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CHAPTER 95. COUNTY CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Subchap. Sec.
A. [Reserved]
B. ADMINISTRATIVE STANDARDS, REGULATIONS AND FACILITIES 95.141
C. GRANTS TO COUNTIES FOR PRISON CONSTRUCTION 95.401Authority The provisions of this Chapter 95 issued under section 916 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 306) (Repealed), unless otherwise noted.
Source The provisions of this Chapter 95 adopted August 13, 1971, effective August 14, 1971, 1 Pa.B. 1655, unless otherwise noted.
Notes of Decisions Exhaustion of Remedies
In the event that a prisoner is aggrieved by prison conditions or the actions of another inmate he must exhaust the administrative remedies available in 37 Pa. Code Ch. 95 before a writ of habeas corpus seeking discharge or transfer to another institution will be entertained. Commonwealth v. Maute, 397 A.2d 826 (Pa. Super. 1979).
Subchapter A. [Reserved]
Source The provisions of this Subchapter A reserved February 17, 1984, effective February 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 534. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (41011) to (41012), (10871) to (10877), (5244) to (5256), (52572) to (52575), (10880) to (10881), (41013) to (41016), (10885) to (10892), (41019) to (41026), (82046) to (82049), (70889) to (70896), (32691) to (32692), (49254) to (49257), (41037) to (41040) and (32693) to (32695).
Subchapter B. ADMINISTRATIVE STANDARDS,
REGULATIONS AND FACILITIES
Sec.
95.14195.145. [Reserved].
95.151.[Reserved].
95.16195.173. [Reserved].
95.18195.187. [Reserved].
95.19195.198. [Reserved].
95.20195.204. [Reserved].
95.21195.214. [Reserved].
COUNTY JAILS
95.220. Purpose.
95.220a. Definitions.
95.220b. Scope.
95.221. Personnel.
95.222. Admission and release.
95.223. Orientation.
95.224. Inmate rules and staff procedures.
95.225. Classification.
95.226. Housing.
95.227. [Reserved].
95.228. Clothing.
95.229. Bedding.
95.230. Food service.
95.231. Personal hygiene.
95.232. Medical and health services.
95.233. Visiting.
95.233a. Telephone communication.
95.234. Inmate mail privileges.
95.235. Work programs.
95.236. Access to legal resources.
95.237. Religion.
95.238. Recreation.
95.239. Commissary and other funds.
95.240. Inmate disciplinary procedures.
95.241. Security.
95.242. Statistical/informational reporting.
95.243. Treatment services.
95.244. [Reserved].
95.245. Incoming publications.
95.246. Investigations; deaths and sexual assaults/allegations.
95.247. Notification.
95.248. Sanitation, maintenance and safety.
95.301. [Reserved].
95.302. [Reserved].
95.303. [Reserved].§ § 95.14195.145. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of these § § 95.14195.145 amended December 1, 1972, effective December 2, 1972, 2 Pa.B. 2263; reserved February 17, 1984, effective February 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 534. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (16854) and (10949).
§ 95.151. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 95.151 reserved February 17, 1984, effective February 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 534. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (10949).
§ § 95.16195.173. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of these § § 95.16195.173 reserved February 17, 1984, effective February 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 534. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (10949) to (10956).
§ § 95.18195.187. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of these § § 95.18195.187 reserved February 17, 1984, effective February 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 534. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (10957) to (10960).
§ § 95.19195.198. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of these § § 95.19195.198 reserved February 17, 1984, effective February 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 534, unless otherwise noted. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (10960) to (10964).
§ § 95.20195.204. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of these § § 95.20195.204 reserved February 17, 1984, effective February 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 534, unless otherwise noted. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (10964) to (10965).
§ § 95.21195.214. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of these § § 95.21195.214 reserved February 17, 1984, effective February 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 534, unless otherwise noted. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (10965) to (10966), and (41041) to (41042).
COUNTY JAILS
§ 95.220. Purpose.
This subchapter is designed to encourage county prisons to develop and utilize local policies and procedures that are in keeping with existing State law and recognized professional standards for all sections addressed in this chapter.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.220 issued under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.220a issued under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); amended under section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.220b issued under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); amended under section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.221 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); amended under section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.221 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended February 18, 2000, effective February 19, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 866; amended October 10, 2008, effective October 13, 2009, 38 Pa.B. 5627. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (263829).
