FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:

PSCOA

Phone:  717-975-0138

Fax:  717-975-0167

Website:  www.pscoa.org

 

Written by Patricia Hurd, PSCOA business agent at SI Houtzdale

 

We as a community assume that we are safe from the crimes of convicted felons. We assume a person convicted of a crime goes to prison and he is kept under safe and secure conditions, ensuring he cannot inflict harm upon the general public. This is not the case. Recent changes at the State Correctional Institution at Houtzdale have greatly reduced the security provided for its employees and the surrounding communities. The risk of an inmate convicted of child molestation, burglary, assault, robbery, rape and even murder escaping has been increased. The staff and public’s safety are being ignored by prison officials, despite the pleas of the local union.

SCI Houtzdale has a population of 2,342 inmates, well above the maximum capacity of the institution. More inmates arrive everyday from recently closed state facilities, parole violators and new commitments. As a matter of fact, it has the third largest population in the state. In contrast, however, it has the lowest security staff. SCI Houtzdale’s relief factor is the lowest among State Correctional Institutions. The relief factor translates into the amount of staff needed to fill posts within the institution. The lower the relief factor, the lower the amount of security personnel manning these vital posts. In addition, a recent manpower survey, conducted by the state, reduced the amount of posts allowed which again reduces personnel. SCI Houtzdale has chosen to reduce its perimeter security as a result of these cuts, leaving 1.3 miles of fence to be observed by one armed patrol. Security is being cut and inmate population increased. The question is no longer “if;” it's “when.”

The local union has attempted to resolve these issues to no avail. The union argues that towers, perimeter surveillance cameras, and more staff are needed to continue to provide the appropriate level of security. The determining factor is money. The state is saving money by cutting security at correctional facilities. The union’s opinion is that the risk is greater than the result. When escapes, riots and other disorder occurs, the state is quick to respond with personnel and funds to handle the situation. But to maintain security is apparently too costly. There is a saying among corrections officers, "Nothing changes until someone gets hurt," which is more costly. State and local representatives should be made aware of the public’s concern.

 

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