NCJ Number
130618
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 53 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1991) Pages: 72-74
Date Published
1991
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Prison riots at the Pennsylvania State Correctional Institution at Camp Hill in October 1989 led to a realigned structure for the Department of Corrections (DOC) under a new commissioner, improved communications, increased emergency preparedness, and the rebuilding of Camp Hill.
Abstract
To eliminate the organizational division between custody and treatment administration in the DOC, the deputy commissioners' roles were restructured to give each responsibility for both administration and treatment. Responsibilities are divided by geographic region. Improved communications feature a State Correctional Analysis Network (SCAN) which stores and analyzes information on inmate population demographics, inmate grievances, misconduct reports, treatment programs, and personnel reports from each facility. SCAN reports are used to monitor the climate and conditions of each prison and the system as a whole. Emergency preparedness has been improved through the introduction of several new training programs at the DOC training academy including a course for executive staff and superintendents on the development and use of emergency plans. The rebuilding of the Camp Hill facility has not only involved improved physical security but also increased staff and revised security policies. The DOC is also moving toward making Camp Hill the State's sole diagnostic and classification center.