Crossing the Great Generational Divide: Challenges in Bridging the Gaps

SESSION INFO

Tuesday, January 7, 2020
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Session Type: Workshop

The workforce of today’s law enforcement agency is a diverse mix of race, ethnicity, gender, and generations. The community corrections workforce is evolving and transitioning and generational differences are often overlooked. There are more generations than ever before, the gaps of misunderstanding are getting wider, and tension and conflicts continue to occur. The problem will not just correct itself. Training for a purpose and focusing on professional development and mentoring has shifted the training philosophy in probation and parole departments, and community corrections nationwide. Providing generational training can develop understanding, improve organizational efficiency, create employee cohesiveness, and assist in recruitment, hiring, and retention practices. In this training, we will explore the ways some departments are meeting staff and departmental demands, motivations, and changing social climates by embracing the concept of staff responsivity in academies and succession planning.

SESSION PRESENTERS

Brenda Crowding
Deputy Director, CA Office of Internal Affairs and the Office of Civil Rights Operations


Brenda Crowding is the Assistant Deputy Director with the Division of Adult Parole Operations at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. She has over 30 years of experience working with specialized populations in the criminal justice and human services field. For the past 20 years, she has held several positions with the Division, including Associate Director, Chief Deputy Regional Administrator, Parole Administrator, Parole Agent Supervisor, and Parole Agent. Ms. Crowding has received several awards including Parole Agent of the Year in 2004 and the Faye Honey Knopp Award in 2015 for her positive contributions to the field of sexual offender management. Ms. Crowding holds a Master’s Degree in Human Services from Lincoln University; has conducted numerous POST/STC certified trainings, has presented at numerous conferences throughout the US and Canada, and has taught courses at National University. Ms. Crowding is Co-Chair of the California Sex Offender Management Board, Board Member of the California Probation, Parole and Correctional Association, and a member of APPA.