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                                    About NIC

      

                    
          
    About NIC
NIC Logo"Our mission is to advance public safety by shaping and enhancing correctional policies and practices through leadership, learning, and innovation."Agency Overview in BriefThe National Institute of Corrections (NIC) is the only federal agency with a legislative mandate (Public Law 93-41.5) to provide specialized services to corrections from a national perspective. NIC is recognized by other federal agencies for its unique role and quality services. Its leadership is evidenced by the numerous partnerships and interagency agreements targeted to provide correctional services and training.NIC is unique because it provides direct service rather than financial assistance as the primary means of carrying out its mission. It responds directly to needs identified by practitioners working in state and local adult corrections, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Department of Justice, other federal agencies, and the United States Congress. NIC staff provides leadership to influence correctional policies, practices, and operations nationwide in areas of emerging interest and concern to correctional executives and practitioners, as well as public policymakers.NIC provides practical assistance in planning and implementing improvements at the federal, state and local levels. These efforts contribute to cost efficiency and effectiveness in such areas as planning, design, and operation of new jails, prisons, and community corrections programs, offender workforce development programs, and offender classification and risk assessment.NIC is acclaimed by the corrections community as a focused, customer-oriented, apolitical, professional agency that continues to make a significant difference. It is credited with raising the standard of performance for corrections agencies nationwide.Strategic OutcomesThe outcomes of NIC's activities contribute significantly to the achievement of state, local, and federal correctional goals and priorities:**Effectively managed prisons, jails, and community corrections programs and facilities**We will provide services in effective planning, management, and operations strategies that provide constitutional, ethical, humane, safe, and cost-effective prisons, jails, and community corrections programs and facilities.**Enhanced organizational and professional performance in corrections**We will provide education and training opportunities in management, leadership, and specialized areas based on value-centered principles and best practices that will continually enhance organizational and professional performance.**Community, staff, and offender safety**We will promote correctional practices and procedures that maximize the safety of the community, staff, and offenders; hold offenders accountable; and improve the likelihood of offenders choosing responsible, law-abiding behavior.**Improved correctional practices through the exploration of trends and public policy issues**We will promote the exploration of critical issues and shaping public policies that improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and humane quality of practices that impact corrections.**Enhanced services through improved organizational and staff effectiveness**We will provide opportunities for organizational and professional growth that enhance our services. We will implement a strategic management process that leads to improved organizational structure, management practices, and program planning that support the mission and vision, consistent with available resources.Employment OpportunitiesNIC Spanish FlyerHistory of NICNIC Advisory Boarda classroom being trainedWho does NIC Help?NIC's primary audience is anyone employed in a federal, state, local, or tribal corrections agency in the United States. Our secondary target audience is anyone in the US who is interested in the field of corrections.To remain responsive to the field NIC continuously monitors the needs of correctional practitioners. This is done through various formal and informal strategies. Among these are online needs assessments, surveys, environmental scans, plus general and topical hearings. Monitoring NIC's online forums, the proceedings from network meetings, and feedback through training and technical assistance evaluations is another source of assessment information.
              On this page

Mission & Overview
	Agency Staff

	Office Locations
	Reports to the Nation
	Funding Opportunities
	History of NIC
                   How do we strive to fulfill our mission?
    
      
            Most staff at NIC are former directors of departments of corrections, wardens, deputy wardens, jail administrators, and probation chiefs, which equates to a wealth of corrections experience and knowledge under the umbrella of one agency. NIC serves its customers by:

We provide technical assistance to state and local corrections to address their specific needs; coming to agencies to evaluate processes and lead trainings.

**Technical assistance** is provided in response to requests from sheriffs, jail administrators, directors of state correctional departments, judges, chiefs of probation and parole, and county administrators among others. On-site, technical assistance uses experts from the field and NIC staff. It often results in the identification of gaps in policy and practice, the development of strategic plans with emphasis on organizational and system-wide alignment, and includes working with all involved stakeholders. Assistance is designed uniquely for requesting jurisdictions and requests are fulfilled in a timely fashion.

