Dennis R. McCave -
Jail Expert Witness/Consultant
I - Bio II - Experiential Background III - Consultant Expert Witness Experience IV - CJM V - Speaker/Presentor
I
Bio
Dennis R. McCave
(Retired Captain, CJM)
Yellowstone County, Billings, Montana
I retired, as a Captain, after over 34 years with the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office. I began my career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1978 as a “Jailer”, then in 1979 became a Deputy and was transferred to the Patrol Division. In 1981 I was designated as the “Jail Training Officer” and attended “Instructor Development” training with the National Institute of Corrections. I developed and instructed the first forty (40) hour “Jail Training” course, in the State of Montana, for the Yellowstone County Jail staff. I was then contacted by the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and asked to help develop a sixteen (16) hour Jail training to be presented “regionally” in the State, for Jail staff.
In 1986, I was transferred from the Patrol Division to become the Assistant Commander of the newly opening, expanded, Yellowstone County Detention Facility and was promoted to Sergeant. I developed an instructional and “in-service” 144 hour training course for the new and existing staff at the Jail. In 1989 I was designated the Commander of the Detention Division and promoted to Lieutenant. I was then asked to help develop the first “Detention Officer Basic” course for the Academy; which I did and also presented a “Instructor Development” training to those who would be instructing the course. I was then asked to be on the POST (Peace Officers Standards and Training) Council as the Detention Representative, which I served on for 23 years. After the first four (4) years of the course, the Department of Corrections merged with the program which became the CDOB (Correction/Detention Officer Basic). I instructed portions of the program at the Academy for every Basic class for the first ten (10) years of the Course.
In 1991, I was assigned to reorganize the County Undercover Drug Unit. Once that was accomplished, I was reassigned back to Command the Jail in January 1993 and promoted to Captain, a position and rank I held until retiring in December of 2012.
I"ve been a long time, active member of the American Jails Association and in 1997 was “certified” as a “Certified Jail Manager” (CJM), the first and only one in Montana, and maintained that certification through the remainder of my career.
I've attended various supervisor and administrative trainings at the National Institute of Corrections Academy, Graduating from their “Executive Excellence” course in 2002.
I have been retained by attorneys for Sheriff’s Offices and Counties in the State of Montana as an “Expert Witness” in civil actions in over 35 cases since the early 1990’s to this day.
I was contracted in 2014 by the Montana Association of Counties (MACo) to develop a “Strategic Plan” for a sustainable “Jail Standards and Peer Review Process”. I was then contracted through MACo with support from the Montana Sheriff’s and Peace Officers Association (MSPOA) as the Coordinator for the “Montana Jail Standards/Review Process” in January 2015, to initiate the structure and process for annual, statewide Jail Peer Reviews.
II
Experiential Background
March, 1981 - July 1997, - Training Officer - Yellowstone County Jail
After attending and completing the National Institute of Corrections, Training Correctional Agency Trainers course, I developed and delivered a 40-hour, Basic Training Course for all staff at the Yellowstone County Jail. I continued developing and instructing “in-service” training courses.
September, 1982 to 2005 - Montana Law Enforcement Academy - Contract Instructor
I was asked to be part of a two day, first ever, Regional Jail Training session in 1982, by the Montana Law Enforcement Academy. In 1984 I was again asked, by the Academy, to “co-develop” and “co-instruct” a pilot, 40 hour Jail Basic Course, which was done. I then “co-develop” and “co-instruct”, five more, two day Jail Training workshops across the State of Montana, for the Academy, in late 1984. I was a part-time, contract instructor for approximately the first fifteen years of the “Correction/Detention Officer Basic” program at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy.
September 1986 to August 1987 - Transition Team Leader -Yellowstone County Detention Facility
As the Assistant Division Commander of the “old” linear designed Jail, I was responsible for the transition and training of staff to a new “Direct Supervision” Detention Facility. Facility security, staff training and revision of Policy and Procedures were my specific responsibilities. I designed, developed and co-instructed a 144 hour training course for the existing staff and new hires.
April, 1989 to 2012 - Montana Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) Detention Representative
With the inception and development of a POST Certified Detention Officer Basic Course, I was appointed as the representative of the Detention Field on the POST Council, a position I held for 23 years.
