Like many other states in the US, Pennsylvania has a high incarceration rate that is among the highest in the world compared to democratic countries. According to the 2018 Correctional Control Report by PrisonPolicy.org, approximately 659 out of 100,000 people in Pennsylvania are incarcerated in prisons, jails, or immigration detention centers. The total number of people incarcerated in Pennsylvania is 96,000.
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PADOC) is responsible for the custody, care, and rehabilitation of nearly 37,000 inmates across various correctional facilities throughout the state. The headquarters of PADOC is located in Hampden Township, in Greater Harrisburg.
This high incarceration rate has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in Pennsylvania. Critics argue that mass incarceration disproportionately affects marginalized communities, exacerbating issues such as poverty and social inequality. In recent years, policymakers and activists have called for reforms to reduce the number of people behind bars and to focus on alternative forms of punishment and rehabilitation. The issue of criminal justice reform remains a contentious topic in Pennsylvania and across the United States.
Classification Process at PADOC:
Upon completion of the new inmate orientation session, the Delaware Correctional Center (DCC) undertakes a classification process consisting of several steps. Within the first 48 hours of arrival at reception centers, inmates are provided with an inmate handbook and a facility handbook, available in English, Spanish, and Braille, which they must sign. Medical clearance is then conducted for all candidates. All inmates are required to provide a DNA sample, taken at DCC, in compliance with the Sexual and Violent Offenders Act. The sample is sent to the Pennsylvania State Police for analysis and profiling.
Next, inmates undergo psychological testing and are scheduled for Tests of Basic Adult Education (TABE). The counseling staff then screens all inmates through the Risk Screen Tool (RST) to determine those who require further assessment. Inmates not filtered out by the RST are scheduled for the Self Administered Inmate Test (SAIT). Additionally, inmates not screened by the RST are evaluated for drug abuse by the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) staff.
DCC sends letters to the families of inmates to inform them of their admission and provide essential information about the procedures and contact details at DCC. The classification process for each inmate is required to be completed within 30 days of their arrival at the facility.
Inmates’ Orientation at PADOC:
The Diagnostics and Classification Center (DCC) at the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections starts the classification process with an orientation program for new inmates. This program involves scheduling interviews and tests that are necessary for classification. In addition to this, the inmates are informed about the medical services available to them, which include emergency care, vision, and dental services. The department also provides prosthetic devices, personal hygiene items, and maintains sanitation standards for the inmates.
Furthermore, there are several other important services that inmates have access to, which are explained during orientation. These include access to legal resources, such as law libraries and legal assistance, as well as religious services and education programs, including GED courses and vocational training. Inmates are also informed about their visitation rights, which allow them to maintain contact with their families and friends, and the department’s policy on mail and phone calls.
The orientation program also emphasizes the importance of safety and security within the facility, and the consequences of violating rules and regulations. Inmates are informed about the department’s grievance procedure, which allows them to report any concerns or complaints they may have. The orientation program aims to provide inmates with essential information and resources to ensure their well-being and successful reentry into society.
Facilities at PADOC and their Security Levels:
The state of Pennsylvania has several prisons that house male and female inmates with different security levels. Here is a list of the prisons, their locations, and other important information about them:
Albion State Correctional Institution: Located in Erie County, Pennsylvania, this prison has a capacity of 2,272 inmates and houses medium and close-custody male offenders.
Benner Township State Correctional Institution: A medium-security prison that houses 2,107 inmates, it is located in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania and was opened in 2013.
Cambridge Springs State Correctional Institution: This minimum-security prison is situated in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, and can house up to 1,020 adult female inmates. It employs 311 people.
Camp Hill State Correctional Institution: This reception and classification center is located in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, and is responsible for the initial classification process of male inmates. It has a capacity of 3,490 inmates.
Chester State Correctional Institution: This medium-security facility, located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, has a capacity of 1,275 male inmates and specializes in treating offenders with drug or alcohol addiction.
Coal Township State Correctional Institution: Located in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, this medium-security prison has a capacity of 2,333 male inmates and employs 525 people.
Dallas State Correctional Institution: This medium-security prison, located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, houses adult male offenders and has a capacity of 2,150 inmates. Many of the inmates are serving life sentences and have no chance of parole.
Fayette State Correctional Institution: This maximum-security prison, located in LaBelle, Pennsylvania, has a capacity of 2,054 inmates.
Forest State Correctional Institution: Located in Marienville, Pennsylvania, this maximum-security prison houses adult male offenders and has a capacity of 2,290 inmates.
Frackville State Correctional Institution: This maximum-security prison, located on 174 acres in Frackville, Pennsylvania, has a capacity of 1,192 male offenders and is protected by razor wires.
Graterford State Correctional Institution: This maximum-security prison, located in Graterford, Pennsylvania, houses adult male offenders and has a capacity of 3,420 inmates.
Greene State Correctional Institution: Located in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, this maximum-security prison houses prisoners on death row and has a capacity of 1,760 inmates.
Houtzdale State Correctional Institution: A medium-security prison that houses 2,550 male inmates, it is located in Houtzdale, Pennsylvania. The inmates are kept in open dormitories and multi-occupancy cells.
Huntington State Correctional Institution: This close-custody prison, located in Huntington, Pennsylvania, houses almost 2,100 inmates and was opened in 1889.
Laurel Highlands State Correctional Institution: This minimum-security prison, located in Somerset, Pennsylvania, houses adult male offenders and has a capacity of 1,550 inmates.
