Centre County Jail Population Falls to Lowest Level Since 2005

This story originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette.

BELLEFONTE — The inmate population at the Centre County Correctional Facility has fallen to its lowest level since the current jail opened in 2005, a trend officials attribute to expanded diversion programs, re-entry efforts and changes in probation laws.

Deputy Warden of Administration Danielle Minarchick shared the latest population figures during the Centre County Prison Board’s July meeting, reporting the average daily Centre County inmate population in June was 93, with a high of 97 and a current population of 88. The facility’s total average population, including inmates housed from neighboring counties, was 115.

In a follow-up interview with The Centre County Gazette, Minarchick confirmed that assessment.

“Our Centre County population is the lowest we have seen since the new facility opened in 2005,” she said.

Minarchick said several factors have contributed to the decline.

“The decline in our population may be driven by multiple factors, notably the close collaboration between the court diversionary programs, the correctional facility’s re-entry efforts, such as the Medication Assisted Treatment initiative and the reformed probation violation laws,” she said.

The prison board also received updates on inmate health and mental health services. During June, the facility recorded 127 nursing sick calls, 106 physician assistant visits and 28 psychiatrist appointments. Twelve inmates entered the jail while detoxing, most commonly from alcohol.

Mental health staff conducted 156 clinical visits during the month. Five inmates were placed on safety precautions and there were no suicide attempts.

Board members unanimously approved updates to several inmate policies, including revisions to visitation procedures, library access, work release, religious accommodations and medication-assisted treatment.

Among the changes, inmates housed in C Unit will now be permitted in-person visits every day instead of alternating visitation days. A 3:15 p.m. visitation period was eliminated because of low demand and staffing considerations.

“We just looked at logistics, staffing wise,” Minarchick said. “Because of the tablet visitation, our in-person visits aren’t as high right now nor have been for a while.”

Asked whether the declining inmate population could affect staffing or funding, Minarchick said the relationship is more complex than inmate numbers alone.

“Even as a facility’s population decreases, those who are incarcerated may need additional care and services, some of which require more staff and funds,” she said. “Although our daily population is currently down, our commitment to safety remains the same.”

She added the correctional facility remains committed to its long-term agreements to house inmates from neighboring counties and will continue providing mutual support and assistance as needed.

The Prison Board’s next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 13.