June, 1994 to June 1996 - Montana Department of Corrections Regional Jail/Prison Advisory Board - Board Member
I was asked by the Director of the Montana Department of Corrections to be a voting member of an Advisory Board developing a Regional Jail/Prison concept. Once the projects objectives had been completed and the sites had been selected, the Board was dissolved.
January 1998 to May 1998 - Montana Department of Corrections, Private Prison Selection Committee - Voting Member
I was again asked by the Director of the Montana Department of Corrections to be a voting member of a committee established to select the first ever Private Prison in the State of Montana. I was also selected as one of three committee members to visit existing sites of the top three proposers and report back to the full committee before making the final decision.
December 1998 to 1999
December 1998 to 1999 Peterson Kolberg & Associates, AIA Architects/Planners, Correctional Operations Consultant
6969 Southwest Hampton Street, Portland, Oregon 97223
I was retained by Peterson Kolberg & Associates of Portland, Oregon, to be their “Operations Expert/Consultant” on a project for a new Jail in Benton County (Corvallis) Oregon. I was responsible for input regarding the operational effectiveness of designs as well as staffing and operational philosophy of the proposed Facility.
October 1999 to 2012 – GED Alternate Chief Examiner
Billings School District, Adult Education
Billings, Montana
In an effort to increase the availability of GED testing at the Detention Facility, I was requested by the Adult Education Teacher assigned to the Facility, to assume the role of a GED Examiner. This recommendation was made in light of my training, instructional background and administrative position. I made application and was appointed in October of 1999, by the American Council on Education as Chief Examiner of the Official GED Testing Center at Billings Adult Education Center.
In May of 2000, my position was modified when the Director of Adult Education wanted to assume the role of Chief Examiner, where I was then designated Alternate Chief Examiner for GED Testing.
September 25 to October 13, 2000 – Administrator-Regional Correctional/Detention Officer Basic
Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes’ Branch of Corrections
Poplar, Montana
I was requested by the Administrator of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes’ Branch of Juvenile and Adult Corrections to administer and conduct the three week, POST Certified Correction/Detention Officer Basic Training Course, at their Facility on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. I was approved and authorized by the Montana Law Enforcement Academy, to organize, schedule and conduct this Regional Training. Co-ordinating with the Academy and the Fort Peck administrator, I scheduled, recruited instructors and monitors and successfully completed the three week, Regional Basic training course for eighteen of their Tribal Officers.
March 2001 to 2012 – Family Drug Court Steering Committee Member
I was appointed by Sheriff Chuck Maxwell to the State of Montana Thirteenth Judicial District – Yellowstone County Family Drug Court Steering Committee. This committee was formed to initiate the first ever Family Drug Court in the State of Montana.
November 2001 to December 2004 – Montana Department of Corrections Advisory Committee Member
I was appointed by Governor Judy Martz to be a voting member of a newly formed advisory committee for the Department of Corrections. The Committee was Chaired by the Lieutenant Governor and met regularly to review issues and make recommendations on matters relating to the Department of Corrections.
June 2002 to 2012 - Montana Sheriff’s and Peace Officers Association, Board Member/Executive Board Member
In 2002 I was elected to the Board of Directors of the Montana Sheriff’s and Peace Officers Association. I was re-elected to the Board in 2003 and in 2004 I was elected as the Third Vice President to the Executive Board of Directors; to hold the office of President, 2007-2008. I served on the Executive Board as Past President for 2008-2009 and have been elected to the Board of Directors again for 2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012. I served on various committees and was the Chairman for the Jail Commanders sub committee. I have testified in the State Legislature on behalf of the Association on various legislative issues.
III
Consultant/Expert Witness Experience
January 1992 to Dec. 1992 - Expert Witness / Jail Operations
Corrette Pohlman Allen Black & Carlson, Attorneys at Law
129 West Park Street, Butte, Montana 59703
I was retained by William M. O’Leary, Esq., of the Corrette Pohlman Allen Black & Carlson Law Firm as an Expert Witness in Jail Operations on an “Inmate Injury” Federal lawsuit. Mr. O’Leary represented the Defendants, Butte Silverbow County, the Sheriff’s Department and various named staff. On December 16, 1992, I testified, as an Expert Witness, in the United States District Court for the District of Montana, Butte Division, U.S. Magistrate Richard Anderson, presiding. ( Michael T. Hayes v County of Butte Silverbow , No. CV 91-25-BU-PGH).
