House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

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House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	June 20, 2018 03:46 PM
From:	Representative Neal P. Goodman and Rep. Pam Snyder, Rep. Gerald J. Mullery
To:	All House members
Subject:	State Correctional Institutions – Corrections Officer Safety

Three years ago a dangerous lifer slashed a prison guard’s throat at SCI-Mahanoy. The same prisoner attempted to slash another guard at SCI-Somerset last year. In February, Sgt. Mark Baserman was murdered at SCI-Somerset by an inmate with a history of violence inside prison. Just a few days later, two more guards were attacked by an inmate at SCI-Coal Township. These are only a small sample of the many violent attacks at state prisons in recent years.

Corrections officers know what they sign up for when they take the job. But that doesn’t absolve us of our obligation to do everything in our power to keep them safe while on duty. We believe the bills in this package provide necessary reforms to ensure the safety and security of our officers in state facilities.

Please join us in co-sponsoring this legislation.

Document #1

Introduced as HB2567

Description:	Proposal #1: Testimony at parole hearings This bill would give corrections officers the opportunity to submit a written statement or testify in-person at parole hearings. Requiring testimony of corrections officers would ensure they have a voice in inmate parole proceedings.

Document #2

Introduced as HB2568

Description:	Proposal #2: Tasers for corrections officers at state institutions This bill would allow all corrections officers at state correctional institutions to carry tasers. It is modeled after state Rep. Pam Snyder’s successful proposal to allow all corrections officers to carry pepper spray.

Document #3

Introduced as HB2569

Description:	Proposal #3: Safe staffing levels This bill requires the Department of Corrections to establish a staffing plan that ensures no guard is ever alone while on duty, except during unforeseeable emergency circumstances.