Redmann speaks at Rotary meeting

Don Redmann, warden of the James River Correctional Center, spoke at the Jamestown Rotary Club weekly meeting. He was introduced by Rotary member Tom Boerger.

Redmann has been involved in corrections since 1984 and warden in Jamestown since 1997. He said that most of his staff have four-year degrees and praised their expertise in the corrections field.

Redmann said a new system has been put in place to rehabilitate inmates. The old system focused mainly on public safety and rehabilitation was a distant second. The new system puts more responsibility on the staff for the rehabilitation of inmates because they have the most contact with inmates. They have the most chances for success and changing inmates’ behavior. He cited greater job satisfaction with employees because of the new system giving them more responsibility. There is also a team approach to working with inmates which takes some of the burden off of individuals. Most inmates spend from 18 to 24 months at the prison. When the prison opened there were 56 staff and now with increased inmates there are 204. The prison is built to serve 380 inmates. Redmann also praised the working relationship they have with the North Dakota State Hospital and how they share resources.

Doug Frohlich presided over the May 15 meeting. The invocation was given by Jason Connolly and Selmer Spitzer led the singing. Sergeant-at-arms was Tim Ottmar. Rotary members were reminded of the Rokiwan Cleanup on May 24 at 5 p.m. The Fargo Rotary Club is also sponsoring a golf scramble at the Wild Flower Golf Course on Monday June 11. Club members are invited to sign up.

Tags: news, community, clubs