Share:
Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 19, 2020 01:12 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Lisa Baker |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Ensuring Safety and Security at Correctional Facilities |
| Pennsylvania has approved significant criminal justice reforms to reduce prison and probation costs, better protect crime victims, and strengthen public safety. Over the past six years, the inmate population has dropped by more than 4,000, saving nearly $400 million. At the same time, the crime rate has fallen by approximately 18 percent. Recently approved measures are designed to help county governments better assess probation risks and identify offenders who could benefit from intermediate punishment programs. Major modifications to the probation and parole process are also being considered. Yet, a crucial aspect of the correctional system has not shown comparable safety improvements. Reports of increased staff assaults at correctional facilities across the commonwealth require a redoubled commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for inmates, staff, visitors and the community. Changes must focus on meeting discipline needs, maintaining a culture of respect, and ensuring appropriate guidance and technical assistance is provided to those working to administer criminal justice. Extensive communication between corrections officials, law enforcement, labor, courts, inmates, service agencies, and all levels of government is critical. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s County Criminal Justice Advisory Boards currently work toward local planning and problem solving. My proposal would expand board membership to include corrections officers, district attorneys, and others. The boards will be charged with developing consistent and transparent standards to investigate and review documented inmate and correctional officer assaults, as well as any relevant safety concerns. Counties housing a state correctional institution would be mandatory participants. An annual report containing recommendations for enhanced safety will be provided to the governor, the legislature, the judiciary, and the public. At our recent Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing, Corrections Secretary Wetzel was receptive to such a plan. I hope you will join me in supporting this legislation to ensure greater safety and security at our correctional facilities. |