Cross References The provisions of this § 95.222 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); amended under section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.222 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended February 18, 2000, effective February 19, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 866; amended October 10, 2008, effective October 13, 2009, 38 Pa.B. 5627. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (263829) to (263830).
Notes of Decisions Strip Search
Fourth Amendment rights were held to be violated when nine female pretrial detainees arrested for trespass brought an action against the local government and prison officials due to their subjection to an unreasonable and unjustifiable strip and visual body cavity search. Newkirk v. Sheers, 834 F.Supp. 772 (E. D. Pa. 1993).
Cross References The provisions of this § 95.223 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); amended under section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.224 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); and section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.224 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended October 10, 2008, effective October 13, 2009, 38 Pa.B. 5627. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (263831) to (263832).
Cross References This section cited in 37 Pa. Code § 95.220b (relating to scope).
§ 95.225. Classification.
The following minimum requirements apply to classification:
(1) An inmate classification plan shall be documented in written local policy.
(2) This plan shall establish classification based on the degree of security risk and need for supervision. The classification plan shall specify the following:
(i) How the classification process is accomplished.
(ii) What process of appeals exist.
(iii) The review mechanism utilized.
(iv) Explicit procedures for reclassification.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.225 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.225 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended February 18, 2000, effective February 19, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 866. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (203080) to (203081).
Notes of Decisions Inmate has no liberty interest in remaining in general prison population. Even assuming a protected liberty interest, inmate received constitutionally sufficient process where plaintiff was personally interviewed upon arrival and initial decision was reviewed periodically. Doss v. Rapone, 601 F. Supp. 935 (E.D. Pa. 1985).
Due to the broad discretion given county jail officials, this section does not create a protected Fourteenth Amendment liberty interest. Marshall v. Kozakiewicz, 601 F.Supp. 1549 (W.D. Pa. 1985).
Due to the lack of explicit and mandatory language, the regulations pertaining to county prisons do not create a liberty interest in prisoners incarcerated therein and such prisoners have no right to notice and opportunity to be heard when their administrative status is determined. Tyler v. Rapone, 603 F. Supp. 268 (E.D. Pa. 1985).
Cross References The provisions of this § 95.226 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.226 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended February 18, 2000, effective February 19, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 866. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (203081) to (203082) and (253017).
Notes of Decisions Administrative Segregation
There is no provision in these regulations for a hearing to challenge a wardens decision to place a prisoner in administrative segregation. Therefore, because the warden had unchecked power to place plaintiff in administrative segregation, the State did not create a liberty interest and plaintiff had no due process right to a hearing concerning placement and retention in administrative segregation. Williams v. Sweeney, 882 F. Supp. 1520 (E. D. Pa. 1995).
Improper Housing
Proper housing was not provided where the prison population often exceeded the maximum number of inmates that could be housed in cells and the inmates were housed on cots in the walkways outside the cells. Padgett v. Stein, 406 F.Supp. 287 (M.D. Pa. 1975).
Where prisoners were housed on cots in the walkways outside the cells because of overcrowded conditions, it was impossible to house prisoners in groups according to their classification. Padgett v. Stein, 406 F.Supp. 287 (M.D. Pa. 1975).
A pretrial detainee, who was stabbed by an inmate who had just been sentenced to death after a murder conviction, failed to establish that prison officials demonstrated deliberate indifference by violating a statutory provision stating that [s]entenced prisoners should be housed separately from those who are only accused of having committed a crime, where this provision of the Pennsylvania Code is not a mandatory requirement but rather is a recommended guideline, and where the pretrial detainee failed to present evidence that the prison officials had sufficient knowledge or notice of the risks of not following this recommendation guideline that not following it would equate to deliberate indifference. Faulcon v. Philadelphia, 18 F. Supp. 2d 537 (E. D. Pa. 1998); affirmed by 185 F.3d 861 (3rd. Cir. (Pa.) 1999); cert. denied 120 S. Ct. 1733 (U. S. 2000).
Rights of Prisoners
Due to the lack of explicit and mandatory language, the regulations pertaining to county prisons did not create a liberty interest in prisoners incarcerated therein and such prisoners have no right to notice and opportunity to be heard when their administrative status was determined. Tyler v. Rapone, 603 F. Supp. 268 (E.D. Pa. 1985).
