San Antonio, TX – October 9-12, 2016

Submitted by: Tabitha Amador, NOHCJ President

The purpose of the National Organization of Hispanics in Criminal Justice conference was for all members to come together and network and learn about effective ways to promote mental health within prisons. Along with NOHCJ members, there were also members of ACA (American Corrections Association) who spoke at several different workshops and discussed ways that are effective and ineffective within the corrections system. At the opening sessions, the president and vice president of NOHCJ spoke as well as the Sherriff of Bexar County, Susan Pamerleau. The student chapter was presented with a proclamation stating that Sam Houston State University holds the first ever student branch of NOHCJ.

Participants were able to network throughout the duration of the conference, and some were offered internships from the Sheriff’s Office in San Antonio. The primary focus during the conference were the effects of mental illness in the criminal justice system, and the ways it can be reformed in the prison setting. The speakers included: Nico LaHood, district attorney of Bexar County, Pete Earley, former author for the Huffington Post and author of the nonfiction book, “CRAZY: A Father’s Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness,” as well as Bryan Collier, the executive director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. In addition to being able to meet the various guest speakers, attendees also had the opportunity to meet several other directors and wardens of prisons across the country, as well as other key people within the criminal justice field: Ana Aguirre-President of National Organization of Hispanics in Criminal Justice, Jason Chavers-President, Texas Criminal Justice Association, Nelson W. Wolff-Bexar County Judge, Dr. Tony Fabelo-Director of Research Division Council of State Governments, Jonathan Thompson-Director, National Sheriff’s Association, U.S. Senator-John Cornyn, Texas Representative-Rick Galindo, and Dr. Rita J. Villarreal-Watkins-Executive Director, Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas, Sam Houston State University.

Participants also had the opportunity to attend several workshops and learned about leadership, and making wise decisions both professionally and personally. A great deal of knowledge was gained during the conference.