May 1994 to December 1994 - Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Corrette Pohlman Allen Black & Carlson
Attorneys at Law
129 West Park Street
Butte, Montana 59703
I was again retained by Mr. O’Leary for a “Jail Suicide” Federal suit in which he represented the Defendants, Gallatin County, the Sheriff’s Department and various named staff. This suit was settled prior to trial. (Terry N. Toepper v Gallatin County, No. CV-91-90-BU-PGH)
February 2002 to September 2002 – Expert Witness / Jail Operations
Corette Pohlman & Kebe
129 West Park Street, Butte, Mt. 59703
I was retained by William M. O’Leary, Esq., of the Corette Pohlman & Kebe Law Firm as an Expert Witness in Jail Operations for a “use of force” Federal lawsuit. Mr. O’Leary represented individuals from the Anaconda-Deer Lodge Law Enforcement Department who were named in the law suit. In September 2002 I testified as an Expert in the United States District Court for the District of Montana, Butte Division. (Trisdale v Ernsberger, No. CV-01-28-BU-CSO) The jury found in favor of all defendants.
February 2003 – 2004 - Expert Witness / Jail Operations
Ugrin, Alexander, Zadick & Higgins, P.C.
#2 Railroad Square, Suite B
Great Falls, Mt., 59403
I was retained by Mark F. Higgins, Esq., as an Expert Witness in Jail Operations for the defense, on a pending injury lawsuit in the Montana Twelfth Judicial District Court, Hill County. (Glenn Farinas v The City of Havre and Hill County – DV 02-147)
April 2003 – September 2004 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Corette Pohlman & Kebe
129 West Park Street, Butte, Mt. 59703
I was retained by William M. O’Leary, Esq., of the Corette Pohlman & Kebe Law Firm as an Expert Witness in Jail Operations for the defendants of a “strip search” case involving thirteen (13) plaintiffs against Anaconda –Deer Lodge, Montana, and other named defendants. (Mattson et al v. Guiberson et al, Case No. CV 01-12-BU-DWM)
May 2003 – December 2004 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Moore, O’Connell & Refling
P.O. Box 1288
Bozeman, Mt 59771-1288
I was retained by Barry G. O’Connell, Esq., of Moore, O’Connell & Refling Law Firm as an Expert Witness in Jail Operations for the defendants on a Federal civil suit against Gallatin County and other named individuals involving an ‘in custody” death. (Short v Cashell et al, Case No. CV-02-49-BU-RWA)
May 2003 – September 2004 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Corette Pohlman & Kebe
129 West Park Street, Butte, Mt. 59703
I was retained by William M. O’Leary, Esq., of Corette Pohlman & Kebe Law Firm as an Expert Witness on Jail Operations for the defendants on three (3) separate civil suits. Each suit involves an individual Plaintiff against Anaconda-Deer Lodge, Montana and individually named defendants regarding “strip searches”. (Harnett v. Guiberson et al, Case No. CV-02-62-BU-RFC ; Eldridge v. Guiberson et al, Case No. CV-02-71-BU-RWA ; Storey v. Guiberson et al, Case No. CV-02-72-BU-RFC)
July 2003 – September 2004 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Corette Pohlman & Kebe
129 West Park Street, Butte, Mt. 59703
I was retained by William M. O’Leary, Esq., of Corette Pohlman & Kebe Law Firm as an Expert Witness on Jail Operations for the defendants on three (3) separate civil suits. Each suit involves an individual Plaintiff against Anaconda-Deer Lodge, Montana and individually named defendants regarding “strip searches”. (Belli v. Guiberson et al, Case No. CV-02-74-BU-SHE ; Kopach v. Guiberson et al, Case No. CV-02-75-BU-SHE ; Ryan v. Guiberson et al, Case No. CV-02-76-BU-SHE)
March 2004 – January 2005 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Poore, Roth & Robinson, P.C.
