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Chester County Prison reports lower population but spike in major misconducts in July
Summary
Warden reported average daily population fell to 682 in July 2025 from 716 a year earlier while the facility logged 90 major misconducts and 44 inmates in restricted housing; board approved routine personnel motions.
Chester County Prison reported a decline in average daily population for July 2025 and a simultaneous rise in serious disciplinary incidents, Warden reported during the prison board of inspectors meeting July 23.
"The month of July 2025 had an average daily population of 682 in comparison to July 2024 where the population was 716," the Warden said. The Warden also said total inmate population on July 31 was 679 and that there were zero juveniles housed during the month.
The Warden reported 90 major misconducts for July and 44 inmates housed in the restricted housing unit. Medical and mental-health figures included 62% of inmates on medical medications, 47% on psychiatric medications, 11% on suicide watch and 16 inmates receiving treatment at Norristown State Hospital; one inmate was awaiting a bed at Norristown and the facility received one court order for commitment during the month.
The report said the prison conducted 189 inmate video-conferencing hearings in July, a change the Warden estimated produced about $18,900 in savings. Institutional programs during the month served roughly 239 participants and included Alcoholics Anonymous, anger-management, narcotics anonymous, digital literacy and other classes. The Warden provided booking and transport figures: central booking processed 156 people in July through 44 agencies, and three state transports moved 23 people to state facilities.
A board member asked whether the spike in major misconducts reflected a single incident or an unusual pattern; the Warden said no specific cause had yet been identified. The board approved routine personnel motions during the meeting by voice vote: approval of four new hires, two shift transfers (eight-hour to 12-hour assignments), and acceptance of five separations from employment. The transcript records the motions were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote; no roll-call tallies were provided.
The Warden also reported active staff development: 168 staff attended training in July, including weapons qualifications, PREA and FEMA courses. The Warden said the facility had hired more than 60 officers since January but had ongoing turnover; he estimated roughly 30 of a recent hire cohort remained on staff.
The board did not take additional action on the operational report. The meeting later proceeded to contract items and other agenda business.
