Gary Harkins , Research and Information Director
Oregon
Retired State Correctional Officer

 Gary retired from the Oregon State Penitentiary after a 25-year career in January of 2006. He rose through the ranks to Correctional Sergeant; supervising maximum-security inmates, supervising and training subordinate staff and participating in various special projects for the ODOC.

     Sergeant Harkins served 4 years on the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Corrections Policy Committee representing both State and County non-management staff. The Committee generated corrections-related policy recommendations to the full DPSST Board. They also reviewed proposed certification revocations and made recommendations regarding a CO’s certification to the full DPSST Board.

     Gary also served for 6 years as President of the Association of Oregon Corrections Employees (AOCE), an independent union for corrections employees.  Prior to this, he was a Union Steward and a contract negotiator for the AOCE.
     In addition he held a 6-year term on the Greater Albany Public School Budget Committee. Gary was an 8 year representative to the Oregon Council of Police Associations and remains a general member.  He is a long standing member and supporter of the Correctional Peace Officer Foundation.

   Gary is also very well educated having earned college degrees in Machine Tool Technology, and Law Enforcement, and a Bachelors in Corrections and Business Administration. He currently owns and operates T.J. Consulting located in Albany, Oregon.