Body Scanner Pilot Part of Governor Wolf's Opioid Disaster Declaration Initiatives
Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Corrections (DOC) has undertaken a sweeping overhaul of its Wernersville Community Correctional Center in Berks County to improve security, public safety, operational efficiency and reentrant support. The initiatives were announced at an event today at the facility.
DOC personnel were joined by Acting Secretary of Health and Physician General Dr. Rachel Levine, and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Rick Flinn. Both Levine and Flinn head up the recently formed Opioid Operational Command Center, established in response to Governor Tom Wolf’s January 10 opioid disaster declaration.
Since last month the DOC has installed a full body scanner to detect contraband, increased the use of drug-detecting K-9s and reduced the number of residential buildings.
The changes are designed to limit the introduction of contraband in the facility, reduce drug use and better manage the reentrant population.
Governor Wolf’s disaster declaration authorizes emergency purchasing under Section 516 of the Procurement Code to allow for an emergency, no-bid contract to expand the advanced body scanner pilot program at Wernersville should results prove to be positive there.
The body scanner, similar to the device used in airports, reveals any manner of contraband that may be on a person. It is being piloted for three months after which time DOC will determine whether or not to purchase the machine.
“Pennsylvania continues to have some of the highest overdose death rates in the United States,” Acting Health Secretary and Physician General Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Continuing the advanced body scanner pilot program is one tool in our toolbox to ensuring that our families, our loved ones and our communities get help to reverse the effects this crisis has on the commonwealth.”
Other changes include the reduction of the number of beds at the facility from about 400 to 230 today, and the closure of one residential unit. This has reduced the area needed to be searched by K-9 units by 50,000 square feet.
Reentry programming and job training efforts will be expanded to include additional job and housing readiness workshops. The in-house training will reduce the need for contracting with outside agencies to provide the same classes.
In addition, Wernersville will be able to offer some workshops that are currently unavailable in Berks County, including cognitive behavioral intervention, family reunification, alcohol and drug support and education and peer support services.
“By consolidating the buildings and increasing security and program enhancements, Wernersville will be able to offer more positive reentry support, individualized case management and centralized services to reentrants,” said Corrections Secretary John Wetzel. “The goal is to better address addiction issues, reduce drug usage and increase safety and security for the reentrants, the staff, and the community.”
Under the new entry process, Building 30 is designated the “reception” point for all new arrivals who meet first with an assessment counselors. They then receive a standard orientation, including a meeting and evaluation with a counselor and assistance with social service needs, such as obtaining necessary identification and Medical Assistance. The reentrants are then provided a detailed action plan to follow.
The assessment counselors evaluate the reentrant’s parole conditions and history and make appropriate referrals to reentry services and/or on-site workshops or groups before the reentrant transitions to a group home.
During the reception phase, all reentrants with substance use disorder participate in an educational workshop on the benefits of medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Other changes to the facility include:
- Increased drug training for staff
- Increased transportation for reentrants to work sites and medical appointments
- Providing all meals on site reducing need for outside travel
- Additional security cameras
The third former residential building will be used for staff and reentrant training workshops.
Wernersville CCC, which occupies buildings on the former Wernersville State Hospital property, is one of the largest community corrections centers in Pennsylvania, helping roughly 1,000 individuals return to the community each year. The majority of residents at the center are from Berks or the surrounding counties. Last year residents of the facility provided more than 20,000 hours of community service to local governments, non-profit groups and churches.
MEDIA CONTACT: Amy Worden, 717-728-4026
# # #