This podcast blog will highlight news and information from and about the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.
This episode is a conversation between Dr. Bret Bucklen and Jim Stover (JRI Coordinator for the PA Department of Corrections) on the Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI). We discuss what exactly JRI is, and also the history and impact of JRI efforts in Pennsylvania.
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Our year-long trip around Pennsylvania comes to a close as we wrap up this series focusing on each of our prisons with a visit to SCI Houtzdale and SCI Huntingdon.
The episode begins with Huntingdon Supt. John Rivello discussing the oldest facility in Pennsylvania, including its many vocation opportunities and its relationship with the community as its literally in the heart of town. Later in the episode, Houtzdale Supt. David Close discusses his facility’s Veterans Service Unit, the commissary program, and what life is really like inside the walls for incarcerated individuals.
While this series comes to a close, there’s plenty more on the way from the PA Prisons and Parole Podcast, so stay tuned!
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In this year-end episode, Dr. Bret Bucklen and producer Jeff Coleman sit down to review and discuss some of the research and evaluation accomplishments at the PA Department of Corrections during 2024. They discuss results from studies on topics such as inmate visitation, Intensive Parole Supervision caseloads, reentry relocation, and the in-prison Violence Reduction Initiative.
Bret and Jeff also chat about what is ahead on the research and evaluation agenda in 2025, which is a preview for listeners of what they can expect to hear about in future episodes.
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Our podcast’s tour of DOC facilities is winding down with only a few left, but not before a chat with SCI Greene and SCI Laurel Highlands.
This episode kicks off with a chat with Greene Superintendent Randy Evans and Deputy Superintendent for Centralized Services Mark Dialesandro. The duo share about Greene’s PA Correctional Garment Shop, its unique vocational programs, and its culture among staff and with the community.
Later in the show, Laurel Highlands Facilities Maintenance Manager Michael Kubek discusses his prison, including its unique role in caring for elderly inmates and inmates needing intensive medical support.
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In this episode we speak with Bill Nicklow, deputy superintendent for facility security and special operations at the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. Bill talks with us about the practical side of efforts to reduce prison violence. He also shares highlights of his long and interesting career in the department. Bill provides context to the prison violence report by Dr. Nancy Rodriguez, which we spoke with her about on the last episode.
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