Group to protest Delco prison issues
DELAWARE COUNTY Group to protest prison issues THORNTON Prisoner escapes, improper releases, deaths, and abuse of inmates have prompted a demonstration at the Delaware County jail that is set for Tuesday by Citizens for Social Justice.
DELAWARE COUNTY
Group to protest prison issues
THORNTON Prisoner escapes, improper releases, deaths, and abuse of inmates have prompted a demonstration at the Delaware County jail that is set for Tuesday by Citizens for Social Justice.
The protest is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the George Hill Correctional Facility, 500 Cheyney Rd., Thornton.
"We need to do this to let them know we are serious," said Pastor Keith Collins, one of the organizers of the protest. He said the group was seeking a meeting with the Delaware County Prison Board to discuss "irregularities" at the county facility.
The jail has been run by the Community Education Center (CEC), a private company in West Caldwell, N.J., since 2009.
In 2010, at least seven inmates were mistakenly released through paperwork errors or confusion over identities. As a result, two guards were suspended. In 2012, two more prisoners were released; one was let go even after he alerted prison officials that he was ineligible for release.
The protesters said they would like to see a town-hall meeting with CEC, the creation of a volunteer Citizen Advisory Board, Official Visitor Status for key members of the community and enhanced accountability. - Mari A. Schaefer