Cross References This section cited in 37 Pa. Code § 95.220b (relating to scope).
§ 95.227. [Reserved].
§ 95.228. Clothing.
The following are the minimum requirements applicable to clothing:
(1) Written local policy shall provide for each inmate to receive suitable clean clothing including adequate footwear and underwear.
(2) Written local policy shall stipulate whether inmates may possess personal clothing.
(3) Written local policy shall determine whether a prison elects to store personal clothing. Personal clothing, if stored, shall be stored in a sanitary manner.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.228 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.228 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended February 18, 2000, effective February 19, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 866; corrected February 25, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 1129. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (253017) to (253018).
§ 95.229. Bedding.
The following are the minimum requirements applicable to bedding:
(1) Written local policy must specify that inmates be provided a bed, mattress (not to exclude a mattress with integrated pillow), bed sheet, pillow, pillowcase, towel and blanket. The bed must be a sleeping surface and mattress that allows the inmate to be at least 12 inches off the floor. The mattress and pillow must have a waterproof and fire retardant cover. The bed must be located in an area preapproved for residential occupancy by the Department of Labor and Industry or local code authority.
(2) Written local policy must define emergency circumstances that would require the use of temporary bedding arrangements that may not meet the requirements of paragraph (1). An inmate may not be subject to temporary bedding arrangements for a period exceeding 30 consecutive days. Temporary bedding arrangements may not be utilized by the county prison for a period exceeding 90 consecutive days.
(3) Written local policy must provide that the prison administrator has discretion to issue bedding items to or removing bedding items from an inmate when possession of those items by the inmate could compromise the order, security or safety of the prison.
(4) Written local policy must provide that each mattress and pillow is sanitized chemically or by another acceptable method and is in usable condition before reissue to another inmate. Each in-use mattress and pillow shall be sanitized at least annually.
(5) Written local policy must provide for the laundering of bed sheets, pillowcases, towels and blankets before reissue to another inmate. In-use bed sheets, pillowcases and towels shall be laundered on a weekly basis. In-use blankets shall be laundered at least quarterly.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.229 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186), and section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.230 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186) and section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.230 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended October 10, 2008, effective October 13, 2009, 38 Pa.B. 5627. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (263836) to (263837).
Cross References The provisions of this § 95.231 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.232 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); and section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.232 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended February 18, 2000, effective February 19, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 866; amended October 10, 2008, effective October 13, 2009, 38 Pa.B. 5627. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (336805) to (336806) and (263839).
Notes of Decisions Cause of Action Stated
If a prisoner alleged that prison authorities were informed of prisoners drug habit upon admission and prisoner requested medical treatment, but received no attention for 10 days and inadequate treatment thereafter, during which time prisoner went through a period of painful drug withdrawal, prisoner had stated a Federal claim upon which relief may be granted. United States ex rel Walker v. Fayette County, 599 F.2d 573, (3d Cir. 1979).
Cross References The provisions of this § 95.233 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); and section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.233 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended October 10, 2008, effective October 13, 2009, 38 Pa.B. 5627. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (263839) to (263840).
Notes of Decisions Evidence
Evidence insufficient to show regulation violated. Montagano v. Sweeney, No. 94-2959, 1995 U. S. Dist. LEXIS 6169 (May 4, 1995).
Procedure
While it is very likely true that inmates will perceive any suspension of a spouses visiting privileges as punitive, this regulation cannot be read to suggest that any decision to deny or suspend visiting privileges must be accompanied by an opportunity to be heard. Montagano v. Sweeney, No. 94-2959, 1995 U. S. Dist. LEXIS 6169 (May 4, 1995).
§ 95.233a. Telephone communication.
The following are the minimum requirements applicable to telephone communication:
(1) Written local policy must specify whether inmates are permitted telephone communication. If so, the policy must explain telephone procedures, including:
(i) Hours during which telephone communication is available.
(ii) Any limitations on calls.
(iii) Cost/method of payment.
