The American prison system is an unequivocal failure. The PA DOC Monitor is dedicated to critically analyzing the direction of not only the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, but also the American prison system in general. We will periodically post original content from our own writers and inmates, families of inmates, and current or past PA DOC employees. Submissions will remain anonymous upon request. Send content to editor@pa-doc-monitor.org or by postal mail at:

PA DOC Monitor
c/o Center for Civil Liberties and Justice
P.O. Box 9071
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Jul 01

PA DOC Monitor Back After Technical Difficulties

Approximately two months ago the PA DOC Monitor experienced technical difficulties and lost all site content prior to August of 2007. Unfortunately, we did not keep good backups (a practice we plan to change). We are in the process of rebuilding and ask you to bear with us while we restructure. We have not stopped accepting submissions, or our prison outreach program. As always, any submissions or questions can be sent to editor@pa-doc-monitor.org. Thank you for your patience.

Jul 01

Rehabilitating The Department of Correction: Where No Voices Are Heard

By Jean L. Dell’ Aquila & Moniem A. El-Ganayni

Aug 13

PA DOC Prisoner Demographics

The following information was obtained from the PA DOC's Monthly Institutional Profile and is current as of December 31, 2006.   The complete document in PDF form can be viewed here .

Total number of prisoners housed in PA DOC facilities:
44,365

Maximum Capacity:
38,547 (over capacity by 14.9%)

Aug 13

Call for Legal Assistance

The PA DOC Monitor is in need of volunteers with a legal background.   This may include practicing lawyers, students of law, or individuals with prior experience in law.   Your time and effort will be spent toward the examination and reform of Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections, and also to safeguard the rights of prisoners and their family.   Currently we are seeking individuals who can obtain a complete breakdown of the PA DOC budget through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).   Some key information we are seeking includes:

Aug 12

One Inmate’s Experience in a PA DOC Facility: Why Robbing a Convenience Store Two-Weeks After Release Might Seem Logical

If one ever has the misfortune of entering a correctional facility, he or she will soon learn that freedom of expression or right to protest is merely an illusion. Yes, one can pick up a pen and pad and write their grievances to the appropriate individuals; yes, one can open his or her mouth and voice their displeasure, but at what cost?

Aug 12

The Story of Nancy Jean Calder

On July 13, 2007 Nancy Jean Calder was found dead in her cell at Muncy State Correctional Institution.   The PA DOC Monitor has received reports that Calder requested mental health treatment prior to her death, stating that she was hearing voices.   Despite her needs, and established history of mental illness, Calder was denied adequate treatment by prison staff.   Perhaps that as because, as one article states :

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