131 Harrison Avenue, Butte, Mt. 59702
I was retained by Brendon J. Rohan, Esq., of Poore, Roth & Robinson, P.C. Law Firm as an Expert Witness on Jail Operations for the defendants in an inmate suicide lawsuit. (Venturelli/Aaron Casey et al. v. Anaconda Deer Lodge County Montana Third Judicial District Court, Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, Cause No. DV-02-69)
August 2004 – January 2004 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Harlen, Chronister, Parish & Larson, P.C.
P.O. Box 1152, Helena, Mt. 59624-1152
January 1992 to Dec. 1992 - Expert Witness / Jail Operations
Corrette Pohlman Allen Black & Carlson, Attorneys at Law
129 West Park Street, Butte, Montana 59703
I was retained by William M. O’Leary, Esq., of the Corrette Pohlman Allen Black & Carlson Law Firm as an Expert Witness in Jail Operations on an “Inmate Injury” Federal lawsuit. Mr. O’Leary represented the Defendants, Butte Silverbow County, the Sheriff’s Department and various named staff. On December 16, 1992, I testified, as an Expert Witness, in the United States District Court for the District of Montana, Butte Division, U.S. Magistrate Richard Anderson, presiding. ( Michael T. Hayes v County of Butte Silverbow , No. CV 91-25-BU-PGH).
May 1994 to December 1994 - Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Corrette Pohlman Allen Black & Carlson
Attorneys at Law
129 West Park Street
Butte, Montana 59703
I was again retained by Mr. O’Leary for a “Jail Suicide” Federal suit in which he represented the Defendants, Gallatin County, the Sheriff’s Department and various named staff. This suit was settled prior to trial. (Terry N. Toepper v Gallatin County, No. CV-91-90-BU-PGH)
February 2002 to September 2002 – Expert Witness / Jail Operations
Corette Pohlman & Kebe
129 West Park Street, Butte, Mt. 59703
I was retained by William M. O’Leary, Esq., of the Corette Pohlman & Kebe Law Firm as an Expert Witness in Jail Operations for a “use of force” Federal lawsuit. Mr. O’Leary represented individuals from the Anaconda-Deer Lodge Law Enforcement Department who were named in the law suit. In September 2002 I testified as an Expert in the United States District Court for the District of Montana, Butte Division. (Trisdale v Ernsberger, No. CV-01-28-BU-CSO) The jury found in favor of all defendants.
February 2003 – 2004 Expert Witness / Jail Operations
Ugrin, Alexander, Zadick & Higgins, P.C.
#2 Railroad Square, Suite B
Great Falls, Mt., 59403
I was retained by Mark F. Higgins, Esq., as an Expert Witness in Jail Operations for the defense, on a pending injury lawsuit in the Montana Twelfth Judicial District Court, Hill County. (Glenn Farinas v The City of Havre and Hill County – DV 02-147)
April 2003 – September 2004 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Corette Pohlman & Kebe
129 West Park Street, Butte, Mt. 59703
I was retained by William M. O’Leary, Esq., of the Corette Pohlman & Kebe Law Firm as an Expert Witness in Jail Operations for the defendants of a “strip search” case involving thirteen (13) plaintiffs against Anaconda –Deer Lodge, Montana, and other named defendants. (Mattson et al v. Guiberson et al, Case No. CV 01-12-BU-DWM)
May 2003 – December 2004 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Moore, O’Connell & Refling
P.O. Box 1288
Bozeman, Mt 59771-1288
I was retained by Barry G. O’Connell, Esq., of Moore, O’Connell & Refling Law Firm as an Expert Witness in Jail Operations for the defendants on a Federal civil suit against Gallatin County and other named individuals involving an ‘in custody” death. (Short v Cashell et al, Case No. CV-02-49-BU-RWA)
May 2003 – September 2004 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Corette Pohlman & Kebe
129 West Park Street, Butte, Mt. 59703
I was retained by William M. O’Leary, Esq., of Corette Pohlman & Kebe Law Firm as an Expert Witness on Jail Operations for the defendants on three (3) separate civil suits. Each suit involves an individual Plaintiff against Anaconda-Deer Lodge, Montana and individually named defendants regarding “strip searches”. (Harnett v. Guiberson et al, Case No. CV-02-62-BU-RFC ; Eldridge v. Guiberson et al, Case No. CV-02-71-BU-RWA ; Storey v. Guiberson et al, Case No. CV-02-72-BU-RFC)
July 2003 – September 2004 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Corette Pohlman & Kebe
129 West Park Street, Butte, Mt. 59703
I was retained by William M. O’Leary, Esq., of Corette Pohlman & Kebe Law Firm as an Expert Witness on Jail Operations for the defendants on three (3) separate civil suits. Each suit involves an individual Plaintiff against Anaconda-Deer Lodge, Montana and individually named defendants regarding “strip searches”. (Belli v. Guiberson et al, Case No. CV-02-74-BU-SHE ; Kopach v. Guiberson et al, Case No. CV-02-75-BU-SHE ; Ryan v. Guiberson et al, Case No. CV-02-76-BU-SHE)
March 2004 – January 2005 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Poore, Roth & Robinson, P.C.