(2) Written local policy must, in accordance with 18 Pa.C.S. § 5704 (relating to the exceptions to prohibition of interception and disclosure of communications), specify whether inmate telephone conversations are subject to intercepting, recording, monitoring or divulging. If so, the policy must establish the guidelines which permit those activities.
(3) Written local policy may allow for restrictions to be placed on telephone communication, including denial of telephone usage, when, in the discretion of the prison administrator, the restrictions are necessary to maintain the safety or security of the prison.
(4) Written local policy must require that each inmate be provided information about telephone communication upon admission. This information must also be made available to the public.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.233a adopted under section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.233a adopted October 10, 2008, effective October 13, 2009, 38 Pa.B. 5627.
§ 95.234. Inmate mail privileges.
The following are the minimum requirements applicable to inmate mail privileges. Inmates shall be permitted to send and receive mail consistent with the following:
(1) Incoming and outgoing mail may be examined for contraband.
(2) Incoming and outgoing mail to and from public officials, courts and attorneys will not be opened for purposes of examining for contraband unless the interested inmate is present.
(3) Incoming and outgoing mail to a person or entity may be read by the prison warden if reasonable grounds exist to believe that receipt of the mail is likely to jeopardize prison security or public safety and welfare, or both.
(4) The sending and receipt of mail shall be restricted or prohibited for valid penological reasons such as introduction of contraband, threats to security or the public, or when requested by intended recipients.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.234 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); and section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.234 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended February 18, 2000, effective February 19, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 866. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (203088) and (261613).
Notes of Decisions Inmate-to-Inmate Correspondence
Inmate-to-inmate correspondence may be restricted provided the restriction is reasonably related to valid correction goals and inmates complaint was dismissed since he failed to allege that he was authorized to correspond with another inmate. Williams v. Frame, 821 F.Supp. 1093 (1993).
§ 95.235. Work programs.
The following are the minimum requirements applicable to inmate work programs:
(1) Written local policy must identify any authorized inmate work programs such as work assignment program, industries program, public works/community service program or work release program. Written local policy must specifically prohibit prison staff from using their official position to secure privileges for themselves or others in association with an inmate work program.
(2) Written local policy must identify whether sentenced inmates may be required to participate in a work program based upon availability. Unsentenced inmates may not be required to participate in a work program, but may request involvement in a work program.
(3) Written local policy must require that inmates who participate in a work program (other than personal housekeeping and housing area cleaning) receive compensation. Written local policy must specify the type and amount of compensation.
(4) Written local policy must require that inmates be provided appropriate clothing, supplies and tools for any work assignment program, industries program or public works/community service program. The inmate must receive direction on the proper use of any equipment or tools to be used by the inmate during any work assignment program, industries program or public works/community service program.
(5) Written local policy must specify that there may be no discrimination regarding access to a work program based on an inmates race, religion, national origin, gender or disability.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.235 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); and section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.235 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended October 10, 2008, effective October 13, 2009, 38 Pa.B. 5627. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (263840) to (263841).
§ 95.236. Access to legal resources.
The following are the minimum requirements applicable to access to legal resources:
(1) To enable inmates to exercise their right of access to the courts, inmates shall be permitted access to adequate legal resources. Written local policy shall provide a means of assistance for an inmate that does not speak English.
(2) County wardens shall have discretion in determining the type of legal resources to be made available to ensure inmates can exercise their right to access to the courts.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.236 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.236 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended February 18, 2000, effective February 19, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 866. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (261613).
§ 95.237. Religion.
The following are the minimum requirements applicable to religion:
(1) Written local policy must provide that each prisoner shall be allowed to satisfy the needs of his religious life consistent with the orderly administration of the prison.
(2) Written local policy must require that individuals seeking to provide religious guidance to inmates be screened and selected by the prison administrator or a designee.
(3) Written local policy must provide for the accommodation of religious practices consistent with the security needs and orderly administration of the prison. The policy must describe the procedure for reviewing an inmate request for accommodation of a religious practice or activity.
(4) Written local policy must provide that inmates are permitted to possess religious objects consistent with the security needs and orderly administration of the prison. The policy must describe the procedure for reviewing an inmate request to possess religious objects that would otherwise be considered contraband.
