Eliminate Jail Liabilities
The County Controller is an ex officio (automatic) member of the Allegheny County Jail Oversight Board. I have been fighting for a more humane jail since 2018 when I worked with Councilwoman Prizio to spearhead a push to end unconstitutional strip searches, particularly of sexual assault victims.
Since then, I have used the Right-To-Know law to investigate and expose the harmful and deadly conditions within the jail, including a lack of lifesaving healthcare plans, improper record-keeping, poor nutrition, and improper contracts. I’ve won over a dozen Right to Know Law cases against the current Controller’s office, which has improperly attempted to conceal information about the jail from the public.
Allegheny County has paid millions in settlements and forced overtime because of the jail administration’s incompetence and cruelty. The County Controller has the authority to enforce jail contracts today to save money and save lives.
With a zero recidivism approach, the County can reduce the rate of crime, invest in people and communities, and make the jail more humane for both incarcerated people and staff. By reducing the number of people returning to the jail and improving jail conditions, the County will also face fewer lawsuits and cut costs related to jail operations.
Victims who are harmed, both outside and inside the jail, need support and the understanding that our government is working to make sure that harm doesn’t happen again. That means mental health support, addiction treatment, and education for both victims and the individuals who caused them harm. To be anti-crime means to be pro-treatment for everyone who needs it.
Allegheny County Jail Proposals
Public Library Access
Incarcerated individuals should have the same access as the general public to our library system. In 2022, I investigated and demonstrated improper record-keeping of books rejected by the County Jail. This oversight was part of what forced the Jail to update their book policy.
Nutrition
Given wide discrepancies between the planned menu and meals served, the Allegheny County Controller’s Office should use its authority as a member of the Jail Oversight Board to publicly post nutrition information and pictures of the food served at every meal. It should also motion to authorize outside charity and faith-based groups to provide nutritious meals to incarcerated people.
The Controller should also enforce the current food service contract and require the current food service provider to pay for the county staff overtime required due to its improper staffing.
Read my food service provider contract enforcement plan, here.
Health care
Recent reporting by Brittany Hailer of PINJ News revealed “a significant history of fraud and deception” carried out by one of two medical doctors at the jail. Not only did the credentialing scandal demonstrate a lack of basic background research for jail personnel, it likely contributed to the improper health services which have fueled a death rate in our jail that is nearly twice the national average (contrary to misleading “data'' put out by the Jail Administration). The Jail must increase health care standards in order to attract and retain nurses and doctors.
Temperature & Air Quality Monitoring
As Controller, I will create a website with live jail conditions information, including but not limited to: temperature by pod, hot water temperature and status, and air quality. It shouldn’t take a letter from incarcerated people to expose when the jail is without heat or hot water.
Ban Unnecessary Strip Searches
In 2018, the jail purchased a full body scanner similar to airport style machines (though you stand on a conveyor belt). This machine should be used in lieu of strip searches whenever possible.