131 Harrison Avenue, Butte, Mt. 59702
I was retained by Brendon J. Rohan, Esq., of Poore, Roth & Robinson, P.C. Law Firm as an Expert Witness on Jail Operations for the defendants in an inmate suicide lawsuit. (Venturelli/Aaron Casey et al. v. Anaconda Deer Lodge County Montana Third Judicial District Court, Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, Cause No. DV-02-69)
August 2004 – January 2004 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Harlen, Chronister, Parish & Larson, P.C.
P.O. Box 1152, Helena, Mt. 59624-1152
I was retained by Allen B. Chronister of Harlen, Chronister, Parish & Larson, P.C. Law Firm as an Expert Witness on Jail Operations for the defendants on a lawsuit that was filed by a former inmate on jail conditions and length of stay. (Singleton v. Edmisten, et al – Cause No. DV-29-04-5)
April 2005 – 2007 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Harlen, Chronister, Parish & Larson, P.C.
P.O. Box 1152, Helena, Mt. 59624-1152
I was retained by Allen B. Chronister of Harlen, Chronister, Parish &Larson, P.C. Law Firm as an Expert Witness on Jail Operations for the defendants on a lawsuit that was filed by former inmate on jail conditions and length of stay. (C. Johnson v. Edmisten, et al – Cause No. DV-29-04-56)
September 2005 –2006 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Ugrin, Alexander, Zadick & Higgins, P.C.
P.O. Box 1746, Great Falls, Mt. 59403-1746
I was retained by Roger T. Witt of Ugrin, Alexander, Zadick & Higgins P.C. Law Firm as an Expert Witness on Jail Operations for the defendants on a lawsuit on behalf of an estate of a former, deceased inmate, on an “in custody” death/suicide. (Estate of Finn v. Gallatin County, et al – Cause No. DV-04-381)
September 2005 – 2007 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Harlen, Chronister, Parish & Larson, P.C.
P.O. Box 1152, Helena, Mt. 59624-1152
I was retained by Allen B. Chronister of Harlen, Chronister, Parish & Larson, P.C. Law Firm as an Expert Witness on Jail Operations for the defendants on a lawsuit that was filed by a former inmate on jail conditions and length of stay. (S. Johnson v. Edmisten, et al – Cause No. DV-29-04-82)
March 2006 –2007 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Harlen, Chronister, Parish & Larson, P.C.
P.O. Box 1152, Helena, Mt. 59624-1152
I was retained by Allen B. Chronister of Harlen, Chronister, Parish & Larson, P.C. Law Firm as an Expert Witness on Jail Operations for the defendants on a lawsuit that was filed by a former inmate on jail conditions and length of stay. (D.Bakke v. Edmisten, et al – Cause No. DV-29-05-52)
March 2006 – 2008 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Harlen, Chronister, Parish & Larson, P.C.