(5) Written local policy must provide for the accommodation of special foods, diets and fasts as part of an inmates religious practices consistent with the security needs and orderly administration of the prison. The policy must describe the procedure for reviewing an inmate request for accommodation of these practices.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.237 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); and section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.237 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended October 10, 2008, effective October 13, 2009, 38 Pa.B. 5627. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (263841) to (263842).
§ 95.238. Recreation.
The following are the minimum requirements applicable to recreation:
(1) Jails shall provide all prisoners at least 2 hours daily, physical exercise in the open, weather permitting. If the weather is inclement, each inmate shall have 2 hours physical exercise daily indoors.
(2) Written local policy shall describe the prisons recreational programming for inmates.
(3) Physical exercise schedules for males, females and juveniles shall be arranged to provide for segregation. Jail administrators may separate inmates further based on age, vulnerability and other appropriate security criteria.
(4) Inmates under disciplinary status or segregation shall receive 1 hour of outdoor activity 5 days a week.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.238 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.238 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended February 18, 2000, effective February 19, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 866. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (222409).
§ 95.239. Commissary and other funds.
The following are the minimum requirements that apply to commissaries and other funds:
(1) County prisons may provide commissary services if the county so chooses.
(2) Written local policy must require that funds associated with commissary services be audited and reported on an annual basis by an independent party using generally accepted accounting principles.
(3) Written local policy must describe a fiscal system that accounts for all income and expenditures on an ongoing basis. Methods for collecting, safeguarding and disbursing moneys must comply with generally accepted accounting principles. A financial audit of the prison shall be conducted annually by a certified, independent party using generally accepted accounting principles. The financial audit must result in an opinion that either affirms or disaffirms the accuracy of the records or accounts.
(4) Written local policy must require that funds associated with inmate telephone services be audited and reported to the governing county prison authority on an annual basis by an independent party using generally accepted accounting principles.
(5) Written local policy must require that funds associated with an industries program and a work release program be audited and reported to the governing county prison authority on an annual basis by an independent party using generally accepted accounting principles.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.239 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); and section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.240 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); and section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.240 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended February 18, 2000, effective February 19, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 866; amended October 10, 2008, effective October 13, 2009, 38 Pa.B. 5627. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (336807) to (336808).
Notes of Decisions Administrative Segregation
There is no provision in these regulations for a hearing to challenge a wardens decision to place a prisoner in administrative segregation. Therefore, because the warden had unchecked power to place plaintiff in administrative segregation, the state did not create a liberty interest and plaintiff had no due process right to a hearing concerning placement and retention in administrative segregation. Williams v. Sweeney, 882 F. Supp. 1520 (E. D. Pa. 1995).
Prisoners Rights
The regulations governing discipline and proper procedures to be followed before disciplinary action can be imposed gave rise to a nondiscretionary State-created liberty interest, and failure to provide a hearing on plaintiffs confinement as part of a punishment constituted a deprivation of due process rights guaranteed by the U. S. CONST. amend. XIV. Todaro v. Bowman, 872 F.2d 43 (3rd. Cir. (Pa) 1989).
Cross References The provisions of this § 95.241 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); and section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.241 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended October 10, 2008, effective October 13, 2009, 38 Pa.B. 5627. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (336808), (263845) to (263848) and (336809) to (336810).
Notes of Decisions Firearms
A corrections officers ability to carry a firearm, except for emergency assignment was merit-related for purposes of The Civil Service Act. Bureau of Correction v. Yancey, 481 A.2d 702 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1984).
Force Appropriate
Improperly shackling an inmate to the bars of a gate and shackling the inmate to a desk for purposes of physical abuse constituted violations of State regulations governing the use of instruments of restraint. Musser v. County of Centre, 515 A.2d 1027 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1986).
The actions by two prison guards towards a prison inmate violated State administrative regulations which set forth specifically limited circumstances, including the need to protect persons or property or to prevent escape, under which a prison inmate may be subjected to physical force and instruments of restraint. County of Centre v. Musser, 548 A.2d 1194 (Pa. 1988).
Physical ForceExcessive
Actions by prison guards, including wrestling a prisoner to the ground and thrusting a pillowcase full of shaving cream over the inmates head, applying BenGay to the inmates genitals and inserting a 2-inch spout from a bottle filled with water into his anus were in contravention of State regulations governing use of physical force. Musser v. County of Centre, 515 A.2d 1027, 1029 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1986); affirmed 548 A.2d 1194 (Pa. 1988).