Mahanoy State Correctional Institution: This medium-security prison, located in Frackville, Pennsylvania, houses adult male offenders and has a capacity of 2,490 inmates.
Mercer State Correctional Institution: Located in Mercer, Pennsylvania, this minimum-security prison houses adult male offenders and has a capacity of 1,500 inmates.
Muncy State Correctional Institution: This medium/maximum-security prison, located in Muncy, Pennsylvania, houses female offenders and has a capacity of 1,450 inmates.
Pennsylvania has one of the largest prison systems in the United States, with a total of 23 state correctional institutions. This article will focus on several of these institutions, including Pine Grove State Correctional Institution, Pittsburgh State Correctional Institution, Quehanna Motivational Boot Camp, Retreat State Correctional Institution, Rockview State Correctional Institution, Smithfield State Correctional Institution, Somerset State Correctional Institution, and Waymart State Correctional Institution.
Pine Grove State Correctional Institution, located in Indiana, Pennsylvania, is a correctional facility that houses young adult offenders. It has the capacity to house 1,100 male inmates. This facility is designed to offer programs and services to help young inmates rehabilitate and prepare for re-entry into society.
Pittsburgh State Correctional Institution, located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, is a mixed custody prison that houses adult male offenders with medium to minimum security. It has the capacity to house 1,950 male inmates. This facility offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates rehabilitate and prepare for re-entry into society, including educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment.
Quehanna Motivational Boot Camp, located in Karthaus, Pennsylvania, is a minimum-security boot camp that houses 504 inmates. This facility is designed to provide a military-style environment to young offenders, helping them to develop discipline, responsibility, and respect. Inmates are required to participate in a rigorous daily schedule of physical fitness, vocational training, and educational classes.
Retreat State Correctional Institution, located in Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania, is a medium-security prison that houses adult male offenders. It has the capacity to house 1,120 male inmates. This facility offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates rehabilitate and prepare for re-entry into society, including educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment.
Rockview State Correctional Institution, located in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, is a medium-security prison that houses adult male offenders. It has the capacity to house 2,406 male inmates. This facility offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates rehabilitate and prepare for re-entry into society, including educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment.
Smithfield State Correctional Institution, located in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, is a closed custody prison that houses adult male offenders. It has the capacity to house 1,380 male inmates. This facility is designed to house high-risk offenders who require a higher level of security.
Somerset State Correctional Institution, located in Somerset, Pennsylvania, is a medium-security prison that houses adult male offenders. It has the capacity to house 2,365 male inmates. This facility offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates rehabilitate and prepare for re-entry into society, including educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment.
Waymart State Correctional Institution, located in Waymart, Pennsylvania, is a medium-security prison that houses adult male offenders. It has the capacity to house 1,425 male inmates. This facility offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates rehabilitate and prepare for re-entry into society, including educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different levels of prisons in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections has three levels of prisons: minimum, medium, and maximum security.
What is the difference between minimum, medium, and maximum security prisons?
The level of security depends on the danger posed by the inmates housed in the facility. Minimum security prisons house non-violent offenders who are less of a threat to society. Inmates in these facilities often have more freedom of movement and fewer restrictions. Medium security prisons house more dangerous inmates who may have a history of violence or pose a greater risk to public safety. Maximum security prisons house the most dangerous and violent offenders who are considered a high risk to society and require the most restrictive environment.
What are some examples of minimum security prisons in Pennsylvania?
Quehanna Motivational Boot Camp and Cambridge Springs State Correctional Institution are examples of minimum security prisons in Pennsylvania.
What are some examples of medium security prisons in Pennsylvania?
Pittsburgh State Correctional Institution, Retreat State Correctional Institution, Rockview State Correctional Institution, Somerset State Correctional Institution, and Waymart State Correctional Institution are examples of medium security prisons in Pennsylvania.
What are some examples of maximum security prisons in Pennsylvania?
Greene State Correctional Institution, SCI Phoenix, and SCI Fayette are examples of maximum security prisons in Pennsylvania.
What types of inmates are housed in minimum security prisons?
Minimum security prisons typically house non-violent offenders who are nearing the end of their sentence, and those who are considered low-risk to public safety.
What types of inmates are housed in medium security prisons?
Medium security prisons house more dangerous inmates who may have a history of violence or pose a greater risk to public safety. Inmates in medium security facilities typically have longer sentences than those in minimum security facilities.
What types of inmates are housed in maximum security prisons?
Maximum security prisons house the most dangerous and violent offenders who are considered a high risk to society and require the most restrictive environment. Inmates in maximum security facilities typically have the longest sentences and are often serving life sentences for serious crimes such as murder or rape.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania has a diverse range of correctional institutions that cater to different levels of security and offender needs. From minimum-security boot camps to maximum-security prisons, these facilities aim to provide a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates. While the state’s prison system faces challenges like overcrowding and staffing shortages, efforts are being made to address these issues and improve the rehabilitation and reentry services provided to inmates. Overall, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections continues to work towards its mission of protecting the public, staff, and inmates while promoting positive change in the lives of those under its care.
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Dewayne
Dewayne is the insightful author behind Prisons Insight, dedicated to shedding light on correctional facilities' realities. With a passion for unraveling the truths of the criminal justice system, Dewayne's work delves into life behind bars, advocating for change. Prisons Insight offers readers a profound exploration of the complexities within correctional institutions, fostering understanding and driving awareness for impactful reform. 🚔
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