Thursday, March 15, 2018 was the Leadership Brevard program "Law & Order" session that the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the criminal justice/legal system and several of the ‘safety net’ nonprofit services organizations collaborated to allow the members of the class to gain a real sense of what it could be like to be arrested, arraigned and jailed…and how choices lead to consequences.

Special thanks in order too for Tyler Sirois, Leadership Brevard class 2014, Executive Director for the State Attorney’s Office for his leadership in bringing this session to the Leadership Brevard curriculum committee as a proposal and subsequently for his assistance in facilitating the numerous logistics of the day.

Kim Rezanka (LB 2002), LEAD Brevard Board Member and an attorney with Cantwell & Goldman, P.A. served as the class chair, leading introductions of guests and keeping the day on task. 

To better understand the inner sanctum of the judicial process, a number of professionals were on hand, including Phil Archer, State Attorney, Office of the State Attorney; Michael Hunt, Assistant State Attorney, Office of the State Attorney; Gregory Eisenmenger, Of Counsel, Law Offices of Eisenmenger, Robinson, Blaue & Peters, P.A.; Laura Moody (LB 2015), Assistant State Attorney, Office of the State Attorney; Michael Pirolo, Chief Assistant Public Defender, 18^th Judicial Circuit and panels were moderated by Giles Malone, Partner, Maverick Multimedia Inc., Brevard Production, Inc., Space Coast Daily.

A Homicide Crime Scene Simulation curated by Emily Chretien and Erin Strait, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigators set the tone as class members were invited to attempt to determine what happened and ‘who’ did it…Sergeant Chris Crawford (LB 2014), Rockledge Police Department, walked us through the arrest process and the path to jail for those persons arrested. 

Homicide Crime Scene Simulation

Lunch was sponsored by Victory Casino Cruises; contact LEAD Brevard if you would like to showcase your company to a future Leadership Brevard class session.

William E. Gary, President and Sonya Mallard, Cultural Center Coordinator for the Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex, Inc. shared information about the Moore’s legacy and the Cultural Complex in Mims that honors them.

Pictured left to right: William E. Gary, Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex; Kristin Bakke, LEAD Brevard, and Sonya Mallard, Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex.

With BCSO deputies as “hosts”, class members were provided with tours of the Brevard County Jail Complex and a ‘protein loaf’ that may be used as an inmate meal replacement(s)…another deterrent to a life of crime. Sheriff Wayne Ivey shared his perspectives with class members and answered questions from the group. 

BCSO deputies, LEAD Brevard staff and members of the Board of Directors, and guests pose with Sheriff Wayne Ivey.

A panel of social services leaders gave the class background and information bout the clients they serve and protect; many of the class members were not familiar with the organizations or the safety nets they provide.  Panelists included: Karen Locke, Chief Operating Officer, Crosswinds Youth Services; Jeanie Raciti, Director, Children’s Advocacy Center of Brevard; Rhonda Shoup, Victim Advocate, The Women’s Center; and Jason Wieseler, Psy.D. Executive Vice President and Chief Psychologist, Circles of Care.

• The legal process walk through was both entertaining and informative.
• The jail tour was very impactful.  Brevard County has a great justice system with caring, passionate, and professional people.
• The impact of criminal justice system on financial and socioeconomic systems of our country.
• …Choices made an impact. Any of us could be there with different choices, but our place and privilege also matter greatly, we all need to realize it.
• The most impactful aspect was the jail tour and discussions.  It is overwhelming the number of inmates that they are responsible for.  The impact of opioids in our society is profound.
• Surprised to learn about systems and process at the jail that I didn't know existed.
• As the wife of a law enforcement officer, I loved that our Leadership Brevard group got to learn about law enforcement in Brevard and see how difficult their jobs are.  I felt it gave the group the opportunity to see how dedicated and hardworking and caring our law enforcement officers and state attorneys are!
• Seeing and experiencing the county jail was a unique opportunity.  Overall a different experience that won't be forgotten.
• WOAH. Today's session was a huge eye opener.  What an amazing opportunity to see inside the jail and learn about its operations.  I walked away with a whole new understanding of the incarceration system.
• Really hit the heart; the overall need for family; I personally am going to reach out to Crosswinds, as to how I can help.
• Staff at the jail are outstanding!  They care about the people in their custody and need more support for more programs to reduce recidivism.

The So-Social networking and debriefing time was at Jabbers Bar & Grill and was sponsored in part by the Friends of the Children’s Advocacy Board. 

We place special emphasis on making sure program graduates are offered a variety of avenues to stay informed and connected with fellow alumni.