committee to meet with Representative Cellar. It was pointed out that Judge Hoffman of the Judicial Conference Probation Committee has expressed a statement to the effect that the FPOA is dedicated to the improvement of the Federal Probation Service as a whole.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:30.
The meeting of the FPOA Board was reconvened at 2:00 in the Conference Room of the office of the Bureau of Prisons with Mr. Myrl Alexander, Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and two assistants. The Work Release Program and Emergency Furlough Program were discussed. There have been between 2,100 and 2,200 prisoners so released. Supervision bas been carried on at the institutional level. Under the Work Release Program there have been earnings of $2,000,000.00, with $300,000.00 being paid in taxes, $200,000.00 in board and room, and $600,000.00 back into the community by way of support for the families. They have not been able to work out a program for the white collar workers. There has been a population decrease of 4,500 in the Institutions; there have been 500 furloughs for sickness and death, and 100 furloughs for job seekers. The Institutions have produced $6,000,000.00 in goods from prison industries. They are now offering training courses, including farm machinery repairs. Escapes amounted to 5% and all Institutions are carrying on an alcoholic program. There has been close cooperation between the Bureau of Prisons and the Vocational Rehabilitation Service. The Employment Placement Service will be reestablished. The Bureau of Prisons is greatly interested in the guidance centers and there will be more established over the country in the future.
Youth offenders and young adult offenders constitute over 50% of the population of the Federal Institutions.
The Institution that is to be established at Butner, North Carolina will be geared as a research center for the violent and emotionally disturbed. The Institution at Marion, Illinois is being utilized for the housing and treatment of difficult youths. The Public Health Service has indicated that its facilities will be re& designed for Courts and Prison service in the hospitals and will make available psychiatric and medical services. Steps are being taken toward coordination between State and Federal Correctional Institutions.
The Bureau of Prisons is neutral relative to the Consolidation Bills that have been introduced into the Senate and the House and Mr. Alexander commented most favorably relative to the cooperation that has existed between the Probation and Parole Officers and the various Federal Institutions. He was most appreciative and highly complimentary of the services that the Probation and Parole Officers over the country have rendered to the Federal Institutions.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:45.
Tuesday, March 7, 1967.
The meeting was reconvened at 8:30 a.m. in the Continental Hotel. Mr. J. Elmo Turner made a report on the Doyle Award which was presented to CUSPO William C. Nau of Columbia, S. C. at Columbia on February 24. The three Judges of the District of South Carolina, Judge Martin, Judge Simmons and Judge Hemphill, were present. There was full press coverage and the ceremony was held at 3:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Federal Building in Columbia, S. C. There was a full Courtroom, with a luncheon before the ceremony and reception immediately following. It appears that last year there was not sufficient circulation relative to the Doyle Award and immediately announcement was made in the Newsletter. All nominations for the Doyle Award should be submitted by July 1.
The Projects Committee, through its Chairman, J. Elmo Turner, submitted its report. The Projects Committee will not only operate as a Screening Committee, but is also intended to originate projects. The Qualifications Directory prepared by Ai Wahl was discussed and it was pointed out that there are some errors and it is to be re-edited. The biographical profiles, as set forth in the Directory, are very timely and of great value. It was moved, seconded and carried that the Committee is to pursue the editing, printing and distribution of the Qualifications Directory.
There was a discussion led by Mr. McKinney, Editor of the FPOA Newsletter, as to what constitutes news for our publication.
The report of the Professional Standards Committee was presented by its Chairman, Mr. Leslie Reed, and that report is made a part of the Minutes of this meeting.
The Legislative Committee submitted its report through its Chairman, Mr. Kenneth Beighle, and that report is attached to these Minutes.
There was no report submitted by the Liaison Committee inasmuch as the Chairman of that Committee, Mr. Ben Meeker, has been in Japan for the past six months.
The report of the Advisory Research and Training Committee was submitted by its Chairman, Mr. O. Leon Garber, and that report is attached to these Minutes. It was moved, seconded and carried that the report of the Advisory Research and Training Committee be circulated to the entire membership of the FPOA, the Judicial Probation Committee, the Bureau of Prisons and the Administrative Office of the U. S. Courts. It was pointed out that anything having to do with interagency relationships is very timely.
The Subcommittee appointed at this meeting to work with Mr. Chappell relative to the Consolidation Bills, through its Chairman, Mr. Ben Meeker, submitted a general outline of a proposed Bill. This will be prepared and presented to the Judicial Probation Committee. The Preamble has been prepared and there will be a section on the proposal for the establishment of a Correction Council, including representatives from the Administrative Office and the Judicial Probation Committee. Also, it will include a section recommending the transfer of the Parole Board to the Administrative Office for housekeeping purposes. Further recommendations from the Crime Commission will also be included.
Mr. Merrill Smith, Chief of Probation for the Administrative Office, met with us at this time. He pointed out that the Public Relations Monograph is now in the Administrative Office and has been reviewed by Mr. Vic Evjen, Assistant Chief of Probation. One section of the Monograph will have to be re-written, or has already been re-written, and is to then be referred back to CUSPO Howard of the Washington, D. C. Office. It will then be reviewed. After it has been duly prepared it will be referred to the Professional Standards Committee; and then some determination made about the printing of same. It is not known whether the printing can be done by the Administrative Office.
It was pointed out by Mr. Smith that the results of the Time and Motion Study have not yet been completed and will not be published and distributed until all of the results of the Study have been evaluated.
