HARRISBURG, Pa. — On Tuesday, Democratic state lawmakers from the Senate Policy Committee held a hearing about deaths in Pennsylvania's prison system.
Advocates and lawmakers raised concerns about the lack of transparency on how county and law enforcement officials report deaths while inmates are in custody.
“That’s really what we’re trying to do here is get the data to demonstrate that we have a real issue," said State Senator Amanda Cappelletti (D-Montgomery County). "Pennsylvania holds one of the highest death rates among individuals in custody across the nation."
Senator Cappelletti recently introduced SB 996, which would require all state and local law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities to report the death of a person in custody to the Pennsylvania Attorney General within 30 days. Failure to report an incident would result in a misdemeanor charge and a fine.
Journalist and advocates said at the hearing that it's a difficult task to accurately report any data coming from the prison system.
“Some have been willing to work with us and provide data," said Joshua Vaugh, a local newspaper journalist. "Then there are counties that we have not gotten any data out of.”
The hearing comes as Dauphin County faces increasing public scrutiny for the deaths of numerous inmates in the county prison. A report from last October shows that 20 inmates have died while in custody at Dauphin County Prison between 2017 and 2021.
Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas believes the proposed legislation is needed.
“I think transparency is increasing, but it’s not where it needs to be," said Douglas.
Last week, the Dauphin County Prison Board announced it will hold regular town hall meetings to address ongoing concerns.
“I think the constituents care," said Douglas. "I think they care about the dignity and humanity we apply to our prison population.”
Senator Cappelletti argues that tracking prison deaths addresses a public health issue.
“[By getting public data] we can move forward with policies that will address those issues, and hopefully create a healthier Pennsylvania," said Senator Cappelletti.