02/24/2003 70610

PRISON INSPECTOR

DEFINITION: This is responsible and technical fieldwork in the inspection of local prisons and Department of Corrections’ Community Corrections Centers to determine and enforce compliance with state laws and regulations.

An employee in this class is responsible for inspecting county prisons and Department of Corrections’ Community Corrections Centers to determine compliance with the minimum standards of applicable Commonwealth statutes, and to ensure adherence to Commonwealth and national standards and judicial decisions identified in Title 37, Chapter 95 of the Pennsylvania Code. Work also involves functioning as a consultant by providing technical assistance to county officials and others relative to the operation of county prisons and Community Corrections Centers. Inspections are carried out independently, and general supervision is received through conferences and review of reports submitted with an administrative superior.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Conducts independent field inspections to determine county prison and state Department of Corrections’ Community Corrections Center compliance with controlling Commonwealth statutes and regulations such as Title 37, Chapter 95 and Work Release Act.

Conducts interviews with administrators, staff and inmates.

Reviews records, files, documents, and logs to verify maintenance of required information and to test the integrity and effectiveness of internal controls.

Reviews and evaluates local policies and procedures to determine compliance with statutorily mandated requirements.

Conducts physical tour of field inspection sites to determine compliance with laws and regulations pertaining to conditions of confinement, maintenance of physical plant and equipment, and performance of operational duties.

Prepares and submits for executive review a written report detailing the findings of inspections.

Prepares the final inspection report, identifies areas of non-compliance.

Makes formal presentations of the final inspection report to county officials, and Community Corrections Center Regional Directors.

Maintains technical knowledge as to current best practices in the general field of county prison operations.

Conducts assessments and provides technical assistance as requested by county officials on issues related to county prisons.

Provides testimony in litigation regarding county prison non-compliance with Commonwealth statutes and national standards, and judicial decisions.

Confers with local public officials to interpret state law and regulations and assist them with prison problems.

Receives, documents and refers complaints/concerns received from inmates and/or general public to local authorities for action.

Works with county prison staff to determine employee training needs, facilitates statewide training opportunities, and provides training instruction as necessary.

Promotes and coordinates a county resource loan library of publications and materials for county prison use.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of methods and practices of correctional facility administration including custody, treatment, business management, and plant operation.

Knowledge of laws related to penal affairs.

Knowledge of the minimum operating standards for county prisons as found in Title 37, Chapter 95.

Knowledge of inspection techniques and procedures.

Knowledge of methods and materials used to identify employee-training needs, and to present training instruction.

Ability to ascertain facts by observation, personal contacts, examination of records, and interviews.

Ability to read, speak and write English effectively.

Ability to learn to operate a computer.

Ability to make formal presentations, both orally and in writing, presenting findings, alternatives, and answers to questions.

Ability to compose comprehensive technical inspection reports.

Ability to determine the facilities' compliance with state laws and regulations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with prison administrators, local public officials, and the general public.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Six years of experience in correctional work involving the inspection of correctional facilities including review for compliance to legally mandated operating standards, and graduation from high school;

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A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, corrections, law enforcement, or a closely related field and two years experience in correctional work involving the inspection of correctional facilities including review for compliance to legally mandated operating standards;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: A valid Pennsylvania Class C driver's license.