It was pointed out that the Firearms Act may be applicable to probationers who have been convicted of felony charges. The enforcement of this will be left to the discretion of the Probation Officers.
Thirty additional officers and twenty clerks have been requested. Hearings have been held and it appears that favorable action will be made on same. In connection with this, Mr. Smith pointed out that there has been a drop nationally in supervision and presentence workloads.
Mr. Smith further pointed out that there will be a revision in the statistical reporting procedures whereby the workload of the various probation Offices over the country can be better determined. In connection with this, it is anticipated that there will be regional meetings by Mr. Smith with all of the CUSPOs. This is something that can hopefully be worked out in the future.
It was pointed out that consistent with the wishes of the Judicial Conference, the Administrative Office is opposed to the current Consolidation Bills.
The meeting adjourned at 12:00 noon.
There was a luncheon meeting with Mr. Richard Chappell and Mr. and Mrs Henry Chandler at the Cosmos Club in Washington, D. C. pleasant to have the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Chandler. It was indeed most and to have the benefit of Mr. Chandler's brilliance
The meeting was reconvened at 2:00 p.m. in the Conference Room in the office of the U. S. Board of Parole. The Secretary-Treasurer, because of other duties, was not present at the beginning of the meeting. The meeting was attended by Acting Chairman Neff and Board Members Mr. Benson, Mrs. Reese, Mr. Howland, Mr. Murch and Mr. Woodard. Staff Director Mr. Neagles, Parole Executive Mr. Shore, and Youth Division Executive Mr. Nock were also present.
It was pointed out by the Board that in the future there will be two member hearings on parole cases with decisions made on the spot. There will be a quorum of three members instead of five. It is anticipated that grants will be set at a future date, preferably with a plan already available.
It is anticipated that summaries will be prepared quicker in the future. It was pointed out there is less and less need for summaries. It was pointed out that the Board is now short two members.
It was pointed out that the standardized Presentence Reports have made it possible for the Presentence Reports to be used as classification material.
Effective parole dates to be set on Monday or Tuesday in order that they might return to their homes and report to the supervising Probation Officer prior to the weekend.
Committed fines can now be administratively discharged by the Board of Parole if the FBI, etc., has investigated and a report has been submitted by way of the Commissioner. Parole grants are on the increase.
The Consolidation Bills were also discussed and it was indicated that Probation Officers are not basically in any way in favor of separation of probation and parole supervision. It appears that there is possibly a lack of understanding on the part of the Judges relative to the functions, actions and problems of the Parole Board. The Probation Officer can be very helpful in filling in this gap.
The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 8.~ 1,967
The meeting was reconvened at the Continental Hotel at 8:30 a.m. It was moved, seconded and duly carried that there be one member from each area on the Doyle Award Committee.
It was moved by Leon Garber, seconded by Elmo Turner, and duly carried that non-connected persons be dropped from the mailing list of the FPOA Newsletter.
It was moved by Mr. Zastrow, seconded by Mr. Garber and duly carried to reimburse Mr. McKinney for the purchase of a book.
Mr. McKinney pointed out that the 15th of the last month of the quarter is the deadline for the FPOA Newsletter.
It was pointed out by the Secretary-Treasurer that the Auditing Committee had completed its report and found the books to be in order.
It was moved by Mr. Meeker, seconded by Mr. Garber, and duly carried following discussion that all matters relating to public relations, universities, colleges, etc., be referred to the Professional Standards Committee.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 a.m. to reconvene at 2:30 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at the Continental Hotel at 2:30 p.m.
It was moved by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Garber, and duly carried after discussion that the interest on permanent savings remain in permanent savings except in the case of an emergency and that any withdrawals will be approved by the Executive Board.
The budget, which is attached as a part of these minutes, was presented by the Secretary-Treasurer. It was moved by Mr. Garber, seconded by Mr. Turner, and duly carried for the adoption of the budget as submitted.
It was moved by Mr. Zastrow, seconded by Mr. Markowski, and duly carried that FPOA Certificates of Appreciation go to CUSPO George H. Gilpin, San Antonio, Texas, for his service on the Executive Board; CUSPO John C. Carbo, Jr., Atlanta, Georgia, for his service on the Executive Board; CUSPO Rosser M. Smith, Macon, Georgia, for his service on the Executive Board; CUSPO Charles T. Hosner, Detroit, Michigan, for his services as Secretary-Treasurer of the FPOA; and USPO Heyward W. Hudson, Greenville, South Carolina, for his services as Editor of the FPOA Newsletter.
It was determined that the 1967 fall meeting of the Executive Board will be held at New York, N. Y.; Hartford, Conn.; Norfolk, Va.; or Athens, Ga., the exact place and date to be determined at a later date.
It was moved by Mr. Garber, seconded by Mr. Beighle, and duly carried that the memorial to Mrs. Marie F. Curtis, as submitted by the Resolutions Committee, be adopted.
It was moved by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Markowski, and duly carried that the resolution as submitted by the Resolutions Committee, setting forth the opposition of the FPOA to Senate Bill 915 be adopted.
It was suggested that joint meetings between committees of Probation Officers and Prison Caseworkers, as well as visits by Probation Officers to the various institutions over the country, be pursued with the Administrative Office.
It was moved, seconded, and carried that the position paper and tentative proposed Bill as drawn by Messrs. Meeker, Zastrow and Garber be endorsed by the Executive Board of the FPOA.
Appointments were made to the Standing Committees and such appointments are attached as a part of these Minutes.
This meeting of the Executive Board of the FPOA was adjourned sine die.