Searches
Since this section required the warden to periodically search inmates and their cells for contraband, the prison officials may decide whether the search should be conducted during a prison-wide lockup or whether some less restrictive means was appropriate. Saunders v. Packel, 436 F. Supp. 618 (E. D. Pa. 1977).
Supervision of Inmates
Assuming an inmate population of 168, a county prison must employ a minimum of 33 full-time correctional officers. Padgett v. Stein, 406 F. Supp. 287 (M. D. Pa. 1975).
Cross References The provisions of this § 95.242 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); and section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.243 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); and section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.243 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended October 10, 2008, effective October 13, 2009, 38 Pa.B. 5627. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (263851) to (263852) and (336811).
Notes of Decisions Treatment Services
Where the estate of a pretrial detainee who committed suicide while he was detained brought a civil rights action against jail officials for failure to provide treatment services required by Pennsylvania law claiming failure constituted deliberate indifference the Court held such claim was precluded due to the difference of medical opinion concerning the detainees suicidal intent. Herman v. Clearfield County, 836 F. Supp. 1178 (1993); affirmed 30 F. Supp. 1486 (3d. Cir. (Pa.) 1994).
Cross References This section cited in 37 Pa. Code § 95.220b (relating to scope).
§ 95.244. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 95.244 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; reserved October 10, 2008, effective October 13, 2009, 38 Pa.B. 5627. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (336811) to (336812).
§ 95.245. Incoming publications.
The following are the minimum requirements applicable to incoming publications:
(1) Written local policy must specify the procedure for receiving, reviewing and allowing publications into the prison, including the searching of incoming publications for contraband.
(2) Written local policy must establish the criteria for prohibiting a publication from coming into the prison, including the defining of obscene material. Incoming publications may be read and examined by the prison administrator or a designee. The criteria for prohibiting a publication from coming into the prison must be related to maintaining the order, security or safety of the prison or the exclusion of obscene material.
(3) Written local policy must identify the procedure for allowing access to both recreational and instructional reading materials for use by inmates.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.245 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); and section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.246 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); and section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.246 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended October 10, 2008, effective October 13, 2009, 38 Pa.B. 5627. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (336812) and (263855).
§ 95.247. Notification.
The following are the minimum requirements applicable to notification:
(1) Written local policy must provide for prompt notification by prison authorities of an inmates listed emergency contact in the event of the inmates death, serious illness or serious injury. The policy must also provide for prompt notification to an inmate in the event of the death, serious illness or serious injury to the inmates immediate family member.
(2) Written local policy, in accordance with sections 201 and 214 of the Crime Victims Act (18 P. S. § § 11.201 and 11.214), must establish a victim notification procedure. The procedure must identify how victims register for notification, the circumstances for which victims are notified, how this information will be maintained in a confidential manner and who is responsible for notifying the victim. If the inmate is a State prisoner on writ for local court proceedings, the county prison shall immediately contact the State correctional institution from which the inmate was transferred when circumstances exist requiring notification of the victim. In this instance, disclosure to the victim will then be handled by the Department.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.247 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); and section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.248 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); and section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.248 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended October 10, 2008, effective October 13, 2009, 38 Pa.B. 5627. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (263855) to (263856).
Notes of Decisions The provisions of 37 Pa. Code § 95.248 (relating to sanitation and safety) were promulgated under the Fire and Panic Act (35 P. S. § § 12211235), and structures built before passage of the act are subject to the act and to this section. Padgett v. Stein, 406 F. Supp. 287 (M.D. Pa. 1975).
Cross References This section cited in 37 Pa. Code § 95.220b (relating to scope).
§ § 95.30195.303. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of these sections § § 95.30195.303 adopted May 31, 1974, effective June 1, 1974, 4 Pa.B. 1084; reserved February 17, 1984, effective February 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 534, unless otherwise noted. Immediately preceding text appers at serial pages (49243), (49262) to (49263) and (16856) to (16857).
Subchapter C. GRANTS TO COUNTIES FOR
PRISON CONSTRUCTION
Sec.
