FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE COUNTY CONTACT: Angie Eichelberger,
June 10, 2014 (717) 735-1589, [email protected]
Lancaster County Receives Statewide Recognition for
Prison Population Reduction Initiative
CCAP Awards 2014 Large County Award to Lancaster County
(LANCASTER, PA), At a ceremony in State College, Lancaster County was selected for the 2014 Large County Award for their Prison Population Reduction Initiative (Initiative) from the County Commissioners’ Association of Pennsylvania’s (CCAP) 21st Century Committee. This initiative will be showcased as a ‘best practice’ for other counties across the Commonwealth and across our Nation.
“The Initiative brought together key Lancaster County personnel to develop an effective process for identifying who is in the jail and why, and a process for control,” stated Commissioner Martin. “As a result, we have seen a 31% reduction in the prison population since December of 2013; a savings of over 2 million dollars each year from no longer needing to house inmates in other counties; and have seen a 30% reduction in overtime costs. In addition the population reduction has created a safer environment for our staff with a 31% reduction in major inmate misconducts since February 2013. These results are astounding.”
The Prison Population Control Committee includes judiciary, probation and parole, public defenders, district attorney, bail administration, court administration, MDJ, and prison administration and records staff. On a regular occurrence, this group reviews two lists of inmates– the 50 longest incarcerations without sentence and new commitments. The committee members flag cases where it looks as if something may have gotten bogged down in the process.
“This initiative provides key stakeholders with the opportunity to come together in a neutral setting in support of the same end goal,” stated Commissioner Martin. “As a result we have seen improved communication, understanding and efficiencies between departments which has resulted in a large reduction in our prison population and ultimately a large savings to our taxpayers.”
“We are honored to receive this award and are proud of the work done by all those directly involved on the committee and all of our staff that make this Initiative work,” stated Commissioner Martin. “We hope that other counties will find benefit in reviewing what we have done and are able to implement similar cost saving practices in their counties.”
The 21st Century Committee, or the CCAP Prison Overcrowding Task Force, was first formed in 2002 to perform an intensive study into the overcrowding occurring in our county jails, and the causes for those conditions. A full report was presented to CCAP in 2006. In an effort to help counties implement best practices, the committee developed the parameters for an awards program that encourages counties to share their successful programs with other counties, and recognizes outstanding projects. This program was launched in 2008.
EDITOR: County action along these lines was long over due. Sad to say, it probably had more to do with the desire to save money than to do justice.
Interesting to have this story out on the same day that the LNP runs a front page story on yet another multiple DUI offender who has now killed someone in a traffic. The cost of prison population reductions may be much more than dollars and cents.