The PA Prisons and Parole Podcast
This podcast blog will highlight news and information from and about the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.
While a major focus of the Department of Corrections is preparing incarcerated individuals for reentry, victims of crime can never be overlooked. Fortunately, the DOC has a strong relationship with the Office of Victim Advocate! In this episode, Commonwealth Victim Advocate Suzanne Estrella joins the podcast to discuss the many ways her office works within the DOC to support victims while helping inmates come to terms with their actions.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
As we prepare to celebrate Second Chance Month in April, the PA Prisons and Parole Podcast hosted DOC Workforce Development Specialist Dorenda Hamarlund to discuss her work in helping reentrants secure employment. Dorenda shared about barriers to employment for reentrants, how the DOC prepares inmates for employment upon release, and how second-chance hiring can benefit employers.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
While the PA DOC’s dog training programs are highly popular throughout the commonwealth, the DOC also features a separate dog program: the Bureau of Investigations and Intelligence K-9 Unit.
Capt. John Evans joins the podcast to discuss the vital work his unit performs in keeping contraband out of our facilities. He discusses the training the dogs receive, how their program works, and just how good these dogs are at their job.
Check out this Facebook post to see the dogs in their new vests: https://www.facebook.com/CorrectionsPA/posts/pfbid02PH35MWbbWwEP21cFmQ2u7DY7HWahm45DnTmgptgW8sfEeXmgaGhVfdLRTxVbLtHDl
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
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!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
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.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download