SMETHPORT – The average inmate population at the McKean County
Prison continues to increase, causing overcrowded conditions,
according to a report Warden Tim Woodruff gave Friday to members of
the county prison board.
In September, the average inmate count was 75 at the facility,
which opened in 1990. By November, it had increased to 88, and as
of Friday, there were 103 inmates incarcerated.
“We’re almost as the point where we will have to ship out some
inmates,” Woodruff said. “The numbers are approaching an all-time
high of 110, which was reached after a drug bust, but some of those
arrested made bail and weren’t here long.”
McKean County District Attorney John Pavlock said this trend
could possibly continue, since the cases his office is handling
this year will reach 800 in number.
Speaking about the conditions at the prison, Cliff Lane,
chairman of the county commissioners, who also heads the prison
board said, “Overcrowding is not just a problem here, although we
have been fortunate not to have it until now.”
One factor that could ease the problem somewhat some of the
inmates – nearly half of whom are still awaiting trial – could be
released on time served.
Woodruff is to investigate ways of dealing with this matter,
especially regarding inmates on work release. The warden also has
contacted neighboring counties to determine the daily costs of
housing the female inmates in another facility.
His findings are as follows: Warren: $60; six available beds;
Potter: $45; no female housing; Tioga: $50; ten available beds;
Elk: $35, no available beds; and Jefferson: $50; five available
beds in dormitory housing.
Woodruff said, “We are currently housing eight females. If the
female population were consistent, at $50 per day per inmate, we
would pay $146,000 a year to house our females in another facility.
This figure does not include the additional costs associated with
transporting these females to court hearings and the burden this
would place on the sheriff’s department and local
municipalities.”
Woodruff announced that Correctional Officer Jody Fitzsimmons
was employee of the Month for November. “She is always willing to
lend a helping hand and has proven to be one of the most dedicated
and reliable employees at the prison.”
In comments to the board, Woodruff said that he is collecting
information and resources pertaining to the establishment of a
county justice advisory board. “Officials in Cumberland and Centre
counties have shown a willingness to assist and are compiling
packets of information for our review.”
After the meeting, Woodruff noted that a CJAB would oversee
criminal justice policies in the county.
Rob Van Gorder, maintenance supervisor of MCP, showed two videos
about renovations that he and three community service inmates have
done and are still doing at the building that houses the Penn State
Cooperative Extension Service.
Among the improvements Van Gorder and the inmates have made
include the demolishing the front and back porches and
reconstructing the front steps, adding a ramp and raising the front
porch to make them handicapped accessible, replacing the front and
rear doors, installing thermal windows and a new front porch roof,
enlarging the bathroom, improving railing and decking, and removing
shrubbery.
“This work began on October 2, and we’re just about done,” said
Van Gorder. “We tried to leave the aesthetics the same as the
originals in the building, which was constructed in 1895. Some of
the materials were handmade by the inmates. The guys have done a
really good job.”
This work has been done at a potential savings of between
$25,000-$30,000 to the county.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the members of the prison
board were introduced to the community service workers. The board
complimented them and gave them a round of applause.
