The 2008 SC Criminal Justice Training Conference:
New Offenders and New Strategies
By Paige Mathias

This year’s joint conference between the South Carolina Probation and Parole Association and the South Carolina Correctional Association was another success! The Conference was held November 11-14 at the Ocean Drive Resort in North Myrtle Beach. We were delighted to have dynamic speakers such as Columbia’s new Chief of Police, Tandy P. Carter speak to our group of professionals. We also enjoyed an interactive Director’s panel.

Training this year was diverse, educational, and entertaining as well. The conference planners strive to conduct workshops that will appeal to both State Probation and Parole, Federal Probation, Alston Wilkes, Corrections to include jail employees, as well as Juvenile Justice. We all function within the criminal justice system in different ways and often learn from each other at training events such as these. A few topics highlighted this year were: The Use of Force Continuum; Cyber Crime Trends and Prosecution; Just For Women; DJJ Community Gang Intervention Strategies and An Inmate’s Perspective.

SCPPA presented four awards during the Annual Awards Banquet. Past-President Robert Mitchell (SCDPPPS) was honored with the Grady A. Wallace Award. Todd Salley (US Probation) was honored with the Thomas N. Whiteside Award. Loretta Goodwin (SCDPPPS) was awarded the Distinguished Administrative Support Award and Roy Carson (Salvation Army) was awarded the Linda J. Allen Community Service Award. SCPPA thanks all of this years award winners for their dedication and service.

In addition to fantastic training, conference attendees enjoyed door prize drawings throughout the conference, the exhibitor’s reception, hospitality suite, the annual conference golf tournament, bowling, an evening out at Duck’s Too, as well as a Mardi Gras theme party and a delicious closing breakfast.

SCPPA and SCCA sincerely thank everyone who helped make this another memorable conference. We also extend a special thank you to all of our venders who supported the 2008 Criminal Justice Training Conference and the agencies that have offered their continued support of SCPPA and SCCA. Through everyone’s participation and hard work we hope to provide the same level of quality training and networking opportunities in 2009.

Remember, SCPPA is YOUR association! Please watch for information and upcoming activities on our website www.scppa.net. We are so proud to have many great members, many of them new. Now is the time to become involved in YOUR professional association. Please contact an officer or board member if you have any questions about SCPPA or would like to become more involved. We look forward to seeing everyone in Greenville for Spring Conference on May 7th and 8th.

Paige Mathias may be reached via email at pmathias@ppp.state.sc.us.

View photos of this year's golf tournament.