P.O. Box 1152, Helena. Mt. 59624-1152
I was retained by Allen B. Chronister of Harlen, Chronister, Parish & Larson, P.C. Law Firm as an Expert Witness on Jail Operations for the defendants on a lawsuit that was filed by a former inmate on jail conditions and length of stay. (Stewart v. Schenk, et al – Cause No. DV-29-05-22)
March 2006 – 2007 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Ugrin, Alexander, Zadick & Higgins, P.C.
P.O. Box 1746, Great Falls, Mt. 59403-1746
I was retained by Mark F. Higgins of Ugin, Alexander, Zadick & Higgins P.C. Law Firm as an Expert Witness on Jail Operations for the defendants on a claim that was filed regarding an in custody death. (Powell v. Fergus County; Re: Lisa Leaver)
May 2006 – 2008 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Harlen, Chronister, Parish & Larson, P.C.
P.O. Box 1152, Helena, Mt. 59624-1152
I was retained by Allen B. Chronister of Harlen, Chronister, Parish & Larson, P.C. Law Firm as an Expert Witness on Jail Operations for the defendants on a lawsuit that was filed by a former inmate on jail conditions and length of stay. (N. Vieke v. Edmisten, et al – Cause No. DV-29-05-04)
November 2006 – 2008 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Christensen, Moore, Cockrell, Cummins & Axelberg,
P.O. Box 7370, Kalispell, Mt. 59904-0370
I was retained by Sean Goicoechea of Christensen, Moore, Cockrell, Cummins & Axelberg, P.C. Law Firm as an Expert Witness on Jail Operations for the defendants on a lawsuit that was filed regarding an in custody death. (Schlund v. Lincoln County, et al – Cause No. DV-06-88)
September 2007 – March 2009 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Boone, Karlberg, P.C.
P.O. Box 9199, Missoula, Mt. 59807-9199
I was retained by Natashia Prinzing Jones of Boone, Karlberg, P.C. Law Firm as an Expert Witness for the defendants on a lawsuit that was filed regarding an in custody injury. N (Courtney Phelps v. The City of Missoula, et al – Cause No. DV-06-389) Testimony was given at trial in Missoula District Court, March 2009, jury decision in favor of Defendants.
November 2007 – 2009 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Garlington/Lohn/Robinson
P.O. Box 7909, Missoula, Mt. 59807-7909
I was retained by Robert E. Sheridan of Garlington, Lohn, Robinson Law Firm as an Expert Witness on Jail Operations for the defendants on a lawsuit regarding an in custody death. (Holzworth v. Mineral County, Cause No. DV-06-3)
November 2007 – 2009 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Harlen, Chronister, Parish & Larson P.C.
P.O. Box 1152, Helena, Mt. 59624-1152
I was retained by Allen B. Chronister of Harlen, Chronister, Parish & Larson P.C. Law Firm as an Expert Witness on jail operations for the defendants in a lawsuit regarding an attempted suicide. (Oldham v. Madison County DV-29-06-59)
March 2008 – 2009 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Garlington/Lohn/Robinson
P.O. Box 7909, Missoula, Mt. 59807-7909
I was retained by Robert E. Sheridan of Garlington, Lohn, Robinson Law Firm as an Expert Witness on jail operations for the defendants on a lawsuit regarding length of stay and conditions of confinement. (Kottre v. Missoula County, et al DV-07-126)
November 2008 - 2009 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Crowley, Haughey, Hanson, Toole, Dietrich P.L.L.P
P.O. Box 2529, Billings, Montana 59103-2529
I was retained by Steven R. Milch of Crowley, Haughey, Hanson, Toole, Dietrich Law Firm as an Expert Witness on jail operations for the defendants on a lawsuit regarding an in custody death. (Kelly v Custer County, et al, Cause No. DV-08-55) (Deposition given)
June 2009 – 2010 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
United States Attorney District of Montana
P.O. Box 1478
Billings, Montana 59103
I was retained by Assistant U.S. Attorney Victoria L. Francis as an Expert Witness on jail operations for the defendants on a lawsuit regarding an in custody death. (Garold A. Rotzler v. USA, Cause No. CV 07-115-M-DWM-JCL) (Settled out of Court, 9/09)
June 2009 – 2011 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Montana Association of Counties, Legal Services
2717 Skyview Drive, Suite F
Helena, Montana 59602-1213
I was retained by Maureen H. Lennon, Legal Counsel for the Montana Association of Counties, Legal Services, as an Expert Witness on jail operations, for the defendants on a lawsuit regarding an in custody death, (Estate of Scott C. Lewis v. Chris Hoffman, Sheriff and Ravalli County, Cause No. CV-08-49-M-DWM)
July 2009 – 2011 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Christensen, Moore, Cockrell, Cummings & Axelberg, P.C.
