PA Department of Corrections

As the #PrisonPups of the SCI Albion BARK program prepare to graduate Monday, the dogs and their handlers were able to enjoy a little festive competition called the Shamrock Shuffle. The pups celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by showing off all the skills they’ve learned the past eight weeks in a friendly battle of skills, including contests in basic obedience and agility. It made for a fun celebration of the class as they prepare to graduate and leave Albion next week. The competition was an adorable and fun time, and we’re very proud to share that each of the pups has been adopted and will join their new families next week! 🐾🍀

Pittsburgh CCC recently welcomed a special guest speaker for an inspiring session with reentrants. Angelique Lynch, who previously lived at the facility and has successfully navigated her own reentry journey, shared her story with honesty and insight. She spoke about the challenges she faced, the victories she achieved, and offered powerful advice and encouragement. Participants engaged in a meaningful conversation—asking questions, sharing perspectives, and connecting over the realities of rebuilding and personal growth.

Congratulations to the first platoon of participants who successfully completed the Motivational Boot Camp Program at SCI Houtzdale! On March 4, a platoon of six male participants that began its program at Quehanna Boot Camp finished its final weeks at Houtzdale. Their accomplishment reflects months of discipline, perseverance, and commitment to personal growth. During the transition of the program from one facility to another, staff members from both Quehanna Boot Camp and SCI Houtzdale worked tirelessly to maintain the structure, standards, and expectations long associated with the Quehanna program. Their dedication ensured participants continued to receive the accountability, guidance, and support needed to complete the program successfully. Pennsylvania’s Department of Corrections Motivational Boot Camp program places eligible participants in a structured environment focused on discipline, accountability, and positive change. By combining military-style routines with education, treatment services, substance use programming, and cognitive-behavioral interventions, the program helps participants address the causes of their criminal behavior while developing stronger decision-making skills, work habits, and personal responsibility. Successful completion prepares participants for reintegration into the community and may provide an opportunity for reduced custody time. The graduates leave with more than a certificate—they leave with the discipline, skills, and determination to move forward on a new path. Their success shows that change is possible, progress is earned, and with the right support, a better future is within reach. Female participants now attend the Boot Camp program at SCI Cambridge Springs, which recognized its first graduate last month.

Our second Virtual Job Fair is just around the corner! If you’ve been interested in attending one of our events but haven’t had the chance to meet with our recruiters in person, this is the perfect opportunity. Join us online to connect with our Recruitment and Retention Team and learn more about career paths and benefits in corrections—all from the convenience of your home. Register today to secure your spot ⤵ @418e2841-0128-4dd5-9b6c-47fc5a9a1bde" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/97167a20…

Congratulations to the following facilities for being awarded initial accreditation after attending panel hearings at an ACA Conference in February 2025: CCC Philadelphia # 2, SCI Dallas, SCI Houtzdale, SCI Mahanoy, SCI Frackville, Bureau of Training and Staff Development, and SCI Muncy. 📸 Director Morris Richardson (BCC), Supt. Jasen Bohinski, Deputy Supt. James James, Supt. Bernadette Mason, Supt. Kathy Brittain, Director Jennifer Wallitsch, Supt. Wendy Nicholas, and Chief of Accreditation Lisa Hollibaugh

Congrats to Mr. Powell for graduating intensive parole—a program with closer supervision and extra support to help a smooth reentry! He finished with zero sanctions, has been working full-time, and is now chasing his dream of owning a tractor-trailer and his own apartment. Along the way, he even helped his younger brother succeed in the program. We’re so proud of your hard work and wish you continued success on your reentry journey!

Struggling to find reliable employees? Join us for an informative session where you’ll learn fresh strategies to connect with motivated talent in the culinary industry. This event is perfect for business owners and hiring leaders looking to strengthen their teams. 📅 Thursday, April 9, 2026 ⏰ 11 AM – 1 PM 📍 DOC Training Academy, 1451 N. Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA Save the date and reserve your spot today!

