Did you know there is an office within the Pennsylvania State Police that studies water supply plants and other buildings to make them safer? Were you aware that inmates in Pennsylvania have to pay for court costs, fines, and restitution?
Pennsylvanian state agencies provide services and programs that improve the safety and quality of resident's life. Often times these programs go unnoticed by the media and general public, but that doesn't mean they don't have a positive impact on Pennsylvania's communities.
Below are some examples of criminal justice programs and services from the state of Pennsylvania:
Inmates pay their debts while in jail
In 2006, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) collected $4.4 million from inmates to pay court costs, fines, and restitution. Pennsylvania law requires the DOC to collect 20 percent from an inmate's account balance and monthly income to pay for the inmate's court costs, fines, and restitution.
Since 1998, $23.6 million has been collected by the DOC and distributed to counties statewide.
Pennsylvania state troopers assess the vulnerability of public and private buildings
Pennsylvania state police ensure that public and private buildings such as schools are the safest they can be to lower crime and personal injury.
The Risk, Vulnerability and Assessment Team of the Pennsylvania State Police Domestic Security Office conduct free security assessments for public and private entities. The assessments include a comprehensive written report identifying the building's vulnerabilities and providing recommendations to enhance safety.
Personal injury crime victims have a voice in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania personal injury victims that were injured by crimes such as homicide, assault, arson, and DUI can make their voices heard when post sentencing release decisions of their offender are made, including parole, work release, community service, pardon, furlough, or corrections center placement.
This is only one of the many rights personal injury crime victims have in Pennsylvania. In addition, personal injury crime victims have the right to receive immediate notification of the offender's escape and subsequent apprehension.
Reference:
"Second Story-Ideas Sheet About PA's Criminal Justice Agencies Available to State Media," PRNewswire, March 2007.
