Chester County prison reports lower inmate average in June; programming and medical metrics detailed

Warden Gordon reported that the Chester County Prison’s average daily inmate population for June 2025 was 670, down from 714 in June 2024, and that the total inmate population on June 30 was 683.

The decline in daily average prompted questions from board members about whether the trend affects per-meal costs under current vendor contracts. Gordon said the current food agreement structures pricing by ranges tied to meals served, and "of a smaller population, actually, our cost per meal ... goes up right now under our current agreement." He said the RFP process under way will revisit how pricing is structured.

The nut graf: The warden’s monthly report combined custody figures with operational metrics — transports, medical and mental-health placements, institutional programs, collections and staffing — giving the board a snapshot of usage, costs and services that will inform upcoming solicitations and staffing decisions.

Inmates and operations: Gordon told the board that central booking year-to-date counts were 834, with 424 released on bail and 409 committed. For June specifically, 42 different agencies processed 154 people through central booking. The correctional center reported an average daily population of 27 for June, including one female inmate, down from 34 in June 2024. The warden thanked the sheriff’s office for support with transports and listed three security transports in June involving 16 inmates.

Medical and mental-health metrics: The prison recorded 48 medical transports in June. Gordon said 58 percent of inmates were on medical medications, 43 percent on psychiatric medications, and eight percent were on suicide watch. He reported a total of 70 inmates identified as mentally ill, with 16 currently at Snorentown State Hospital and additional transfers queued.

Programs, discipline and collections: The report listed 261 participants in institutional programs during the month, including classes and support groups such as anger management, GED instruction, Narcotics Anonymous and opioid recovery programs. The facility recorded 54 major misconducts and 33 individuals in the restricted housing unit. Financially, the prison collected $2,369.71 in inmate financial-responsibility payments and $8,015.70 in inmate booking fees for June.

Staffing and training: Gordon said four employees had left the prison and five new employees started on July 7 with five more slated to start Aug. 4, leaving net change at zero during the month. He described a wide set of training offerings, and said roughly 150 staff attended classes including weapons qualifications, PREA, crisis response and diversity training.

Ending: The board heard the report without objection and moved on to security and contract items later in the meeting.