FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (17-21)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | dawnrenee.smith@nebraska.gov

May 25, 2017 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Today, Director Scott R. Frakes released the action plan related to the critical incident review of the March 2, 2017, incident and deaths at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution (TSCI). The action plan addresses the recommendations made by the team, consisting of National Institute of Corrections (NIC) consultants from Florida and Oregon.

Consultants and NIC staff were on-site March 20-24, 2017 to conduct the review and brief NDCS team members. Director Frakes received the report on Monday, May 15, 2017. He and his team reviewed the report and began the process of identifying action items and potential resolutions.

“The National Institute of Corrections is an invaluable resource to state corrections departments. I appreciate the work of consultants, James Upchurch and Joan Palmateer, and the assistance of NIC staff, Ron Taylor and Wayne Hill,” Director Frakes said. “The observations and recommendations from these experienced corrections professionals will aid us in making improvements to security within the facility.”

Frakes went on to say, “Action plans provide a formal method of tracking recommendations from critical incident reviews. The plan is a fluid document and is updated as projects are complete or decisions are made. The action items are not simply tasks to complete, rather they are improvements and enhancements that can prevent violent incidents and keep people safe. We will not lose sight of the fact that two people lost their lives and many others were put at great risk.”

The deaths were ruled homicides and are under investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol.

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