FOUNDATION FOR IMPROVEMENT OF JUSTICE, INC.

2006

            COMMUNITY PARTNERS FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE, INC. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana - is a nonprofit organization established in 2003 with a mission of increasing public awareness and ensuring adequate funding for DNA or forensic testing within Louisiana. This organization is being recognized for its success in taking their message to policy makers and community leaders and successfully securing funding to help offset the expenses in processing Louisiana’s excess of 3,000 backlogged rape test kits.

PETER T. SCANNELL of Weymouth, Massachusetts - is being recognized for the courage and persistence he portrayed as he acted as a whistle blower regarding the exposure of widespread fraud in the mutual fund industry. His perseverance was instrumental in bringing restitution to the affected investors. Moreover, he brought awareness to the need to implement procedural changes within the financial institution community. Mr. Scannell’s commitment to seeking justice has been instrumental in the mutual fund industry preventing such future injustice to investors.

GEORGIA INNOCENCE PROJECT of Atlanta, Georgia - is a nonprofit organization established in August, 2002, with a dedication to assist individuals who have been convicted of crimes they did not commit. The Project works to secure post-conviction DNA testing for Georgia inmates where DNA analysis could prove guilt or innocence and DNA testing was not available at the time of trial. In addition, the Project also assists the exonerated rebuild their lives via securing financial resources and donated services upon release from prison.

            TEXANS FOR LAWSUIT REFORM of Austin, Texas - is a non-profit reform group established in l993 to fight for civil justice reform in the State of Texas. Through persistence the organization has proven successful with the passing of multiple torte reform laws. Texans for Lawsuit Reform is a model group in many facets. It exemplifies how dedicated volunteers can be instrumental in improving civil justice. Accomplishments prevail when built around an active, focused strategy, and supported by essential experts, a determined fundraising campaign and commitment to the cause.

            STEPHEN B. BRIGHT of Atlanta, Georgia - is being recognized for his dedication and devotion in his advocacy for those individuals who cannot afford legal representation when faced with conviction of a crime. In 2003, The Daily Report recognized Mr. Bright as the “Newsmaker of the Year”. His works expand into collaborating local and national organizations to create comprehensive solutions to the State of Georgia’s legislature. After serving over 20 years as Director for Southern Center for Human Rights, he recently elected to step down from his position to concentrate more on litigation.

            GRIER WEEKS of Ashville, North Carolina - is recognized for his undaunting efforts at implementing changes in legislative laws across the United States pertaining to a child incest-loophole. He serves as Director of The National Association to PROTECT Children. His perseverance has reformed laws in such states as California, New York, North Carolina, and Tennessee among others. His advocacy has proven successful and he continues to fight his cause working with legislative groups across the nation.

            SALLY QUILLIAN YATES of Atlanta, Georgia - is being recognized for her devotion and proven success involving cases pertaining to public corruption, fraud and terrorism. Ms. Yates, U.S. Attorney, has displayed a fearless vision and has been extremely instrumental and proven successful in the administration arena of our judicial system. Some of Ms. Yates’ recent recognizable judicial leadership works include her involvement in the convictions and sentencing of both Eric Rudolph and Atlanta’s former Mayor Campbell.

2005

            Carol E. Jordan of Lexington, Kentucky - is recognized for her diligent efforts during the past 22 years in fighting for victims’ rights in the areas of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault and stalking and thus improving our system of justice.  She has brought many venues together such as service providers and educational institutions to make Kentucky a safer place for women and children. 

Sergeant Patrick B. Welsh, of Dallas, Texas - is recognized for his high level of commitment, professionalism, and enduring dedication to victims of sexual assault crimes.  Sergeant Walsh has worked tirelessly to initiate and achieve the actions necessary to bring closure to many “cold”  sexual assault  cases within the state.

