Public hearing on Rockview safety being considered

Public hearing on Rockview safety being considered

Public hearing on Rockview safety being considered

August 8, 2013

By JENNIFER MILLER (jmiller@lockhaven.com) , The Express

The head of the state House Judiciary Committee is considering holding public hearings regarding security at State Correctional Institution Rockview, a matter receiving great attention following the recent brutal rape of a female clerk.

Autumn Southard, chief of staff for Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Ron Marsico, told The Express on Wednesday that Marsico is aware of the July 25 alleged rape as well as Centre County state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff’s call for the Judiciary Committee to hold public hearings regarding prison safety and staffing procedures.

“It is definitely a matter that is on the chairman’s radar,” Southard said.

Before determining whether the Judiciary Committee will hold public hearings regarding Rockview; Marsico, R-Dauphin County, intends to consult with legal counsel, Department of Corrections Secretary John Wetzel as well as Benninghoff, R-Bellefonte.

“It’s under consideration,” Southard said.

The union representing corrections officers in Pennsylvania is hoping Marsico will hold public hearings regarding prison safety.

Robert Storm, Vice President of the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association, told The Express earlier this week that there are security gaps at state prisons throughout the commonwealth. Possible cause for the criticism is the increase in prison population compared to number of corrections officers.