Creating Lasting Connections.

The Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency 

During the 22 years that Ron Tadlock, superintendent of the Tomoka Correctional Institution in Daytona Beach, Fla., has been a member of the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency (FCCD), he has relied on the numerous connections he has made through the nonprofit organization for career advice and guidance.

In fact, Tadlock, FCCD's current president, credits the organization with his success in the corrections field. "FCCD has contributed significantly to my current position as warden. It gave me the ability to meet and get to know people good contacts and mentors," he says. "I sought their counsel over the years and I hope that members will now call me for advice."

With more than 2,700 members representing every level and discipline within Florida's criminal justice system, FCCD offers plenty of opportunities to network and make long-lasting contacts. Divided among 32 chapters around the state, FCCD's active membership includes corrections professionals ranging from field staff to administrators at the local, state and federal levels from many agencies and nonprofit organizations, including law enforcement, juvenile justice and probation. Even interested citizens are welcome, says Tadlock.

Whereas many organizations focus on just one area of criminal justice, "we're more broad-based with a diverse membership," says Tadlock. "It allows members to share ideas across the disciplines."

Although the organization was officially chartered by the Florida secretary of state in 1964 to promote high professional standards from criminal justice agencies, FCCD's roots can be traced back to 1935 to the Florida Probation Association. Today, FCCD, an affiliate of the American Correctional Association, is recognized and supported by Florida's Department of Corrections and Department of Juvenile Justice, as well as other local, state and federal agencies, as a primary criminal justice organization.

FCCD's state executive board is comprised of a president, president-elect, treasurer, secretary, immediate past president and 32 chapter presidents. The executive director, who is the only paid employee, is appointed by the president. The organization also has three committees to ensure it remains a valuable resource for its members. The long-range planning committee, which is chaired by the president-elect, is constantly looking at ways to improve the organization's efficiency. The membership benefits committee researches vendor services to ensure FCCD is providing the best services at the best prices. And the membership recruitment committee retains and expands membership.

Each of FCCD's 32 chapters meets regularly, hosting formal and social activities throughout the year. Tadlock says that in addition to providing members with valuable networking opportunities, the organization focuses on education as well. FCCD provides professional training, which varies from chapter to chapter, and hosts the Annual Training Institute each summer. This year, the institute will take place Aug. 28-31 at Ponte Vedra Beach near Jacksonville. During the three-day conference, there will be six to 10 workshops available to the estimated 500 participants. "We bring in national trainers in addition to some local trainers and try to get a couple of programs for each discipline of the criminal justice system," says Tadlock. Also, vendors will be on hand and new officers will be elected during the event.

FCCD members also participate in community service projects, such as Habitat for Humanity, which organizes volunteers to build houses for the less fortunate. Tadlock says members acknowledge that it is important to give back to the community.

Members are kept up to date about FCCD's community service projects as well as other activities through its quarterly publication, The Councilor. Also, the individual chapters distribute their own newsletters. And for the Internet-savvy, FCCD is in the early stages of developing a Web site and will keep its members posted on its progress.

Michele D. Buisch is senior editor of Corrections Today.

Vital Statistics

* Founded: FCCD was chartered by the Florida secretary of state in 1964, but traces its roots back to the Florida Probation Association in 1935.

* Objectives: FCCD is dedicated to promoting high professional standards for criminal justice agencies and criminal justice personnel with an emphasis on service and education.

* Leadership: Comprised of a president, president-elect, treasurer, secretary, immediate past president and 32 chapter presidents. The executive director is appointed by the president.

* Membership: FCCD has 2,700 members and 32 chapters located throughout Florida.

* Publications: FCCD publishes a quarterly newsletter, The Councilor.

* Conferences: FCCD hosts a summer conference, the Annual Training Institute.