As a  health precaution, Delaware County officials have been reducing the inmate population of the George W. Hill Correctional Facility during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The prison population is now at an historic low, 1,387, compared to the benchmark figure, 1,880.

Currently, a total of three inmates and nine staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 at the facility.

The inmates are isolated and inmates with known exposures but showing no symptoms are grouped together. The staff are isolated at home.

The Delaware County courts, law enforcement agencies and the Criminal Defense Bar are working collaboratively on the situation.

“While we have had positive tests for the virus among both the staff and the inmate population, we have taken steps, led by our partners at the Chester County Health Department, to mitigate the dangers,” said County Councilman Kevin Madden, chairman of the County’s Jail Oversight Board. “A reduced headcount allows staff more operational flexibility to prevent the spread of the virus,” Madden said.

District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said the following measures have been taken:

• Expedited plea bargains for nearly 100 individuals this week sentenced to time served.
• Expedited video conference hearings this week for more than 50 inmates incarcerated for violations of probation or parole.
• Created an early parole program initiated by the President Judge.
• Created a Reparole Review Program initiated by the President Judge as part of the Court’s intensive review program to see if persons incarcerated for probation violations are eligible for early release.
• Issued a standing recommendation from the District Attorney to all Magistrate Judges for release on own recognizance (ROR) bail for all new arrestees who do not present a threat to the community.
• The Court suspended the partial confinement program for low level offenders.
• In an effort to mitigate the isolation of inmates due to reduced visitation during the pandemic, each inmate is now permitted two free phone calls a week.

Until the current crisis ends, the courts are scheduling expedited video hearing lists for inmates and attorneys. The district attorney’s office is also remaining open to accepting guilty pleas and handling arraignments, Stollsteimer said.

“Everyone involved in these decisions is acutely aware of the need to strike the right balance between ensuring public safety while simultaneously ensuring the safety of defendants, their attorneys, and the staff that oversees the criminal justice system in Delaware County,” Stollsteimer stated.

[uam_ad id=”62465″]