Month: September 2024

SCI Spotlight: Forest and Mercer

Our year-long tour around the DOC continues as we learn about two rural facilities in western PA: SCI Forest and SCI Mercer. The episode kicks off with SCI Mercer Superintendent’s Assistant Nikki Franz discussing the facility’s history and unique features and programs—including its Veterans Service Unit, which recently became an official American Legion Post. Later in the show, SCI Forest Major Jennifer Alexander shares about the facility’s Vehicle Restoration Plant and other vocational opportunities for inmates, as well as the staff culture and relationship between the facility and community.

Video on the PA Correctional Industries Vehicle Restoration Plant at SCI Forest: https://www.facebook.com/CorrectionsPA/videos/333013635666455

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Episode 7: PA DOC Corrections Innovation Day

On July 31, 2024, the PA DOC, along with Penn State University, hosted their first ever Corrections Innovation Day.  The event brought PA DOC staff from various levels and types of positions together with a large group of academic partners in order to brainstorm around innovative and testable solutions to some of the department’s most important issues, such as recidivism reduction, in-prison violence reduction, restrictive housing reform, and staff wellness. In the special episode, you’ll hear a report from various participants at this event.  A special thanks to Arnold Ventures for sponsoring the event.

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