            Ashley Smith of Georgia - is recognized for her heroic efforts in the role she played in the apprehension of Brian Gene Nichols.  Mr. Nichols is the suspect in a deadly March 11^th courthouse shooting that brought the city of Atlanta to a standstill.  Her courageous actions are a testimony that every citizen has a part to play in our judicial system.

            Montana Legal Services Association of Helena, Montana - is recognized for its efforts and proven results at using technology to provide free legal assistance to low-income Montanans in civil cases.  The Association has been a pioneer in such programs as video conferencing in civil cases within the state.

            Harriett Semander of Houston, Texas - is recognized for her continual perseverance in seeing justice served regarding a convicted Texan serial killer.  Her tireless efforts ultimately led to the abolishment of the Texas mandatory release law in l996.  Ms. Semander’s quest for justice is an example of how one person can make a difference.

            Captain Ted Smith of South Charleston, West Virginia - is recognized for the years he has dedicated to improving the West Virginia State Police Laboratory.  He has devoted his time and effort to enhancing the collection of evidence in sexual assault cases within West Virginia.  Moreover, Captain Smith is a founding member of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner’s (SANE) Advisory Board and he continues to educate and share his expertise.

            Jim McCloskey of Princeton, New Jersey - is recognized for his high level of commitment to identifying wrongfully imprisoned individuals and taking action to right these injustices.  He founded Centurion Ministries in 1983 and since its inception Mr. McCloskey has freed and exonerated 33 innocent people.

            W. Mark Felt of Santa Rosa, California - is recognized for the courageous measures he took to see justice served regarding the Watergate break-in.  Mr. Felt’s involvement led  to the true revelations of Watergate, which in turn conveyed to society that not even the president of the United States should be placed above the law.
 

2004

            The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children of New York City, New York - is recognized for its long-standing history of providing preventive and protective services to children and strengthening families through mental health, legal and educational services.  Over the past 129 years, NYSPCC have served over 2 million of New York City’s children through an array of implemented programs.

Attorney General W.A. Drew Edmondson, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - is recognized for his diligent efforts in expediting the appeals process in death penalty cases.  His works have made influential differences from both the state and federal levels.

            Refugee Family Services of Clarkston, Georgia, - is recognized for its commitment to securing justice for hundreds of foreign-born women and children who are victims of domestic violence in the United States.  Moreover, its mission is to help refugee/immigrant women and children regain self-sufficiency through a variety of facets such as education, economic opportunities and direct support.

            Honorable Stephanie Rhoades of Anchorage, Alaska - is recognized for her commendable improvements in the mental health courts.  She continues to extend her wealth of knowledge beyond practice, through educating others on both a state and a national basis.

            The Guardianship Clinic of Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino in San Bernardino, California - is recognized for its level of commitment in serving minor children who have lost their parents.  This program provides prospective guardians with legal advice, documentation, and the education necessary to comply with the legal process.

            Women’s Recovery Center of Minneapolis, Minnesota - is recognized for its successful specialized program for women with a history of prostitution and drug abuse.  The program is an effective alternative to incarceration and has proven to reduce recidivism.

            Michael Davis of Louisville, Kentucky - is recognized for his instrumental efforts in the creation of the nation’s first automated crime victims notification service in l994.  The VINE service is available in more than 1400 communities in 36 states.

            Wynona Ward of Chelsea, Vermont - is recognized for her creating an organization that provides legal services to victims of domestic violence in rural Vermont areas.  Have Justice Will Travel was founded in l998 and has proven to be an asset to Vermont’s judicial arena.
 

2003

            Detective Gary Nolte of Skokie, Illinois - is recognized for his years of dedication and perseverance in putting a stop to the organized criminal activity of the Moro family and was instrumental in bringing many facets of the criminal justice system together on a national basis to work together. 

Sentencing Through Alternative Resources (S.T.A.R.) Program of San Bernardino, California - is a program between the San Bernardino Court system and the local coroner’s office and is recognized for reducing recidivism among those individuals who have pled to or been found guilty of driving while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

            Honorable James E. Dehn of Cambridge, Minnesota - is recognized for his multiple innovative alternative-sentencing programs and his dedication to their implementation. 