Swing by the upcoming SCI Phoenix Job Fair and chat with PADOC recruiters about exciting opportunities in corrections. Your next career move could start here! 📆 March 24 ⏰ 12-6 PM 📍 Farm, Home & Youth Complex, 1015 Bridge Road, Suite D1, Collegeville, PA 19426 Stop by, ask questions, and see what it’s all about ⤵️ pa.gov/agencies/emplo…

Happy #StPatricksDay from Brock and Aries, the #PrisonPups from SCI Pine Grove! 🐾🍀

Congratulations to the 25 graduates of the first 2026 Parole Basic Training class! Director of Reentry Coordination Daniel McIntyre delivered the guest address before awards and badges were presented. After recognizing the Marksmanship Certificate recipient and the Class Valedictorian, each graduate proudly took the Oath of Office and received their badge and certificate. The new agents have now returned to their respective facilities and districts to begin their important work. We wish each of them a long, safe, and successful career. Thank you for your commitment to public service and for helping us create success—inside and out! To see all the graduates, check out our full album on Facebook ⤵️ facebook.com/media/set?vani…

Recently, PADOC parole employees from the Pittsburgh District, in collaboration with FOP Lodge 92 Labor Services, proudly participated in the 2026 Polar Plunge at Acrisure Stadium. The Polar Plunge is the largest annual fundraiser for @SOPennsylvania! With 30+ plunges statewide, thousands take the leap to support more than 15,000 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping provide free, year-round sports training and competition across the Commonwealth.

In a very special edition of #PrisonPups, today we’re spotlighting the other dog program in the DOC: our K9 unit! In honor of K9 Veterans Day—which is a day to recognize all of the brave military and working dogs—we’d like to celebrate the best pups who serve in the DOC. These pups work hard to keep contraband outside our facilities to keep inmates and staff safe! 🐾

In a very special edition of #PrisonPups, today we’re spotlighting the other dog program in the DOC: our K9 unit! In honor of K9 Veterans Day—which is a day to recognize all of the brave military and working dogs—we’d like to celebrate the best pups who serve in the DOC. These pups work hard to keep contraband outside our facilities to keep inmates and staff safe! 🐾

Last month, SCI Fayette’s Wellness Committee hosted its first Soup Cook-Off with 16 talented staff members bringing their best soups to the table—and they were all so good, every entry received at least one vote. Bill Metts took first place—and the $200 prize—with his crab and shrimp chowder. Michael Tkacs earned second place and $100 with his sausage tortellini soup, and Don Fetter placed third and won $50 with his creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup.

Last month, SCI Fayette’s Wellness Committee hosted its first Soup Cook-Off with 16 talented staff members bringing their best soups to the table—and they were all so good, every entry received at least one vote. Bill Metts took first place—and the $200 prize—with his crab and shrimp chowder. Michael Tkacs earned second place and $100 with his sausage tortellini soup, and Don Fetter placed third and won $50 with his creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup.

Congratulations to Mr. Longer on graduating from intensive parole supervision! Mr. Longer began his journey at GEO Chester while working full-time as a McDonald’s manager. He secured and maintained his own housing throughout the program and also gives back by speaking at events for at-risk youth, sharing his experiences to inspire others. Great work, Mr. Longer! We wish you well on your continued reentry journey.

The first in-person job fair of 2026 is already on the way next week at SCI Huntingdon! 📆 March 17 ⏰ 12-6 PM 📍 SCI Huntingdon, 1100 Pike Street, Huntingdon, PA 16654 For more details on a career in the DOC, swing by a fair or visit⤵️ pa.gov/agencies/emplo…

The Office of Victim and Advocate (@PAVictimsOffice) and the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections were honored to host three Section Chiefs from the Ministry of Justice of Japan’s Rehabilitation Bureau: Moe Hashimoto, section chief, General Affairs Division; Nanase Nishimura, restitution and victim services specialist, General Affairs Division; and Shingo Fujinuma, community-based collaboration and social reintegration support office specialist, Rehabilitation Bureau. The trio reached out to learn more about the work being done in Pennsylvania to support victims through restorative justice programs and initiatives. Over three full days, they met with numerous partners and departments to gain a comprehensive understanding of our collaborative approach. Their visit included an overview of OVA and a tour of the Capitol building, meetings with representatives from the PA Parole Board, visits to the Harrisburg District Office and Harrisburg CCC, and a tour of SCI Camp Hill alongside DOC Sec. Dr. Laurel R. Harry. We are grateful for the opportunity to share our work and proud of the strong partnerships that make it possible. Our guests left with new ideas and insights to bring back to Japan.

In honor of the anniversary of Sgt. Mark Baserman’s death on Feb. 26, the SCI Somerset Honor Guard stood watch over his Memorial Wreath from sunrise to sunset. At sunset, their watch was concluded with the playing of Taps. Sgt. Baserman of SCI Somerset died on Feb. 26, 2018, from injuries suffered during an on-duty assault several days earlier. Sgt. Baserman was a veteran of the United States Army and joined the DOC in 2007, and we honor and remember his life and service to our agency, our Commonwealth and our country.