A series of reports last year revealed concerns about Deputy Director Kristina Shea at the Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC). The Director received complaints about Shea’s behavior, including allegations of retaliation, bullying, and intimidating employees. However, Shea was not held accountable, reflecting a lack of effective mechanisms to discipline higher-level state employees. Interviews with current and former state workers revealed a lack of trust in the state’s processes for addressing misconduct.
Shea denied the accusations and encouraged employees to use formal complaint processes. Director James Dzurenda defended Shea as a trusted leader who has helped decrease staff vacancies at NDOC. Despite the complaints, Shea remained in her position.
The state’s grievance process, meant to address complaints about supervisors, was criticized by some employees who felt it protected managers. The process can escalate to the state’s Employee-Management Committee, but it cannot impose discipline. Unclassified agency leaders, like Shea, are not subject to progressive discipline policies but must follow agencies’ rules.
The lack of accountability at NDOC, particularly concerning the hiring of contractors at high costs, has led to a decline in trust among employees. Workers have expressed concerns about retaliation and a lack of support from the agency’s human resources team, overseen by Shea. State employees face unique challenges in getting complaints addressed, with some feeling that managers are protected by those in higher positions.
Overall, the reports shed light on a system where higher-level state employees may evade accountability, creating a culture of fear and mistrust in the workplace. Employees are urged to contact the Division of Human Resources Management with any grievances, but some state workers feel that their concerns may not be taken seriously.
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Photo credit thenevadaindependent.com