95.401. Purpose.
95.402. Applicability.
95.403. Definitions.
95.404. Grant application criteria.
95.405. Processing grant applications.
95.406. Guidelines for the evaluation of grant applications.
95.407. Award of grant.
95.408. Records and reports.
Authority The provisions of this Subchapter C issued under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); and the Prison Facilities Improvement Act (61 P. S. § § 390.101390.1303), unless otherwise noted.
Source The provisions of this Subchapter C, adopted November 15, 1991, effective November 16, 1991, 21 Pa.B. 5338, unless otherwise noted.
§ 95.401. Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide an equitable and thorouogh process of reviewing applications for grants provided for in the act. Criteria for review are given to allow the applicant the best possible opportunity to be successful in achieving a grant award.
§ 95.402. Applicability.
This chapter sets out policy and procedure for providing grants to counties for the repair, expansion, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, improvement of local county correctional facilities or multicounty regional prison facilities or the purchase of electronic monitoring equipment for alternative sentencing programs. This chapter applies to grant applications submitted by counties to the Department for funding under the act.
§ 95.403. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
ActThe Prison Facilities Improvement Act (61 P. S. § § 390.101390.1303).
Application for completed constructionThe term includes an application for a grant for work completed 5 years before the date of the grant application.
Application for fundsAn application for funding for construction occurring after December 21, 1989 and for work begun 5 years prior to the date the county submitted a letter to the Department indicating an intent to apply for grant funds.
ApplicantA county or multicounty regional authority.
ConstructionThe preparation of drawings and specifications for facilities; erecting, building, altering, demolishing, remodeling, improving or extending the facilities; and the inspection and supervision of the construction of the facilities. The term does not include an interest in land.
DepartmentThe Department of Corrections of the Commonwealth.
Expansion of a prison facilityThe construction or renovation of a local correctional facility that increases available bed space. The term includes improving support facilities that directly relate to an increase in the number of inmates that may be housed.
Grant agreementA grant application signed by county officials who are empowered to legally and financially obligate the county to a contractual relationship between the county and the Commonwealth, which when executed obligates the county and its officials to comply with this chapter and representations made in the application.
Local correctional facility or prison facilityA jail, prison or detention facility operated by a county or jointly by more than one county and used for the confinement of persons for safe custody. The term does not include a facility used for the detention or confinement of juveniles.
Matching fundsFunds that are generated by the county government either through taxes or the sale of municipal matching funds bonds, or county funds expended or committed for the development of an Intermediate Punishment Plan and the operation of an Intermediate Punishment Program under the act. The term does not include funds received from the State or Federal governments through subsidy, grants or entitlement.
Cross References This section cited in 37 Pa. Code § 95.404 (relating to grant application criteria).
§ 95.404. Grant application criteria.
The three categories of grants are described as follows:
(1) Past work. A grant is available to a county which has completed an expansion of its prison facilities within 5 years of the date of the grant application as defined by section 714(4) of the act (61 P. S. § 390.714(4)). An application for these funds shall be received by the Department from September 1, 1991 to December 31, 1991. These grants will not exceed $1 million, and the grants shall be matched by funding in a like amount by the county from county funds. A grant will not be awarded until the applicant submits an intermediate punishment plan to the Commission on Crime and Delinquency, as required by the County Intermediate Punishment Act (61 P. S. § § 11011114). An application for a grant shall be divided into individual sections, providing the following information, and in the following order:
(i) Description of project. A description of the county correctional system including: existing community corrections, diversion or related programs, age of facilities, staffing of facilities, court orders that were filed before July 1, 1990 against the county concerning the correctional facility or the conditions of confinement. The description shall include the rated capacity of the facilities as of July 1, 1990, and how the rated capacity is determined. Priority will be given to an applicant which was at or exceeding 115% of rated capacity as of July 1, 1990.
(ii) Amount of grant. The amount of the grant being requested.
(iii) Amount of previously expended funds. The amount of funds expended by the applicant for the repair, expansion, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation and improvement of local correctional facilities and the source of the funds (Federal, State, county or other), to include a detailed description of the capital expenditures.
(iv) Other. Other information the applicant wishes to provide.
(2) Future work. Grants are available for the repair, expansion, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or improvement of county correctional facilities and the purchase of electronic monitoring equipment begun after December 21, 1989. An application for these grants shall consist of individual sections, providing the following information, and in the following order:
(i) County correctional system. A description of the county correctional system, including age of facilities, court orders that were filed before July 1, 1990, staffing of facilities and rated capacity of the facilities and how the rated capacity is determined.
