Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
Frequently Asked Questions: The Department of Corrections will close two state prisons in 2017 and reduce by nearly half the capacity of community corrections facilities.There are five prisons currently under consideration for closing including: SCI Frackville (Schuylkill County), SCI Pittsburgh (Allegheny County), SCI Mercer (Mercer County), SCI Retreat (Luzerne County) and SCI Waymart (Wayne County).An announcement will be made on Thursday, Jan. 26, which two prisons will be closed. The target date for closure of both facilities is June 30, 2017.This will impact more than 800 employees and several thousand inmates.Every affected employee will be offered a position within the Department of Corrections. Our Human Resources staff will provide informational meetings to assist everyone impacted by these closures.Inmates will be transferred to other facilities, based on treatment, programming and security needs. We realize this decision may create anxiety and hardships for some and we will do what we can to address any questions and concerns.Why is this being done? The decision is based primarily on the anticipated deficit in the state budget. The historic drop in population in Pennsylvania’s prisons in recent years (a decrease of about 2,500, bringing the current population number to about 49,000 inmates in January 2017), allows the Department of Corrections the opportunity to make the most efficient use of space inside its facilities. The Department of Corrections has studied these five facilities, comparing age, needed repairs, population size and specialty treatment programs. The decision was made to invest tax dollars into facilities that may need less repair or offer specialty programming for inmates.Both SCI Waymart and SCI Pittsburgh present significant challenges for closure.SCI Waymart serves inmates with serious mental health conditions. SCI Pittsburgh is a diagnostic and classification center for incoming inmates and provides medical specialty services, such as an oncology unit. Transition of these services would be extremely difficult and the agency would incur significant additional costs.Until the transition is completed, the Department of Corrections will maintain control and upkeep of the buildings. Eventually, the property will be turned over to the Department of General Services for re-use or sale.Attempts will also be made to contract with the federal government to house federal inmates in one or both facilities. This will still require the transfer of inmates but minimize the number of staff transferred to other state prisons and should provide income for the state and local community. We realize as a large employer, this is a difficult financial loss for local communities. As a state agency, we are required to consider what is best for the entire commonwealth and taxpayers’ money. We will be partnering with the Department of Community and Economic Development, Labor and Industry and other state agencies to work with the local community to mitigate the impact. Our efforts in recent years have resulted in an historic decrease in the population of our prisons, which is a positive direction for all Pennsylvanians.What other cost-saving measures have you considered? In addition to the prison closure, we are looking at many other cost-saving measures, including, but not limited to reducing administrative staff and increasing technological efficiencies at Central Office, limiting overtime in facilities, increasing efficiency in the management of inmate transportation, clothing, laundry, food services and cleaning supplies. Also, the Bureau of Community Corrections plans to reduce by nearly half the capacity of community corrections facilities. For inmates and their families: The closing of these facilities means that all the inmates will have to be transferred to other state prisons. The location will be decided by the Department of Corrections.As part of the preparation for the move, the Department of Corrections is taking steps to ensure minimal programming interruption. Visiting lists, authorized telephone lists, commissary orders, cable TV and property will be handled as quickly as possible at the receiving facility.The Department of Corrections is working closely with the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole staff to ensure there are no delays for those eligible and scheduled to be seen by parole. Frequently asked questions:Where will I be sent?The Office of Population Management will take into consideration inmates who are at their present location as a result of an Incentive Based Transfer. Every effort will be made to keep those inmates in the region where they are currently housed.The decision will be made based on programming, treatment and security needs. If an inmate has additional questions or concerns, they are encouraged to speak with their unit management team. How will my family know where I am? Family and friends may use the Department of Corrections’ inmate locator on our public website to learn your new location.What about employment?Upon reception at your new facility you will be processed for a work/school assignment and you will be compensated in accordance with that assignment. There is no guarantee that you will keep your same job/pay rate when you are transferred. However, efforts will be made to place you in a comparable job position and maintain your current pay rate until you request a job change. If you later request a job that pays less than what you are being paid upon your reception, your wages may decrease to that job’s pay. Additionally, any Support Team Actions that result from negative behavior or job performance may also reduce your pay.What about programming? Your placement into required programming will not be affected. Your placement into programs will continue to be based on your minimum sentence date. You will receive credit for any programs you have completed prior to your transfer. Program codes? All assigned program codes will remain in effect at the time of transfer, but will continue to be reviewed annually in accordance with Department of Corrections’ policy.What about my visiting list? A new list will not need to be completed upon your reception to your new facility. However, your visiting list is still subject to the approval of the facility and any existing regulations of the Department of Corrections. Telephone list? A new list will not need to be completed upon your reception to your new facility. A manifest will be provided to the onsite Telephone System Administrator on the day of your arrival. Your account at your prior facility will then be deactivated and your new account activated. While this is not an instantaneous process, it will not require any action on your part.Cable TV?Your Corrections Cable TV (CCTV) service is permitted to transfer with you as well. It will be your responsibility to notify the Inmate Accounting Office upon your arrival and request a transfer of CCTV service. In addition, a new signed CCTV contract should be provided. Upon verification of payment and service at the previous facility you will be permitted service and all appropriate notifications will occur.Accounts? Your Inmate Account should be activated within 48 to 72 working hours after your arrival to your new facility. What about my property? You will be given the opportunity to send all excess property home either by mail at your expense or by family pick-up. Those details will need to be arranged at your current facility prior to your transfer. At the time of your transfer, you will be permitted to take two record center boxes or one footlocker as well as your TV. This will be the only property that will be initially transferred with you, so please plan accordingly. The remainder of your authorized property, in accordance with the DC ADM 815, will be shipped by the least expensive common carrier to the receiving facility or to an address of your choice at your expense, or the items are to be destroyed. Commissary?It is suggested that you limit commissary purchases and only order items week to week in an effort to limit your amount of personal property at the time of transfer. Commissary that is received at your sending facility after you have been transferred will be shipped to your new facility at a later time. Tobacco products? SCI Chester, SCI Pine Grove and SCI Quehanna Boot Camp are designated as tobacco-free facilities.For any other questions and concerns, you may call the toll free number at 1-888-316-8950 and leave a message, or you may email RA-CRDOCClose@ ................
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