Several Pennsylvania House members are set to introduce a legislative package aimed at enhancing the safety and infrastructure of county jails across the state. The proposed five-bill package seeks to address security upgrades, staffing shortages, and parole policies.
The legislation includes funding for security and health infrastructure improvements, such as heating and air conditioning in county jails. It also allows hiring of corrections officers from other counties or the state to fill vacant shifts. Additionally, it proposes eliminating parole opportunities for inmates who escape or attempt to escape.
Rep. Craig Williams emphasized the need for resources to secure facilities and improve working conditions for corrections officers. “Pennsylvanians deserve to know that our county jails are safe and secure,” said Williams.
Rep. Sheryl Delozier plans to introduce a bill allowing off-duty staff from other jails or the Department of Corrections to bolster staffing where needed. “A persistent problem facing county jail facilities is the lack of trained staff,” Delozier stated.
In response to recent escapes, Rep. Kathy Rapp aims to ensure stricter consequences for escapees by prohibiting parole eligibility for those who have escaped or attempted escape. “The Legislature can and should use every legislative tool at our disposal,” Rapp noted.
Rep. John Lawrence’s proposal requires the Department of Corrections to investigate any prison escape with recommendations for prevention. “Any jailbreak from a county prison demands a thorough review,” Lawrence asserted.
Lastly, Rep. Mike Stender will propose creating an alert system similar to Amber Alerts, called the Pennsylvania Dangerous Inmate or Escapee Alert System (DIEAS), run by the State Police. This system aims to notify communities promptly about escapes, enhancing public safety and aiding in recapture efforts.
