BROOKVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – With Phase I of the Jefferson County Jail project complete, Warden Tom Elbel reported that inmates are currently being housed in the new cell block.
“We moved the inmates December 13, and it took about eight hours to get everyone moved,” Elbel said. “Things went well moving them, and then it took several more days to get everything else moved.”
“There were a few sinks that didn’t work, but the contractor was right there and got everything fixed. There was also a surveillance camera that didn’t work, but that was fixed quickly, too,” Elbel said.
The new cell block will be able to house up to 175 inmates, 18 more than the previous maximum.
Statistics for the month of November show the jail housing 122 inmates. Eighty-five were on parole or probation, while 94 were awaiting trials or hearings.
Elbel also reported that contractors were currently demolishing the old modular units where inmates were previously held. He anticipated that digging would begin Friday for the new unit, part of Phase II, which will include program areas, special cells and office areas.
The jail currently offers two Bible classes, a church service, GED classes for inmates under 18 years old, an AA program, as well as drug, alcohol, and mental health counseling for eligible inmates.
However, once Phase II is completed, the jail will be able to accommodate additional programming.
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