SCI Spotlight: Dallas and Phoenix

As we cross the midpoint in our prison tour around the Commonwealth, we meet with the superintendents of two eastern facilities: SCI Dallas and SCI Phoenix.

Dallas Supt. Jasen Bohinski discusses the unique programs at his facility—including the highly popular horticulture program—as well as the Veterans Service Unit, which was the first in the DOC. Later in the episode, Phoenix Supt. Joseph Terra discusses the challenges of transitioning from SCI Graterford to Phoenix and the lessons learned, as well as the benefits of Phoenix—the newest facility in our system.

SCI Spotlight: Coal Township and Pine Grove

SCI Coal Township Supt. Tom McGinley kicks off this episode with a conversation about his facility. Later in the show, two of SCI Pine Grove’s original employees—Lt. Jason Townsend and Administrative Officer Jessica Purcell—join the PA Prisons and Parole Podcast to discuss the first 20 years of the facility, as well as its Young Adult Offender program.

SCI Spotlight: Chester and Quehanna Boot Camp

This month, the PA Prisons and Parole Podcast visits two of our most unique facilities: deep in the heart of a city with SCI Chester and out in the middle of rural PA with Quehanna Boot Camp.

Our first guest is Maj. Scott Carter, who breaks down how QBC operates and the overall philosophy behind its approach to treatment and rehabilitation. Later in the episode, Supt. Gina Clark discusses the history of SCI Chester, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities presented to it by being in the midst of an urban environment. Clark also shares about Chester’s famed Little Scandinavia unit and how the project has gone so far.

SCI Spotlight: Camp Hill and Rockview

The PA Prisons and Parole Podcast tour around our facilities continues this month as we shine a spotlight on SCI Camp Hill and SCI Rockview. Drug and Alcohol Treatment Manager Bernie Comiskey shares about how Camp Hill serves as our classification center and what inmate family members should know about the process, before Superintendent’s Assistant Nicki Paul highlights the many unique opportunities for inmates at Rockview — including the Forestry Camp and PCI Wood Shop.

SCI Spotlight: Cambridge Springs and Smithfield

We dive deep into the history of SCI Cambridge Springs with lawyer David Matejcyzk, who shares all about the Alliance College that used to inhabit the grounds of the current prison. Matejcyzk has strong family ties to the school and shares about why the school was formed, what famous alumni and visitors have ties to the school, and even how Cambridge Springs was connected  to the NFL.

The episode kicks off with SCI Smithfield Superintendent’s Assistant Lisa Hollibaugh, who discusses the important role the prison serves as the DOC’s reception facility.