Berks County Commissioner Mark C Scott Wants Private Prisons

READING, Pa. - Since Berks County Commissioner Mark C. Scott proposed the privatization of the Berks County Jail, many have come forward to express their concerns. At Thursday morning’s commissioners’ meeting, Morgan Smith of Muhlenberg Township listed a litany of "some of the more troubling cases" brought against CoreCivic, formerly known as CCA, a company that owns and manages private prisons and detention centers. 

"I have concerns about our county doing business with a corporation that has been legally compelled to compensate its employees, who punish people for asking for appropriate treatment, and who have multiple allegations of unsafe staffing levels," Smith said.

"I'm here to stand against the privatization of the prison," said another Berks County resident, who added that she is concerned because such organizations are already in Berks, citing Abraxas and ADAPPT, both owned by GEO Group. 

"To let them in further here, is really dangerous." "I want to again state personally on the record: I have never advocated for privatizing the operation of the jail," said Commissioner Kevin S. Barnhardt, the prison board's chairman.

"This is the single most important cost driver for this county. We're going to take our time and do our due diligence to make sure whatever happens is in keeping with trying to contain costs as well as for the safety of the inmates and the staff." 

"All options are on the table, with the exception of doing nothing. It is crystal clear that we cannot let the jail go as it is," said Commissioner Christian Y. Leinbach, who responded to some statements he's heard by adding, "No business that I'm aware of is 'pushing' privatization of the county of Berks. We are looking at that – at least I am – as an option. And I’ve made it very clear at the end of the day that it is not just about money." Leinbach also said that he didn't feel there was any way the county could agree to the $142 million or the $158 million proposals for remodeling or rebuilding the prison, presented by the architectural firm L.R. Kimball two weeks ago. Scott was not in attendance at the meeting.