PA Department of Corrections Found to Be in Compliance with Inmate Civil Rights Following SCI Pittsburgh Review

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced that it has completed its investigation of alleged abuse at the State Correctional Institution at Pittsburgh concluding there is insufficient evidence of any civil rights violations.

"The staff and leadership at SCI Pittsburgh, under the leadership of Department of Corrections Secretary John Wetzel, have been innovative and comprehensive in addressing the issues that were identified in the review," Governor Tom Corbett said.  "This is consistent with our mission upon taking office to make Pennsylvania's correction systems safe, secure, effective and efficient for our employees and inmates."

In a letter to Corbett, the DOJ released its findings of investigation and commended the Department for thoroughly addressing the issues.

"We are pleased to report that the Department of Corrections has used the months since we opened our investigation to reform its policies and practices," the Department of Justice wrote. "Importantly, the reforms are already translating into safer prison conditions at the Pittsburgh prison and throughout the Pennsylvania prison system.

"In view of the significant reforms that have been developed in recent months - a number of which have already been implemented - we have decided to close our investigation. We greatly appreciate the cooperation of Secretary of Corrections John Wetzel and his staff have provided us throughout our investigation."

"This is a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of the staff at SCI Pittsburgh," Wetzel said. "In the face of adversity, they responded with the type of resolve that is representative of our organization."

To read the entire letter issued by the DOJ, visit the DOC's website at www.cor.state.pa.us.

Media contact:  Susan McNaughton, 717-728-4025

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Corrections