NIC has provided technical assistance and worked collaboratively with many states and the BOP on female offender issues including those related to programming, operations, and mental health and addressing the requirements of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). Additionally, NIC has provided assistance to the U.S Probation and Pretrial Services with its implementation of evidence-based policy and practice, and to state and local jurisdictions.

We award cooperative agreements that result in partnerships between NIC and the awardee

NIC uses **cooperative agreements** to conduct much of the planning, development, and implementation of its strategic plan. Through cooperative agreements, we award funds to support our program initiatives. These often have utility well beyond a single agency.

We provide otherwise unavailable training to corrections practitioners at all organizational levels

**Training** is a primary vehicle through which NIC delivers its products, programs, and services to the field of corrections through a variety of delivery strategies including classroom, blended, webinar, virtual instructor led training and live internet broadcasts. NIC is known for quality leadership training for prisons, probation, parole and jail leadership. For more information including number of training participants, please refer to the NIC Report to the Nation.

We provide networks for sharing information and solutions through jails, prisons, and community corrections

NIC is the only agency that regularly convenes leaders from similar correctional functions for the purpose of shared learning and information exchange. The primary objective of networking is to make opportunities available for informed discussion among members by providing places, time and staff support for meetings. The target audience for networks includes correctional executives from the state, local and federal levels.

Over 25,000 correctional professionals have joined NIC's online communities to share information on topics such as pre-trial services, cognitive behaviors change, mental health services, working effectively with women offenders, managing offender behavior, jail and prison administration and reentry.

We host the only national, corrections-specific information center that is able to quickly survey the field for urgent answers

The National Institute of Correction's library contains over 5,000 cataloged documents, dozens of serials (journals, professional publications, etc.) and online e-books and databases. The library is a repository for NIC publications and resource for NIC projects and training, as well as research for correctional practitioners who contact the Information Center staff.

Information Center staff are available to help correctional personnel identify appropriate resources related to their topics of inquiry (e.g. how to manage jail overcrowding, how to validate a risk and need assessment instrument), and to link them to other resources.

The Information Center also generates annual publications dealing with topical issues of interest to the field of corrections. The NIC Information Center is located at the National Corrections Academy, along with the NIC’s Training Center and the Federal Bureau of Prison's Management and Specialty Training Center, providing to national support to training and services. Over 8,000 individual requests for research assistance and correctional resources are processed by the Center each year.

We develop partnerships that are cost effective and lead to increased level of service

NIC engages in partnerships and interagency agreements with national organizations and federal agencies to share expertise, avoid duplication and provide expanded services in a cost effective manner.

As an example, a Memorandum Of Understanding between BJA, OJJDP, OJP, NIC, CMHS, CSAT and SAMSHA) was established to "provide a framework for the federal agencies to plan, coordinate, and share the design and implementation of interagency efforts to improve the response to people with substance abuse disorders, mental health disorders, or co-occurring disorders who are involved or at risk of involvement with the criminal and juvenile justice system." To carry out this work, NIC engaged in a multi-year cooperative agreement with the Council of State Governments.

We also provide research and evaluation guidance and data collection.
Directors
  

  Holly Busby
       Holly Busby
      **Director (A)**National Institute of Corrections
Administrative Staff
Christopher Romine
      **Executive Assistant**Administration202-598-6250Contact
          Richard Schaefer
      **Administrative Officer**Administration Division303-338-6611Contact
          Blanche Ward
      **Administrative Officer**Administration202-353-4213Contact
          Vernon Woods
      **Administrative Support Coordinator**Administration Division202-353-0484Contact
          Brian Starr
      **Administrative Support Coordinator**Administrative303-338-6624Contact
          Vincent Miller
      **Training Technician**Administration Division303-338-6619Contact
          Donna Ledbetter
      **Technical Writer/ Editor**Director's Office202-514-4072Contact
          Christopher Johnson
      **Computer Specialist**Administration202-307-2598Contact

    

  
  

      Contact NIC Administrative Staff
NIC Divisions

NIC has four public-facing divisions that cover the breadth of the corrections field. Each division creates materials, provides on-site technical assistance, and hosts trainings on topics related to its area of the industry.