            University Legal Assistance of Spokane, Washington - is recognized for providing legal assistance via advice and representation to clients who are individuals with limited financial resources and often having complex legal issues. 

            Coordinated Advise and Referral Program for Legal Services (CARPLS) of Chicago, Illinois - is recognized for providing legal assistance to low-income individuals in a manner that is both timely and cost-effective.

            Steve Twist of Scottsdale, Arizona - is recognized for his many years of dedication and advocation for victims’ rights.

            Scott B. Peterson of Washington, DC - is recognized for his collection of years of involvement and expansion of an alternative to the Juvenile Justice System for youthful offenders that utilizes peer pressure as a positive force.

            John S. Goldkamp of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - is recognized for his commitment of over a decade working on a multiple of projects providing a long-term effect of fundamentally restructuring the criminal court’s processes in Philadelphia.
 

2002

            Regina Marscheider, Virginia Beach, VA – has created and operated the Children’s Performance Workshops to educate teachers and children on the prevention of child abuse. 

            Associated Marine Institutes, Tallahassee, FL – operates highly successful juvenile rehabilitation programs in several states, oriented on the environment and the community. 

            Marilyn Allen, Dover, NH – created and manages a very successful jail work and industry program for over 16 years, which is now used as a model for others across the nation. 

            Officer Camille Steigleder, Molalla, OR – created and administers a juvenile diversion program for first time offenders, with a recidivism rate below 5%. 

            Judge Legrome D. Davis, Philadelphia, PA – improved the city’s criminal court system by implementing his “Rocket Docket” program, medical assessments with treatment for offenders with drug problems, and new pretrial release guidelines.

             IMAGE Drug Task Force, Auburn, IN – effectively coordinates multi-county agencies in efforts to locate and arrest local drug offenders.   Its undercover operations have proven successful.

             Officer Randy Melton, Houston, TX – has worked to educate police officers and the deaf community about each other.  He is now a national speaker for the deaf community.

            Edward Michael Jagen, Beltsville, MD – as a retired police detective, created and operates the Good Knight Campaign program to educate and inspire children to develop self-protection.  
 

2001

Judge Brian W. MacKenzie, Novi, MI – has implemented   successful programs that have reduced domestic violence, increased supervision of convicted drunk drivers, and provided alternative sentencing.

Lieutenant Joseph A. Giampietro, Austintown, OH – has developed and supervised the Juvenile Diversion Program, working effectively with juveniles before their behavior reaches a criminal level.

Na Loio, Honolulu, HI – has provided free legal services and advocacy for over 18 years to indigent immigrants and refugees.  This group of lawyers publishes multilingual materials on a variety of topics to assist the new immigrants.

Rev. Bruce Cook, Atlanta, GA – has worked over twenty years in promoting crime victims’ rights, crime victim legislation, and community restitution.  He has worked to make our criminal justice system a victims’ justice system.

The Juvenile Pay Up Program, Orlando, FL – has succeeded at holding the juvenile offenders accountable for their criminal behavior, and as a result, gives the community confidence in the judicial system.

 Sergeant Cary J. Klausner, Houston, TX – has created and supervises the Truck Enforcement Unit.  With special training for his staff, a new data system, and appropriate work shifts, his police officers saw a 58% decrease in truck-related fatalities in the first year.

Assistant District Attorney Norman Gahn, Milwaukee, WI  – is considered a leader in the use of DNA evidence to obtain justice.  From his first case of identifying the offender by his DNA in order to meet the statute of limitations to teaching others across the nation how to use DNA evidence, he has promoted justice for all.

Michael S. Race, Seaford, NY  – as a retired NYPD detective put his expertise to work in collecting evidence on a 14-year-old crime which led to the release of two innocent men from prison.