(ii) Problem. A description of the problem that the grant will address.
(iii) Solution. A description of the proposed solution to the problem. The relationship of the solution to the problem identified for which funds are requested shall be included in this section.
(iv) Measurement of success. A description of how the success of the proposed solution may be measured.
(v) Previous efforts. Previous efforts to address the problem and the success. This shall include a description of programs intended to or having the effect of reducing the need for construction or expansion of the county correctional facility, such as county earned time, work release, and the like.
(vi) Grant amount requested. The amount of the grant being requested.
(vii) Inmate population. The facility population as of July 1, 1990.
(viii) Funds expended. The amount of funds expended, or to be expended by the applicant for the repair, expansion, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation and improvement of local correctional facilities for 3 years prior to the application. The source of the funds (Federal, State, county or other) to be expended shall be provided in the form of a cost plan that clearly specifies the anticipated costs of the project. See matching funds in § 95.403 (relating to definitions). If the county plans to utilize the funds expended in the establishment or creation of a county Intermediate Punishment Plan, a copy of the Intermediate Plan shall be attached to the grant application.
(ix) Other. Other information the applicant wishes to provide.
(3) Combination of past and future work. Grants are available for prison expansion that began before December 21, 1989 and was not completed until after December 21, 1989. These grants will combine the statutory limitation of $1 million and equal contribution for work and costs initiated before December 21, 1989, and the statutory grant limitation for reimbursement in a like amount of the total grant awarded for expansion or improvement for work completed after December 21, 1989. Applications for the grants shall consist of individual sections, providing the following information:
(i) A description of the project.
(ii) The amount of previously expended funds.
(iii) The county correctional system.
(iv) The problem.
(v) The measurement of success.
(vi) Previous efforts.
(vii) The grant amount requested.
(viii) The inmate population.
(ix) Other information.
(4) Submission to Commission on Crime and Delinquency. A grant will not be awarded to an applicant until the applicant complies with the statutory requirement of submitting an Intermediate Punishment Plan to the Commission on Crime and Delinquency as required by the County Intermediate Punishment Act (61 P. S. § § 11011114).
§ 95.405. Processing grant applications.
Upon receiving a grant application, the Department will review the information for completeness and accuracy. If the information is found to be incomplete or inaccurate, additional data may be requested and final processing of the application will be discontinued until the requested data is supplied by the applicant. The Department may terminate the processing of an incomplete or inaccurate application if additional data is not supplied to the Department within 30 days after a written request.
§ 95.406. Guidelines for the evaluation of grant applications.
The Commissioner of the Department will award grants based on a consideration of the grant application guidelines. The decision will be based on, and keeping with the legislative intent of the act.
§ 95.407. Award of grant.
(a) Grants for completed construction will be awarded first and will not exceed $1 million per applicant. The date of the grant application may be fixed by submitting a letter to the Department expressing interest in receiving a grant.
(b) A grant approved by the Department shall be matched by funding in a like amount by the county from county funds. If Federal funding becomes available for the construction of local correctional facilities, both the county shares shall be reduced in like proportion. Prior to receiving the grant proceeds, the applicant shall give evidence that matching fundsexcluding in-kind services, land or equipmentfor the project were utilized for completed construction or are available and committed for projects begun after December 21, 1989.
(c) The award of the grant is contingent upon the applicants signing of a grant agreement provided by the Department and funds being available in the Local Criminal Justice Fund as defined in section 708 of the act (61 P. S. § 390.708).
(d) The Departments financial obligation is limited to the amount of the grant. The Department is not responsible for funding cost overruns incurred by the applicant.
§ 95.408. Records and reports.
(a) The applicant shall maintain books, records and other evidence pertinent to costs incurred in connection with the grant project. The books and records shall be mainitained according to generally accepted accounting principles.
(b) Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records and other records pertaining to the grant project shall be retained by the applicant for 3 years following the date payment is made. The records and documents shall be available for inspection or audit by the Commonwealth, its agencies and instrumentalities.
(c) The applicant shall provide the Department reports on the progress of the grant project as requested, at least annually.
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