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.

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Episode 4: Desistance and Recidivism, Part 2 (Dr. Laurel Harry, Secretary of Corrections)

In this follow-up episode, we continue our discussion on the concept of “desistance” with a very special guest: Dr. Laurel Harry, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. Sec. Harry talks about her career and about her interest in implementing desistance as a practical framework in the field of corrections.

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Episode 3: Desistance and Recidivism, part 1 (Dr. Bret Bucklen)

In this episode we discuss the concept of “desistance,” an idea which has been around for a while in academic criminology but is only now beginning to catch on among corrections practitioners and policy-makers.  Dr. Bucklen describes what desistance is, discusses how to define and measure it, and explains its practical use as a complimentary measure to recidivism by correctional agencies. 

Resources referenced in this episode:

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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.

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