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Delaware County jail begins multiyear HVAC and security overhaul; officials warn of phased disruptions
Summary
Warden Williams outlined a multiyear project to replace HVAC systems, roofs and security controls at the Delaware County Correctional Facility, including a 10-phase security-systems upgrade beginning April 30 and an HVAC/roofing schedule; staff said they will relocate housing units as needed to avoid unsafe conditions.
Delaware County correctional officials told the Jail Oversight Board on March 12 that major capital work will begin this spring to replace aging HVAC systems, redo roofs and upgrade security systems, requiring careful phasing and temporary housing moves inside the facility.
Warden Paul Williams said the HVAC replacement and roof recoding projects are underway, beginning with the Administration Building and continuing inside the secure facility. "We will need to move housing populations in order to be able to install the new units," Williams said, adding that contracted crews will work in affected areas and that staff will redeploy residents to maintain humane conditions.
Williams described a larger security-systems program — "security systems, communication devices, master control upgrades" — that will be carried out in 10 phases. Site mobilization for the security project is scheduled to start April 30, and phase 1 is expected to be the longest; officials tentatively identified a December 26, 2025 completion for phase 1 and described the remaining phases as two-month increments.
"This is our foundation for the larger work that's being done throughout the institution," Williams said, adding that the program covers panel control upgrades, cameras and master-control enhancements. He said staff training, staged testing, and union discussions about temporary posts and bid assignments are underway to keep operations and safety intact.
County Executive Director O'Malley told the board the projects are long overdue and acknowledged the likelihood of frustration during the work. "Not addressing these projects is not an option," O'Malley said, noting supply-chain delays and the age of existing systems.
Williams also described other current capital activity: the Farm Shop roofing and soffit work (the board separately considered supporting the county council approval of a bid award for that work), and an HVAC administration-roof project already underway. He said the jail will post alerts to its website and provide signage and briefings for staff and family members if projects will affect visits or operations.
Staffing and training developments were reported alongside the capital update. Williams noted recent internal promotions and new correctional officer classes, and he acknowledged coordinated training with the Philadelphia Department of Prisons and Temple Police for de-escalation and CERT instructor development.
Ending: Officials said the projects are expected to improve safety and reliability once completed but cautioned that careful phasing, additional temporary staffing and ongoing coordination with courts and external partners will be necessary during construction.
