CLEARFIELD – Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) announced today his intent to introduce legislation to modernize the statutory framework of the motivational boot camp program within the Department of Corrections at the Quehanna Boot Camp, while exploring cost savings as well as potential revenue generation.
The Boot Camp Program at Quehanna has the lowest recidivism rates in the commonwealth. Additionally, Quehanna produces the most GED’s year after year. Last year, they produced 30% of all GED’s across all 24 institutions. Further, many receive vocational certificates enabling them to earn a family sustaining wage.
While the commonwealth has established and modernized alternatives to incarceration in recent years, the General Assembly has not modernized the motivational boot camp statute.
“Quehanna Boot Camp and SCI Rockview are well-established, well-functioning, efficient facilities. They need to stay in operation,” said Langerholc. “I stand with all the men and women who put on the uniform daily and will continue to work to find alternatives to closure.”
In February, the Shapiro Administration announced their intent to proceed with the proposed closure of the Quehanna Boot Camp in Clearfield County.
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections will hold a listening session on the governor’s proposed closure of Quehanna Boot Camp on Thursday, April 10, at 5 p.m. at Community Alliance Church, 34136 Frenchville Karthaus Hwy, Karthaus.
If you would like to provide feedback to the Department of Corrections but you cannot attend the listening sessions on April 10, the department is also accepting comments via email to ra-crdocclose@pa.gov or by voicemail to 888-316-8950.
CONTACT: Gwenn Dando