2000

Investigators Juliet Fabbri & Michael Sullivan, Naperville, IL – have been leaders in criminal investigation relating to child exploitation on the Internet.  Their success has led them to assist other law enforcement agencies, and to develop training programs for the public on Internet safety for children.

Judge Mark I. Bernstein, Philadelphia, PA – has been the driving force in eliminating the backlog of civil trial cases.  By implementing the “Day Backward” program, and then the “Day Forward” program, he had the court operating within ABA Trial Court Standards again.

Metropolitan Crime Commission, New Orleans, LA – has assisted the local law enforcement agencies by its “Wanted By The Law” program which publishes photos and information on wanted felons weekly along with offering rewards for information leading to arrest.  This program has a 72% plus apprehension rate.

Friends of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Oahu, Inc., Honolulu, HI – was the first CAC in the nation to create a public/private partnership, combining the skills of the professionals from the state court system with those of concerned citizens.

The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse/Identity Theft Resource Center, San Diego, CA – has developed a national comprehensive program against identity theft (said to be the fastest-growing crime today).  Services include victims’ support, public and corporate education on identity theft, and legislative efforts.

The North Carolina Business Court, Greensboro, NC – has been successful in expediting complex business lawsuits by designating one judge for those cases.  The Court has recently become automated with electronic filing and Internet access—a paperless court.

Judge Charles B. Schudson, Milwaukee, WI – is considered a national expert on creating child-friendly courtrooms.  Through speaking engagements, and authoring a book and articles, he has guided others on the issues of children and justice.

Officer Louis Sgro & Detective Rose DiLacqua, Philadelphia, PA – are specialists in the investigations of crimes against the elderly.  They work with the special needs of the victims to successfully prosecute; and have addressed the state legislature on these crimes of “silent violence”.

The Amber Plan, Dallas, TX – is the first in the nation to coordinate the local media’s emergency alert system with the local law enforcement agencies to locate missing children quickly.  This allows all citizens to assist in the children’s recovery, and has resulted in children’s lives being saved.

1999

District Attorney Michael Grosbard, San Gabriel, CA  has demonstrated unusual dedication to the enforcement of our laws while seeking justice regardless of the personal consequences to himself and his career.

Dr. Mark S. Umbreit, St. Paul, MN – has been a leader in developing, practicing, and teaching restorative justice across the nation.  This approach has improved restitution and reduced recidivism.

Officer Thong A. Nguyen, Houston, TX – has assisted the Asian community in understanding the American police efforts by hosting a television program, being a community speaker, and by acting as an interpreter for investigators and courts.

Moral Values Program, Sacramento, CA – founded five years ago by Monica and Frank Victorio to provide a traditional family atmosphere for those children who do not have one.  They have provided protection and guidance when a child does not qualify for attention from a government agency.

The S.H.O.P. Program, West Covina, CA – employs senior volunteers to assist police officers both in the office and in the field.  This has lowered the cost of law enforcement, and has been presented as a model for programs across the nation.

The National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, Chicago, IL – has for over a century worked to improve state law, primarily by drafting legislation.  Its most current creation is the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act which has been adopted by all states.

The Angola Hospice Program, Angola, LA – is considered a leader among prison hospice programs.  The staff, the inmates and the surviving families have all benefited from this program, which also reduces prison costs.

Judge Michael A. Martone, Troy, MI – created and presents his Courageous Decisions program of alcohol intervention to teenagers.  This program begins with actual court sessions in the schools, and concludes with a video and discussion on life choices.

The Committee on Equality and Access to the Courts, Honolulu, HI – is simplifying the law for Hawaii’s immigrants.  It provides legal information by telephone, videos on court procedures, and directories of legal service providers in various foreign languages. 

Sergeant Bruce K. Stayments, Elmira, NY – created and presents his “DAD School” program to teach effective fathering skills to those referred by the courts.  His research found that 75% of offenders came from fatherless homes.  Recidivism rates have dropped among program participants.