Pennsylvania Corrections, Parole Agencies Assess Needs, Accept Final Goldkamp Recommendations

Say Additional Resources, Reforms Necessary to Control Inmate Population Growth

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- After a nearly 18-month review of Pennsylvania's corrections and parole agencies found that existing systems are "well-functioning," leaders of the departments responsible for this work today reiterated their commitment to thoroughly assess the review's final recommendations and see where improvements can be made.

Dr. John S. Goldkamp, chair of Temple University's Criminal Justice Department, conducted the independent review at Governor Edward G. Rendell's request to evaluate how the commonwealth could better manage its violent offenders and ensure those with violent criminal histories do not pose an undue threat to the public if released.

"Dr. Goldkamp has now submitted three reports that have given thorough consideration to how we manage our violent offenders and he's offered recommendations that will enhance the board's current efforts to better protect the public's safety," said Catherine McVey, chairman of the Board of Probation and Parole. "I commend Dr. Goldkamp for his detailed and comprehensive review of these complex issues. The board always welcomes reviews of our system and is willing to make critical changes that will improve public safety wherever and whenever necessary."

Dr. Goldkamp's final report contains 58 recommendations, of which 55 are already in place or are in various stages of planning. The remaining three recommendations will be considered as additional information and adequate funding becomes available.

McVey added that the board strives to implement proven best practices and sound research principles.

"We're pleased that Dr. Goldkamp's review has recognized our ongoing improvements and provided recommendations to build upon what has already been done," said McVey, noting that her agency has already begun developing a tool with Dr. Richard Berk of the University of Pennsylvania that will help the board identify those offenders being considered for parole who may be likely to commit a violent crime in the future. The board has received a $228,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to work with Dr. Berk.

Department of Corrections Secretary Jeffrey A. Beard, Ph.D., said managing Pennsylvania's rising prison population depends on evidence-based solutions. He applauded Dr. Goldkamp's work to help officials identify high-risk offenders with a history of violence, saying those inmates should be the focus of Pennsylvania's corrections system, however the ongoing shift to managing those guilty of less serious violations—removing attention away from violent offenders—has largely contributed to overcrowded prisons.

Absent practical reforms, said Beard, more and more resources will be necessary to manage the state's prison population and keep communities safe from violent offenders.

"We appreciated Dr. Goldkamp's efforts and his recognition that managing violent offenders is a challenging proposition," said Beard. "Pennsylvania's prison population increased significantly as a result of the 'Get Tough on Crime' philosophy that has proven ineffective and unsustainable. While our prisons are designed to house violent offenders, today the majority of the available bed space is being taken up by the less serious offenders and parole violators. As such, we need more and more resources to properly manage those who are in prison because of minor offenses or technical parole violations as well as those who have committed violent crimes.

"We need to change the way we operate and focus our resources and energies on the violent offenders, which will do the most to keep our communities safe," added Beard. "The reality is that 90 percent of those incarcerated today will one day be released from prison. We and the parole board are committed to doing everything possible to ensure those inmates who are released become successful members of the community, but we need the proper tools to do that."

Beard noted that a number of recommendations put forth last fall by the state's Sentencing Commission would help to reduce the prison population, but additional funding and legislative changes are necessary to implement the measures. He said the Sentencing Commission also is in need of additional funding to develop parole and recommitment guidelines that should reduce wide variations in the parole and recommitment rates, which can greatly affect prison population—an effort to which Beard and McVey committed their participation and support.

For more information or to view Dr. Goldkamp's final report, visit www.pbpp.state.pa.us or www.cor.state.pa.us.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole; Pennsylvania Department of Corrections