Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal contains plans to eliminate two state correctional facilities and two state-run institutes.
The proposal does not specify which centers will close, but it does suggest that the facilities will be reviewed as part of a process to decrease expenses for all state-owned real estate.
According to the budget proposal, eliminating two state prisons would result in an anticipated yearly cost savings of more than $100 million, while closing two state-run centers would save an additional $10 million.
The Governor’s budget plan says that the number of inmates in state prisons has declined by 9,000 in the last eight years, while the recidivism rate has decreased by 7%.
“The Department of Corrections’ (DOC) facilities have consistently operated under capacity, with utilization rates ranging from 84 to 92 percent,” according to the budget request. “These facilities have significant fixed costs, including staffing, utilities, and maintenance.”
More than 400 prison officer positions remain available in the state, however the vacancy rate has decreased below 5% due to increased recruiting efforts by the state.
The Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association, which represents corrections officers, has stated that it will fight against any facility closures.
“If passed, this proposal will endanger officers and inmates, devastate working families and potentially destroy local economies,” according to the organization. It also stated that “violence in our state prisons was some of the worst I’ve seen in a quarter century of service.”
In 2020, Pennsylvania shuttered SCI Retreat in Luzerne County, while SCI Graterford closed in 2018. In 2013, SCI Greensburg and SCI Cresson were both closed.
Pennsylvania currently has 24 state correctional institutes.
Camp Hill, Muncy, Albion, Mercer, Frackville, Chester, Somerset, Coal Township, Fayette, Huntingdon, Laurel Highlands, Rockview, Cambridge Springs, Mahanoy, Smithfield, Benner Township, Pine Grove, Houtzdale, Forest, Dallas, Waymart, Phoenix, Greene, and Quehanna Boot Camp are all open right now.
Shapiro’s budget proposal also includes financing for Camp Cadet and Law and Leadership programs, as well as the training of 432 new state troopers.
