Division of Parole and Community Services announces top staff awards

(London, OH) On Thursday, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction's (ODRC), Division of Parole and Community Services (DPCS) awarded the 2024 Robert White Memorial Parole Officer of the Year Award to Officer of the Year Tiphanie Polinori and announced Brittany Thomas as the DPCS Employee of the Year Award winner.

Tiphanie Polinori is a parole officer for the Akron region of the Adult Parole Authority (APA). She is a defense tactics instructor and assists with field tactics and use-of-force training.

In 2023, she was trained as a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) member and has developed several outstanding relationships with area mental health providers. Her professional and patient demeanor are valuable assets as she is assigned some of the most complex supervision cases, frequently resulting in positive behavioral results among those on her caseload.

Polinori has facilitated the Decision Points program since its inception in 2018. This evidence-based program was developed to address risk, needs, and responsiveness for supervisees. She has been given numerous accolades for her dedication to the program and the expertise with which she delivers the material to supervisees. In 2023, she assisted Dr. Juliana Taymans, the founder of Decision Points, in presenting the program at a conference in Columbus, and she became the Decision Points Coordinator for the Akron Region, overseeing all aspects of the program.

Brittany Thomas works as a Parole Services Supervisor for the Columbus APA region. Thomas recently became a Statewide Implementation Team (SIT) member and leads the continuity between the region's subcommittee, focused on creating a positive culture between case transfers, training opportunities, supervision strategies, and ensuring parole violation investigation integrity.

Thomas is also the co-chair of the Columbus APA Employee Recognition Committee, is involved in the statewide Employee Activity Committee, and is a member of the mentor advisory team.

"When an individual returns to the community, our staff do an outstanding job identifying their specific needs and helping them with the transition. I am proud of our DPCS staff for their impactful work in the community, vital support for crime victims, and dedication to the success of those under supervision, making sure the path of rehabilitation continues," said ODRC Assistant Director Ed Banks. "Tiphanie and Brittany are dedicated to the mission of our agency and are shining examples of one team with one purpose!"

The Robert White Memorial Award was established to honor the memory of Robert White, who served as a parole officer in Cleveland after retiring from 25 years of service with the Cleveland Police Department. Tragically, he was fatally shot while performing his duties as a parole officer in 1979. This award serves as a reminder of his commitment to the APA and his dedication to protecting the citizens of Ohio.

(Pictured Above: Left: Tiphanie Polinori; Right: Brittany Thomas)