2005 News

July 13, 2005

Bucks Prison Scores 100%

The Bucks County prison facility has met the state Department of Corrections standards and received a "100 percent compliance" rating, one of only two prisons in Pennsylvania to achieve that goal this year.

The certification follows an annual state inspection of the prison in Doylestown that includes everything from the physical plant and security to mattresses and food.

"We are very proud of the corrections department for achieving such a high standard. This clearly demonstrates the dedication of the staff and the leadership of the administrators," said Bucks County Commissioner Chairman Charles H. Martin.

"I am confident the administration and staff are on a path of excellence and equally confident they will maintain their high standards well into the future," said Jeff Finley, chairman of the Bucks County Prison Oversight Board.

"Together we have brought about and maintained the high standards we have set for ourselves," said Harris Gubernick, director of county corrections. "This award shows that we achieved excellence, which has been our vision."

It has been a steady progression over the last three years toward the 100 percent goal, according to the director. Three years ago, the state gave the Doylestown prison an 84 percent compliance rating and last year, 92 percent.

Gubernick said this achievement is part of a plan that began in 2002 following administrative changes within the corrections department. "We came in with a plan to improve the facilities overall and to bring them toward 100 percent compliance. We have accomplished that goal and we are moving forward to maintain 100 percent compliance. We intend to continue to improve the system and its operation."

The director credits the corrections department administrative and line staff, as well as the county commissioners for providing support and funding for programs and purchases and the prison oversight board for the achievement.

Earlier this year, the county men's and women's correctional facilities were awarded accreditation by the American Correctional Association.