2007 News

February 8 , 2007

Bucks County Commissioners, Correctional Facility Officials Announce Enhanced Victim Notification System

The Bucks County Commissioners, in close collaboration with Director of Corrections Harris Gubernick, are pleased to announce the completion of a major upgrade in the department’s information management system.

The facility’s improved victim notification network, which was developed in components to make sure that each of its steps worked properly, will streamline and automate the process for the five corrections officers and two records administrators who are charged with notifying victims of any changes in an inmate’s custody status.

“This has been a key priority for us, because we recognized the potential of a shortfall,” Gubernick explained. “This has been a long-term developmental project.”

As Gubernick notes, the Bucks County Department of Corrections processes more than 15,000 admissions and discharges per year, a level of activity that generates an enormous amount of paperwork. The victim notification upgrade is part of a $1 million resolution that initially was approved by the commissioners in 2003.

“The notification process is part of a very large project. Our records officials are responsible for offender records, fingerprinting and photographs, among many other documents,” Gubernick added.

The commissioners anticipate the next evolution of the victim notification process, which will not only alert corrections officials about a change in an inmate’s status (such as assignment to work or education release), but it will write a letter to the victim, as well.

“We applaud the technology advances that are designed to ensure the safety of all Bucks County residents,” said Commissioner Chairman Charles H. Martin.

Commissioner Sandra A. Miller, who chairs the Bucks County Prison Oversight Board, pledged that the notification project will continue to be a point of emphasis for the entire Corrections Department.