Academy Division
	Community Services Division
	Jails Division
	Prisons Division
Academy Division
Jeff Hadnot
      
      **Chief**Academy DivisionNational Institute of Corrections
Jeff Hanson
      **Correctional Program Specialist**Contact
          Leslie LeMaster
      **Correctional Program Specialist**202-305-5773Contact
          Mike Ward
      **Instructional Systems Specialist of Educational Development**303-338-6557Contact
          Archie Weatherspoon IV
      **Correctional Program Specialist**303-338-6617Contact
          Scott Weygandt
      **Management and Program Analyst**303-338-6626Contact
          Jim Wiseman
      **Correctional Program Specialist**(202) 499-0337Contact

    

  
  

      Contact Academy Division Staff
Community Services Division
Robbye Braxton
      
      **Chief (A)**Community Services DivisionNational Institute of Corrections
Kendall Rhyne
      **Correctional Program Specialist**Contact
          Mandy Potapenko
      **Correctional Program Specialist**771-200-7953Contact
          Ken Rose
      **Correctional Program Specialist**771-200-7316Contact
          Lorie Brisbin
      **Correctional Program Specialist**202-514-0099Contact
          Katie Green
      **Correctional Program Specialist**202-307-0149Contact

    

  
  

      Contact Community Services Staff
Jails Division
Stephen Amos
      
      **Chief**Jails DivisionNational Institute of Corrections
Sandora Cathcart
      **Correctional Program Specialist**202-616-9590Contact
          Michael Jackson
      **Correctional Program Specialist**202-616-9565Contact
          Katherine Reick
      **Correctional Program Specialist**Contact
          P. Elizabeth Taylor
      **Correctional Program Specialist**202-353-9354Contact
          Glenn Watson
      **Correctional Program Specialist**Contact

    

  
  

      Contact Jails Staff
Prisons Division
Ronald F. Taylor
      
      **Chief**Prisons DivisionNational Institute of Corrections
CAPT. Chad Garrett
      **Health Program Manager**7712007512Contact
          Sarah Davis
      **Correctional Program Specialist**Contact
          Evelyn Bush
      **Correctional Program Specialist**202-514-0376Contact
          Dena M. Owens, Psy.D.
      **Correctional Program Specialist**202-305-4080Contact
          Scott Richards
      **Correctional Programs Specialist**202-616-2802Contact
          Tashima Ricks
      **Correctional Program Specialist**202-451-7623Contact
          Christopher Smith
      **Correctional Program Specialist**202-307-2864Contact
          Belinda D. Stewart
      **Correctional Program Specialist**202-616-2683Contact

    

  
  

      Contact Prisons Staff
Financial Management Division
Harry Fenstermaker
      
      **Chief**Financial Management DivisionNational Institute of Corrections
Donji Bolton
      **Financial Program Specialist**202-514-0121Contact
          Cameron Coblentz
      **Technical Assistance Manager**202-514-0053Contact
          Bernadette Harrison
      **Financial Specialist**202-514-8843Contact

    

  
  

      Contact Financial Management Staff
NIC Office Locations
    
      
            **NIC Main Office**

	901 D Street Southwest, 3rd Floor
	Washington DC 20024
	**NIC Training Academy & Information Center**

	11900 East Cornell Avenue, Unit C,
	Aurora Colorado 80014
NIC Reports to the Nation
A federal agency's report to the nation is a comprehensive document that outlines the agency's activities, progress, and achievements over a specific period of time. It is a way for the agency to present a clear account of their efforts and their impact on the nation. These reports are submitted to Congress and the President, as well as made available to the public. They contain information on the agency's budget, programs, regulations, and other initiatives, providing important insights and context for policymakers, researchers, and the general public to understand the agency's work and its impact. It serves as a tool for transparency, accountability and engagement with the stakeholders.
  

