Chester County Prison Board reviews inmate population and security upgrades on January 22

The Chester County Prison Board of Inspectors convened on January 22, 2025, to discuss key updates and operational matters affecting the county's correctional facility. The meeting, led by Chair Kevin Dykes and attended by various officials, including Commissioner Marion Moskowitz and District Attorney Chris De Perena, focused on the prison's current status and future plans.

A significant highlight was the report from Warden, who provided an overview of the inmate population and facility operations. The average daily inmate population for December 2024 was reported at 673, a slight decrease from 681 in December 2023. The Warden noted that the facility is actively working to improve staffing levels, currently at 209, with plans to increase this number significantly by the end of 2025. The recruitment of new correctional officers is a priority, with two recruiting firms engaged to streamline the hiring process.

In terms of security enhancements, the Warden detailed the implementation of new technology, including tablets for officers to access camera feeds while on patrol. This upgrade aims to improve response times to incidents within the facility. Additionally, the prison is working on a perimeter intrusion detection system to alert staff of any breaches in security.

The meeting also included recognition of staff achievements, with Correction Officer Mattis named Employee of the Month and Corporal Ford recognized as Supervisor of the Quarter. The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting and confirmed the schedule for future meetings.

Overall, the discussions underscored the board's commitment to enhancing safety and operational efficiency at Chester County Prison, with a clear focus on improving staffing and security measures to better serve the community. The board plans to continue monitoring these developments closely as they move forward.