Secretary Bankhead's Documents
 | 02/20/04 Letter to DJJ Staff |
| 02/20/04 Press Release from Gov. Bush's Office |
| 02/20/04 Letter to Gov. Bush |
| 02/19/04 Interim Appointments in Management |
From: Bankhead, W. G.
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2004 7:42 PM
To: All-DJJ
Subject: Update
Dear DJJ Staff:
Friday night I requested that the Governor grant an extended medical leave so that I might have some stress-free time to attend to my personal health. Below is a copy of the statement issued by the Governor and a copy of my request to the Governor.
Thank you for your support, dedication and commitment. I ask that you continue to provide high- quality service to the State and the youth in our custody. I will be focusing my energies on improving my health during the next few months. I will be starting my leave on Friday, February 27.
Cordially,
Bill Bankhead
Press Release from Gov. Office
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 20, 2004
TO: Interested Media
FROM: Jill Bratina, Governor Bush's Communications Director
RE: Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Bankhead's request for extended
medical leave.
Please see the attached letter from Secretary Bill Bankhead requesting > extended medical leave. Governor Bush will identify an interim secretary in the next several days.
"Secretary Bankhead is a dedicated public servant whose commitment to > troubled youth has helped reduce juvenile crime in this state," said Governor Bush. "During the last few months he has led the search for solutions at Miami Dade Regional and the Florida Institute for Girls, despite his own health concerns. I am glad his health is now improving.
Bill has been both a good Secretary and a good friend. While I will miss his leadership in the next several months, I appreciate that he must take the time to focus on his recovery."
If you have additional questions, please call (850) 488-5394.
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February 20, 2004
The Honorable Jeb Bush
Governor
State of Florida
The Capitol
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0001
Dear Governor Bush,
More than five years ago, you gave me the privilege of serving in your administration as Secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Each day has provided both opportunities and challenges, and while many challenges remain, much has been accomplished.
During the past several years, we have made great progress in accomplishing our mission of "reducing juvenile crime." Although the at-risk population of 10-17 year old youth has increased by 13 percent, the numbers of youth referred to the Department has reduced by 3.5 percent. Substantial increases in overall bed and specialized treatment capacity, coupled with the Department's first staff training and certification program, has provided for a 13 percent increase in our rate of success with delinquent youth. The safety and security of our facilities is much improved, escapes have plummeted, and our contracted providers are held to a much higher standard of accountability.
In addition to the daily demands of agency management, you are aware that personal health issues have also required both my time and attention during the past couple of years. Your support and encouragement, and that of the DJJ team, have made it possible for me to continue my work. However, I now need a period of time in which my family and I can devote full attention to improving my health. So, I am requesting that you approve my taking extended medical leave for up to 120 days beginning February 27, 2004.
The DJJ staff team, the youth we serve, and our many partners throughout the state remain close to my heart. This makes my leave request difficult, even though it is necessary. You know that, during my absence, you and the DJJ team will continue to have my support and assistance in any manner you deem appropriate.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of your administration and for your continued support and understanding during the coming days.
Sincerely,
W. G. "Bill" Bankhead > Secretary
Interim Appointments in Management
From: Bankhead, W. G.
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2004 1:49 PM
To: All-DJJ
Subject: Interim Appointments in Management
February 19, 2004
Undoubtedly, most of you have already heard about or read about several significant management changes in Detention Services. Specifically, the Superintendent of the Miami-Dade Detention Center, the Southern Chief, the Southern Regional Director and the Assistant Secretary have all submitted their resignations or applications for retirement. Until further notice, the following interim appointments have been made effective immediately: Superintendent, Walt Davis; Southern Regional Director, David Kerr; and Assistant Secretary, Perry Turner. All detention superintendents in the south will report directly to Mr. Kerr.
The tragic death of 17 year-old Omar Paisley has had many repercussions. Some good people got caught up in a terrible situation and some additional light has been shed on improvements needed. I just want everyone to know that the current circumstances do not detract in any way from the tremendous accomplishments you all have achieved over the past five years, even in times of limited resources. Please stay focused on your responsibilities as public servants and stay ever vigilant in your efforts to reduce juvenile crime.
Bill Bankhead