  National Institute of Corrections Report to the Nation FY 2021
      
      033673
          National Institute of Corrections Report to the Nation FY 2019
      
      033330
          National Institute of Corrections Report to the Nation FY 2018: Results and Innovations
      
      033117
          National Institute of Corrections Report to the Nation FY 2017: Partners for Change
      
      033113
          National Institute of Corrections Report to the Nation FY 2014
      
      031512
          National Institute of Corrections Report to the Nation FY 2013: Protecting the Promise: Serving America's Correctional Systems
      
      028144
          National Institute of Corrections Report to the Nation FY 2012: Learn, Achieve, Perform
      
      026790
          National Institute of Corrections Report to the Nation FY 2011
      
      025348
          National Institute of Corrections Report to the Nation FY 2010
      
      024837
Funding Opportunities
Each year, NIC has opportunities for other companies to help us create industry leading corrections publications, videos, trainings, and more. Below are some of our open opportunities, more are available throughout the year on our Funding Opportunities page.
  

  Critical Incident Response and Assistance Program

IntroThe National Institute of Corrections (NIC) is seeking applications for funding under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024.

Read moreabout Critical Incident Response and Assistance Program
          Planning, Development, and Convening of a Corrections Thought Leader Network

IntroThe National Institute of Corrections (NIC) is seeking applications for funding under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. Work under this cooperative agreement involves the planning, development, and initial convening of a Corrections Thought Leaders Network.

Read moreabout Planning, Development, and Convening of a Corrections Thought Leader Network
          Gender-Responsive Publication Update and Literature Review

IntroThe National Institute of Corrections (NIC) is seeking applications for funding under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024.

Read moreabout Gender-Responsive Publication Update and Literature Review
          Advancing Women in Leadership

IntroThe National Institute of Corrections (NIC) is seeking applications for funding under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024.

Read moreabout Advancing Women in Leadership

    

  
  

      Access more NIC funding opportunities
Timeline of Notable NIC Events

In September 1971, a major riot at New York's Attica prison focused national attention on corrections and the practice of imprisonment in the United States. In response to public concern and recognizing the problems in corrections facilities and programs at the State and local levels, Attorney General John N. Mitchell convened a National Conference on Corrections in Williamsburg, Virginia, in December 1971.

Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, in his keynote address before the 450 conference participants, expressed support for the establishment of a national training academy for corrections. The training academy would:

Encourage the development of a body of corrections knowledge, coordinate research, and formulate policy recommendations.
	Provide professional training of the highest quality for corrections employees and executives.
	Provide a forum for the exchange of advanced ideas in corrections.
	Bring about long-delayed improvements in the professionalism of the corrections field.The National Institute of Corrections was created in 1974. It first received funding in 1977 as a line item in the Federal Bureau of Prisons budget.

Sept. 1971

Attica Prison Riots


A major riot at New York's Attica prison focused national attention on corrections and the practice of imprisonment in the United States.

Dec. 1971

Attorney General's Conference


In response to public concern and recognizing the problems in corrections facilities and programs at the State and local levels, Attorney General John N. Mitchell convened a National Conference on Corrections in Williamsburg, Virginia. The result is a recommendation for the establishment of a National Training Academy for corrections.

1974

Legislative Results


In 1974, the National Institute of Corrections was created through an act of Congress from the recommendations of the conference in 1971 and a meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee formed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and Law Enforcement Assistance Administration in 1972.

1977

Federal Bureau of Prisons Funding Approved


In 1977, funding was created in the Federal Bureau of Prisons budget for the creation of a new government agency called the National Institute of Corrections.

1980

Establishment of the NIC Information Center


The National Institute of Corrections Information Center was founded in 1980 in Colorado.

1981

NIC Training Academy Founded


The National Institute of Corrections Academy division was established in Colorado.

Mar. 2023

NIC Website relaunch


In order to enhance its portfolio of services, features, and brand; NIC relaunched its website. Return to top

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