Rep. DeWeese's bill would ensure safety of corrections officers/communities.

Text of June 13 press release.

HARRISBURG -- State Rep. Bill DeWeese, D-Greene/Fayette/ Washington, has introduced legislation that would better protect the public and Pennsylvania’s corrections officers by ensuring adequate staffing levels at state prisons.

The bill (H.B. 1575) would require the Department of Corrections to adhere to its own recommended staff levels as determined by the DOC 2002 manpower survey.

Many of Pennsylvania’s state prisons do not have the required number of corrections officers. For example, SCI-Greene has 413 corrections officer posts for patrolling the blocks. The DOC’s manpower survey calls for an additional 40.

DeWeese’s legislation also would prohibit the DOC from exceeding 135 percent of total inmate capacity at each state correctional institution. According to DOC’s March 2003 Monthly Population Report, many prisons throughout the state surpass their capacity, including SCI- Rockview at 166 percent capacity, SCI-Houtzdale at 111 percent, and SCI Dallas at 153 percent. SCI-Camp Hill was at 142 percent capacity during the time of its infamous 1989 riot, which left at least 107 people injured and 14 buildings destroyed by fire.

"The violation of their own recommendations threatens the health and safety of prison workers and residents of surrounding communities," DeWeese said. "It is irresponsible for the department to ignore its own guidelines.

"Pennsylvania’s prison workers put their lives on the line every day to make sure the people of this Commonwealth are protected. This legislation is vital to ensuring their safety, thus assuring the safety of the general public," he said.

DeWeese’s bill is now under review in the House Judiciary Committee.

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