P.O. Box 7370
Kalispell, Montana 59904-0370
I was retained by Mikel L. Moore of Christensen, Moore, Cockrell, Cummings & Axelberg, P.C., as an Expert Witness on jail operations, for the defendants on a lawsuit regarding conditions of confinement. (Nelson v. Missoula County, Lake County, et al, U.S. District Court Cause No. CV-08-0044-M-DWM)
August 2009 – 2010 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Poore, Roth & Robinson, P.C.
P.O. Box 2000
Butte, Montana 59702
I was retained by Brendon J. Rohan of Poore, Roth & Robinson, P.C., as an Expert Witness on jail operations, for the defendants on a lawsuit regarding an inmate injury. (DeWitt v. Butte-Silver Bow County, Cause No. DV-04-25)
September 2010 –2011 Expert Witness/Law Enforcement
United States Attorney District of Montana
P.O. Box 1478
Billings, Montana 59103
I was retained by Assistant U.S. Attorney Victoria L. Francis as an Expert Witness for the Defendants on a lawsuit regarding the death of an individual that occurred soon after law enforcement contact. (Cause No. CV-09-121-BLG-RFC-CSO)
September 2011 – Present Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Garlington, Lohn & Robinson, PLLP
P.O. Box 7909
Missoula, MT 59807-7909
I have been retained by Mr. Charles E. McNeil as an Expert Witness for the Defendants on a lawsuit regarding an “in custody” death, at the Missoula County Detention Facility. (Wasson v Missoula County, Cause No. DV-11-622) (Deposition Given)
October 2011 – March 2012 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Garlington, Lohn & Robinson, PLLP
P.O. Box 7909
Missoula, Montana 59807-7909
I was retained by Mr. Charles E. McNeil as an Expert Witness for the Defendants on a lawsuit alleging excessive force while the plaintiff was confined in the Missoula County Detention Facility. (Andrews v Missoula County, et al, Cause No. CV 11-00029-DWM)
(Summary Judgment, March 2012)
January 2012 – November 2012 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
MACo Legal Services / Cooney Law Firm
2717-F Skyway Dr. P.O. Box 7775
Helena, MT 59602 Helena, MT 5904
I was retained by Maureen H. Lennon (MACo Legal Services) and Dee Ann Cooney (Cooney Law Firm) as an Expert Witness for the Defendants on a lawsuit pertaining to a death in custody at the Fergus County Detention Facility. (Stacy v Fergus County and the Fergus County Sheriff’s Department, Cause No. DV-2011-40)
March 2013 – April 2013 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Montana Department of Administration/
Risk Management and Tort Defense Division
P.O. Box 200124
Helena, Montana 59620-0124
I was retained by Michael R. King, Associate Counsel, as an Expert Witness for the Defendants, Montana Department of Corrections, on a lawsuit pertaining to an injury claim of a Women’s Prison inmate. After submitting an Expert Opinion, the suit was Dismissed from State Court. (Donna Morgan v. State of Montana)
May 2013 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office
Civil Division, Room 207
Yellowstone County Courthouse
Billings, Montana 59107
I was retained by Attorney Kevin Gillen, of Yellowstone County, to testify at a Coroner’s Inquest about Detention Facility operations regarding a suicide, in custody death. (Coroner Inquest of Chad Schuler, Yellowstone County)
November 2013 Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Sheriff Carl C. Ibsen
Missoula County Sheriff’s Office
200 W. Broadway
Missoula, Montana 59802
Sheriff Ibsen requested I review a case that had occurred in 2010 involving a complaint of abuse of a prisoner in the Missoula County Detention Facility. I reviewed materials given to me and offered an opinion to the Sheriff on the merits of the complaint and the appropriateness of the responses to it.
