2007 News

July 12, 2007

Pennsylvania Dept. of Corrections Officials Complete Inspection of Bucks County Correctional Facility
Results to be Forwarded to County Administrators Next Month

This week, a pair of officials from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Corrections conducted a thorough inspection of the Bucks County Correctional Facility (BCCF). In addition to an analysis of physical conditions and security/administrative policies, the inspectors interviewed inmates and administrators.

During its 2005 state inspection, the BCCF was one of only two county-operated corrections facilities to receive a 100-percent inspection grade. Under the guidance of Director of Corrections Harris Gubernick, Bucks County’s compliance grade steadily rose from 84 percent in 2002 to 92 percent in 2004 to 100 percent in 2005.

“We were extremely pleased with the initial feedback we received from the state inspection team,” Gubernick said. “During the exit interview, there were no non-compliance issues, which would suggest we are getting 100 percent again. We are proud of the systems we have put in place, all of which represent a larger, comprehensive vision that is shared by the county commissioners, Prison Oversight Board members, and judicial staff.”

“As recent inspection reports attest, conditions at Bucks County’s Corrections facilities are among the best in the commonwealth,” noted Commissioner Sandra A. Miller, who chairs the Bucks County Prison Oversight Board. “We are looking forward to another round of positive feedback.”

President Judge David Heckler echoed Miller’s sentiments, adding, “We applaud the administration and hard-working staff of the BCCF for maintaining a high standard of excellence that includes state-of-the-art training and public safety awareness.”

According to Gubernick, official results of the 2007 inspection will be announced during the September meeting of the Prison Oversight Board.