Warden reports rising jail population, staffing shortfall and mental-health caseload; families press for evening visits

Warden Borden told the Chester County Prison Board on Jan. 21 that the jail’s average daily population in December 2025 was 721, up from 673 in December 2024, and that total population on Dec. 31 was 711. He reported zero juvenile detainees for the month, 124 central bookings in December, and year-to-date arrests of 1,736, of which 831 were released on bail and 899 were committed.

Borden described operational numbers including 2 state correctional transports for 13 individuals, 51 medical transports, one correctional emergency activation for noncompliant behavior, 85 major misconducts, and 19 inmates housed in district housing. He said the jail conducted 189 video-conference hearings in December, saving approximately $18,900; institutional programs served 169 participants. Borden reported 588 sick calls, that 57% of inmates are on medical medications, 51% on psychotropic medication and 8% on suicide watch; he said there are 99 inmates identified as seriously mentally ill (85 male, 14 female), and six referrals to mental-health court.

On staffing, Borden said four officers started Jan. 5 and four officers left as of Jan. 21, producing a net zero change, and reported “a shortage of 63 COs.” He said ongoing facility projects include yard enclosure work (pending steel delivery and weather), additional camera installation, interior upgrades including the Ulster Dining Room and a paused roof project that will resume when weather permits.

During public comment, Joseph Merck criticized the quality of jail food and called for greater procurement transparency, saying: "The food there is deplorable... I oppose that contract unless there's further reading about it." Chair Josh Maxwell offered to meet with Merck after the meeting to review procurement materials. Guido Giuntini, who identified himself as the father of an 18-year-old in the jail, asked the board to consider evening visitation for working families and said commissary prices felt higher than market rates; he also raised concerns about his son's access to services before adjudication.

The board approved routine HR items, contracts and grant submission during the same meeting. No formal board action on visitation policy or commissary pricing was recorded; the chair invited commenters to meet with staff for follow-up.