BELLEFONTE — Centre County Correctional Facility officials reported a stable inmate population, ongoing efforts to improve mental health services and progress on a comprehensive operational study during the Thursday, June 11, Prison Board meeting.
Warden Glenn Irwin opened his report by thanking the American Association of University Women for its annual donation of books to the facility’s inmate library.
“It’s a long-standing tradition,” Irwin said, noting correctional officers recently picked up a new supply of reading materials following the organization’s annual book sale.
Irwin also updated the board on a comprehensive efficiency and operational study being conducted by Overwatch Innovations. Consultants spent several days on site earlier this month reviewing jail operations, staffing levels and facility procedures.
In a follow-up interview with the Gazette, Irwin said the study examines everything from overall operational efficiency to staffing needs across multiple disciplines within the correctional facility.
“Our goal, as always, is to uphold the highest standard of care, rehabilitation and compliance,” Irwin said. “This study offers fresh eyes to ensure we continue to meet our goals of excellence.”
Irwin said officials will review the findings and recommendations once the study is completed before determining whether operational changes are needed.
According to the facility report, the average daily inmate population in May was 133, including 99 Centre County inmates and 34 inmates housed from other counties. Blair County accounted for the largest share of tenant inmates, averaging 16 during the month. As of Thursday morning, the jail housed 120 inmates, including 98 from Centre County and 22 from tenant counties.
Health services staff recorded 158 sick calls and 97 visits with a physician or physician assistant during May. There were 11 outside medical consultations and no hospital admissions. Twelve individuals were undergoing detox upon admission, with methamphetamine continuing to be the most commonly detected illicit substance, followed by alcohol.
Mental health services remained a significant focus. The facility recorded 45 psychiatrist visits and 187 visits with a mental health clinician during the month. Two inmates were referred to Torrance State Hospital, while three remained on a waiting list after being deemed incompetent to stand trial. Sixteen inmates were placed on suicide watch, though no suicide attempts were reported.
During discussion, Irwin highlighted a potential partnership that could allow competency restoration services to be provided inside the jail rather than requiring inmates to wait months for placement at Torrance.
The proposed program would bring trained mental health professionals into the facility to work directly with inmates who have been deemed incompetent to stand trial, potentially reducing wait times and accelerating treatment.
“We think it’s a good program,” Irwin told the board. “It’s just trying to figure out the funding piece.”
In a follow-up response to the Gazette, Irwin said the county remains in the early stages of exploring the concept.
“We are still in the preliminary stages of considering this program,” he said. “We are learning from counties in western Pennsylvania who offer this type of service, we are getting familiar with vendors and we are monitoring announcements for new grants.”
Irwin said officials are still evaluating potential providers and funding options before presenting a proposal to county commissioners.
The prison board also discussed potential increases to stipends paid to inmates participating in facility work assignments and reentry programs.
Irwin said the goal is to encourage participation while reinforcing habits that can contribute to successful reentry after incarceration.
“Our goal for the work/re-entry program is to instill a stable work ethic for those who are incarcerated to carry with them upon their re-entry into society, hopefully remaining on the path to rehabilitation rather than re-incarceration,” Irwin said.
Participants currently receive daily stipends based on their assignments at the correctional facility or through CentrePeace. The money can be used for commissary purchases, phone calls and tablet use.
Irwin said officials are considering an increase to those stipends to encourage continued participation and attract additional eligible inmates to the program. Any changes would require approval from the Prison Board of Inspectors.
The prison board also heard an update from CentrePeace, which provided transportation assistance to four individuals leaving the correctional facility during May, distributed four prepaid cell phones, paid for two photo identifications and helped three individuals obtain beds and other essential household items upon release.
In a report from the Centre County Criminal Justice Advisory Board, officials announced the county recorded 10 overdose deaths in 2025, evenly split between men and women. Two overdose deaths have been recorded so far in 2026, including one involving kratom.
The board concluded the meeting before entering a brief executive session. The next prison board meeting is scheduled for July 9.
