Letter to DOC Secretary Sets May 2 Deadline for Full Disclosure
HARRISBURG – Following through on the public promise he made during the recent PA Department of Corrections (DOC) “Listening Session” on the proposed closing of SCI Rockview, PA Senate State Government Committee Chairman Cris Dush (R-25) has sent the following letter (excerpted below) to DOC Secretary Laurel Harry.
Dush, a retired state corrections officer, is officially requesting the names of all DOC steering committee members that recommended the closure of both SCI Rockview and Quehanna Boot Camp; and all supporting documentation of the criteria that was used in determining which correctional institutions to close.
“Secretary Harry:
“I am writing to express concern about the decision to close SCI Rockview and Quehanna Boot Camp.
“I was told that there is crucial work that needs done at SCI Rockview including roof work, boiler replacements, and paving work. This was information that I took at face value. Then, last week, I was shocked whenever I visited SCI Rockview and stood on asphalt less than a year old. I then saw that the roofs were partially done and what isn’t done is under contract. I also saw the boilers, and one of them was finished, whilst the other was either under contract or finished. The fences are also new.
“These revelations made me question the legitimacy of the steering committee’s findings. As the Senator who represents Bellefonte and as the Chairman of the State Government Committee which has oversight of the disposition of properties through DGS it is my obligation to ensure that the steering committee’s findings were based on accurate and current information.
“The empirical evidence that conflicts with the department’s stated needs leads me, and many others, to believe that is not the case. As I told you in the hearing, I no longer have the luxury of believing your department’s assertions.
“I would appreciate a response by close of business on May 2, 2025. Absent such response, I will be considering a State Government Committee hearing for the purpose of issuing a subpoena for the information during the Session week of May 5th, 2025.”
CONTACT: Ty McCauslin, Communications Director, at 717-787-7084 or tmccauslin@pasen.gov.