At Lincoln South Rotary Club on March 11, we heard from the Inspector General of Nebraska State Corrections, Doug Koebernick.
Doug shared the history of the Inspector position - how it came about. He also shared that he was asked to take the position multiple times - saying no three times before finally agreeing to apply for the position.
From what we heard during our meeting, it sounds like it was a good match for Doug's interests and strengths and we are fortunate to have him in this position. The office of Inspector is not just about inmate rights but also the corrections staff. Doug worked under a number of senators but it was Senator Lathrop's work that created the position of Inspector General. He proposed that a special investigative committee should be formed to look into Corrections and a number of issues related to problems the Legislature has identified over in Corrections.
Doug's position was created with LB598 - Adopt the Office of Inspector General of the Nebraska Correctional System Act and change and provide requirements regarding inmates with mental illness, levels of confinement, parole, and prison overcrowding. The Legislative intent:
•Establish a full-time program of investigation and performance review to provide increased accountability and oversight of the Nebraska correctional system (and parole);
•Assist in improving operations of the department and the Nebraska correctional system;
•Provide an independent form of inquiry for concerns regarding the actions of individuals and agencies responsible for the supervision and release of persons in the Nebraska correctional system. A lack of responsibility and accountability between individuals and private agencies in the current system make it difficult to monitor and oversee the Nebraska correctional system;
•Provide a process for investigation and review in order to improve policies and procedures of the correctional system.
A little over a year ago, he was able to add a full-time employee. Prior to that he was running the office solo - looking over 5500 inmates, 2000 employees in 10 facilities. With more staff he will be able to be more effective - do more research and study the reports in more detail.
He has made a number of recommendations so far including adding or expanding mental health services. He has provided information and testimony to the legislature about corrections. The issues are not just with inmates but also staff. There are a number of issues driving those issues, but much is due to overcrowding. The inmate population dropped during COVID because there were fewer cases. But, we are seeing a gradual increase again now.
Doug stated that the incarceration rate (number of inmates per 100,000) in Nebraska is comparable to surrounding states. And, it is comparable to the national statistics. He also stated that a study of the race of inmates reflects that Hispanic inmate numbers are slightly higher than white. Black are nearly 6 times that of white. He would like to study the research and what is causing this difference.
He commented that it is a testament to the staff that things have remained relatively calm in the current overcrowding situation.
The legislature has funded additional staff. And, the system is expanding. But, with more beds, more facilities they will need even more staff. They have change the pay scales to ensure equity. They found that there was little difference in salary between new staff and long-term staff so they made some changes in that area. They also learned that the stress of the staff was not just the overcrowding, long hours and pay equity. But, that there were also some leadership weaknesses.
There are many issues being addressed by Doug's area and others to improve the health of our corrections system.
BIO
Doug Koebernick was appointed to a five year term as the Inspector General of Corrections by the Nebraska Legislature in September 2015. In September 2020 he was appointed to a second five year term. During his tenure as Inspector General, he has provided policy makers and the public with extensive insights on the state of Nebraska’s correctional system through reports, testimony before the legislature and meeting with members of the public.
Prior to being named as the Inspector General, he served in state government for a number of years, starting with Governor Ben Nelson’s administration in 1994 before becoming a legislative aide in the Nebraska Legislature in 1997. He served as the legislative aide for four senators and as part of that work he was also a staff member to special investigative committees on the Beatrice State Developmental Center and the Department of Corrections. He is originally from South Sioux City, Nebraska and graduated from Kearney State College in 1990 with a degree in Political Science and History.