Correction director initiates inquiry

BOISE – Vaughn Killeen, the new director of the state Department of Correction, has launched an internal investigation of the 1,350-employee agency, saying he’s seen evidence of retaliation against workers there.

The probe began after two correctional officers, including the department’s 2005 employee of the year, quit their jobs, alleging they had been harassed for advocating for inmates. From 2002 to 2006, 35 employees filed grievances against the department, according to the state Division of Human Resources.

“I am not going to tolerate any wrongdoing by any employee that engages in retaliation,” Killeen told the Idaho Statesman through a spokeswoman.

Killeen took over the department a month ago after Gov. Jim Risch criticized his predecessor, Tom Beauclair, for inadequately addressing overcrowding. The state system now holds nearly 7,000 inmates, leaving it 1,000 beds short.

Counties across Idaho are asking Killeen to move state prisoners now housed in local jails. More than 450 inmates have been shipped to private corrections facilities in Texas and Minnesota. Some prisoners due to be released are still behind bars because programs required before their release haven’t been available.

Correctional Sgt. Renee Bevry, named the agency’s top employee just a year ago, quit in late July after four years with the agency. Bevry, known as “Ma Bev” to inmates, left with her daughter, former Officer Sylvia Henry. Bevry sent a letter to as many as 50 people criticizing the department.

Bevry, 40, and Henry, 24, declined to say exactly what led to their resignations, saying they’re still talking to the department. They said it involved retaliation against inmates and employees.

Andrew Hanhardt, president of the local chapter of the National Association of Government Employees, which represents correctional employees, said the Correction workers live in fear.

“They’re pretty spooked over at corrections,” Hanhardt said. “I’ve had employees who have been subjected to involuntary demotions and transfers for filing grievances.”