November 2013 – June 2014 Consultant/Jail Operations
Montana Association of Counties/JPIA/JPA Trust
2715 Skyway Drive, Suite A
Helena, Montana 59602-1213
I was contracted by the Montana Association of Counties for a six (6) month period, to conduct a review and propose a structural and organizational plan for establishing a Montana Jail Standards and Review System.
April 2014 – Present Expert Witness/Jail Operations
Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office
P.O. Box 35025
Billings, Montana 59107
I was retained by Attorney Kevin Gillen of the Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office as an Expert Witness regarding a State District Court lawsuit related to a “medical” lawsuit of a former inmate at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility. (Miller v Yellowstone County, et al; DV 12-1216)
January 2015 – April 2015 Montana Jail Standards/Peer Review Coordinator
Montana Association of Counties/JPIA/JPA Trust
2715 Skyway Drive, Suite A
Helena, Montana 59602-1213
I was contracted by the Montana Association of Counties, in collaboration with the Montana Sheriff’s and Peace Officers Association, to establish a “Jail Review” program. I developed the structure, protocol and process to perform “Peer Reviews”. I recruited several staff members from various Sheriff’s Offices throughout the State and conducted a “Peer Reviewer Training” at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy. I developed a “Review Schedule” for the year, assigning Reviewers and oversaw the initial first four Reviews in the first four months.
IV
CJM
Certified Jail Manager
In December 1997, I received the national designation of Certified Jail Manager through the Jail Manager Certification Commission (JMCC), by authority of the American Jail Association (AJA).
This certification is achieved through the successful completion of a rigid experiential background application and an intense four and one-half hour written examination prepared by the JMCC and AJA. The certification examination was offered for the first time ever on November 1, 1997.
Certification in Jail management is a demonstration of competency and professionalism in the field. The jail manager’s certification documents the mastery of a strong level of knowledge in the specialty and demonstrates continuing education and growth.
Certification as a Certified Jail Manager (CJM) must be renewed every four years. To maintain certification, application must be made demonstrating continuing professional activity and development, specifically in the field of Detention/Jail management. In November, 2001, 2005 and again in 2009, I’ve been recertified as a Certified Jail Manager.
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Speaker/Presentor
American Jail Association
National Institute of Justice
Montana Sheriff’s and Peace Officers Association
1995 AJA National Training Conference
As an active member of the American Jail Association, I was asked in 1995 to speak at their Annual Training Seminar, during the Symposium on Direct Supervision. On April 30, 1995, in Charlotte, North Carolina, I was one of a three-member panel speaking on the topic of “Direct Supervision in Small Jails”.
1999 AJA National Training Conference
I was again contacted for the 1999 AJA National Training Conference, Fort Worth, Texas, to speak at two different workshops.
The first workshop topic was “Domestic Terrorism Review”, because of my experience with the “Freeman” group, their affiliation with militia groups and the unusual circumstances surrounding their detention and trial. This first panel consisted only of myself and a Domestic Terrorism FBI Special Agent.
The second workshop was “Become a Certified Jail Manager”. This panel consisted of several persons who shared their experiences and insight in the process and benefits of becoming a Certified Jail Manager.
2000 National Institute of Justice - Technologies for Public Safety in Critical Incident Response Conference
I was contacted by the National Institute of Justice and asked to participate in a workshop at their conference in Denver, Colorado, hosted by the NIJ Office of Science and Technology. On June 9, 2000 I was part of a panel that focused on, “Technologies for Managing High Profile Offenders in Custody”. My presentation dealt with the use of technology in maintaining security and safety in a Detention Facility while dealing with the threats and challenges of housing the Freeman defendants.
2002 AJA National Training Conference
I was contact and asked to present, as part of a panel, a presentation on “Generation “X”-Recruitment, Hiring and Retention”. I delivered a presentation on the culture and values of “Generation X” personnel.
2005 Risk Management Loss Control Conference
I was asked to be panel member at the annual Risk Management conference sponsored by the Montana Association of Counties and the Montana Sheriff’s and Peace Officers Association, addressing the topic of “Law Enforcement Personnel Issues”.