The California Jail Programs Association (CJPA) is the only organization that addresses the multiple challenges of inmate programming and custodial services in California. The membership is made up of both sworn and non-sworn professionals in corrections, program management, educational, vocational, psych-social services, recreation, pastoral care and behavioral health, from both large and small county jails. CJPA members understand the unique aspects of jail programming and services.
The goal of CJPA is to rapidly share information, review best practices and evidence based modalities in program delivery. We are invested in developing programs and services that meet the demands of the increasing inmate population with cost effective, results oriented programming, in a safe and secure environment. We network to review innovative practices that improve the quality of inmate programs in any agency despite dwindling budget resources. Professional inmate programs and services have been proven to reduce recidivism and assist facilities maintain a safer environment for detention staff.
CJPA meetings are held quarterly alternating between Northern and South California in order to accommodate the largest number of agencies.
Business Plan
Executive Summary
The purpose of CJPA at its inception in 1984 remains the same today, 29 years later – to create an avenue for jail professionals to meet regularly in order to gain access to their colleague’s accomplishments in developing, implementing, and monitoring in-custody educational and service programs that contribute to the reduction of recidivism by providing the interventions for inmates to achieve successful community reintegration.
Shared access to resources involves educational, vocational, religious, substance abuse, and recreational programming opportunities as well as the multitude of services provided to support the incarcerated in our communities is of great value to all members; shared information is key to strengthening our own organizations/agencies by providing opportunities to the membership to learn from each other’s success and challenges.
CJPA has a constitution and by-laws that serve as governing documents. It is a designated 501c3; collects annual membership dues; pays for organizational expenses and training opportunities for the membership; and complies with the tax requirements of the State of California. Elected executive officers, to include a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and member-at-large, govern the association.
The CJPA Membership
- Jail professionals involved in inmate programming, operations planning, and jail service related departments.
- Membership includes criminal justice partners from the courts, probation, and the community.
Services Provided
- Networking opportunities with jail professionals throughout the state of California.
- Reduce workload by accessing the shared resources available via membership.
- Personal contacts to provide immediate response and assistance for emergent issues.
- Training opportunities available for all levels of jail personnel involved with inmate programs and services.
- Responsive email list serve access to all members.
Outcome
- The combined efforts of all CJPA members will result in organization with even greater value to the entire membership because of the diversity, experience, and strengths of its active membership.
- CJPA’s impact on the industry is immeasurable as it provides automatic relationships with jail professionals throughout the state that are experiencing and resolving the comparable problems and issues.
- CJPA members remain united in our efforts to continue to serve as programmatic advocates representing our professional industry specific interests.
Why Join CJPA?
Here are just a few of the benefits of joining CJPA:
- Semi-annual training and networking conferences
- Innovative cost effective practices
- Legislative updates and Board of Corrections policy changes
- Network with other inmate services professionals
- Resource pooling and problem solving
- Established statewide connections
- CJPA correctional industries vendor partners
CJPA Officers
Renée Hankla, President, San Benito County
Renée has a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology. She has directed and designed innovative services for CDCR, County Behavioral Health, Probation, and Sheriff’s Office spanning the past 20 years. She has served in her current role as the Reentry Program Manager since 2016 overseeing inmate programs at the San Benito County Jail, Curtis J. Hill Rehabilitation Center, and community-based reentry services. Her expertise lies in project management, formulating and implementing evidence-based programs, and ensuring seamless client transitional case planning. Some of her achievements include designing the Community Transition Center, launching the “Next Steps” Re-entry Program, and spearheading the first Drug Treatment Court. Additionally, she is honored to have led transformative projects, including the Pretrial Services Program and a new risk and classification system for the jail rehabilitation facility. Renée also currently serves as the Probation Public Information Officer and President of the California Jail Programs Association.
Heather Beidler, Vice President, San Bernardino County
Heather is a seasoned law enforcement professional with a wealth of correctional knowledge within the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s jail system. Throughout her career, Heather has demonstrated a deep commitment to the values of the Sheriff’s Department and a passion for making positive change. Having worked the early part of her career in various positions including booking and staff training, Heather sought out new challenges based on her desire to do more for the community she resided in. In early 2017, Heather co-created the Sheriff’s Assistance Reentry Team (START), proactively working to reduce the recidivism rate for the San Bernardino County jail system. Currently serving as the Inmate Services Manager in the Community Service and Reentry Division, Heather has devoted the latter part of her career to the betterment of inmates and the community at large
Justin Reeder, Secretary, Mariposa County
Justin has dedicated his life to public service for 27 years by serving in the United States Air Force, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office. He strives to make improvements to programs for incarcerated persons, always looking for new and creative opportunities. He promotes teamwork, communication and accountability when working with sworn and non-sworn staff to provide the best services possible in hopes of changing incarcerated persons and their family’s lives for the better.
Melissa Wagner, Treasurer, San Mateo County
Dr. Wagner is the Program Services Manager for the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, Corrections Division, Program Services Bureau. In her role, Melissa was responsible for implementing the Sheriff’s strategic implementation plan for new jail programming and case management for its state-of-the-art programming jail that opened in 2016. Access to Services and Programs to Inspire Reentry and Empowerment (ASPIRE) is the Sheriff’s Office model for the delivery of high-quality programs and case management services for the incarcerated population. Under Dr. Wagner’s management and oversight, the ASPIRE model offers over 30 in-custody programs. A team of nine staff work collaboratively to ensure that incarcerated persons receive programs, case management services, and reentry planning prior to release
Cecil Argue, Member At Large, Ventura County
Cecil has over 30 years of experience working in the Criminal Justice system. He has held positions as a Corrections Officer, a Pretrial Services Pre-Appearance Release Specialist, a Probation Officer, and Probation Unit Supervisor. Cecil has been in his current position as Inmate Services Programs Manager with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office since February 2012 where he oversees inmate programs at both the Todd Road and Pretrial Detention Jail Facilities. Cecil has extensive experience with evidence-based practices, administering and interpreting offender risk and needs assessments, and using Motivational Interviewing techniques.
