County Looking At New Jail, New 911 System

This year Butler County, Penn., initiated plans to construct a new much-needed prison facility, update its radio system, and apply technology to lessen the load of district judges, recently beginning its search for a prison planner. As part of the county’s review of options to improve its 911 system, Valencia Fire Chief William Rooker offered a proposal this month that would provide the county with 500 new mobile radios and 1,000 hand-held units. Additionally, the county authorized a $11,000 plan to simplify the arraignment process in November. The plan calls for county commissioners to receive new laptop units, cameras, and headsets for home use. Butler country currently has four potential locations for the new prison, which could cost as much as $30 million but should meet the demands placed by the county’s growing population. A survey from the summer of 2001 offered specifics about the crowding and wear and tear the existing Main Street facility has suffered despite a five-year renovation project, and in November the warden, commissioners, and other professionals attended a seminar on new jails. The old jail will likely become a facility for juvenile detention, juvenile justice, or records storage.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (12/29/02) P. N-7; Barcousky, Len , http://www.post-gazette.com/