Opportunity
for Change
Our Mission
The Berks County Correctional Facility provides secure, safe and compassionate confinement of the temporarily incarcerated. We accomplish this by providing cost-efficient services focusing on rehabilitation, recidivism reduction and social restoration with an emphasis on education and self-improvement. Through evidence-based programming, those confined are more prepared to re-enter the community as law-abiding and productive citizens.
THE CHALLENGE
In the past 10 years, criminal justice trends across the country have changed greatly, and the County of Berks’ approach to justice and confinement has also been modernized.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The County of Berks Board of Commissioners recommend the evaluation of a new facility. Â Based on an assessment and forecast of the population, an understanding of current judicial system trends and a thorough study of the existing facility, it will be significantly more cost-effective to build a new facility rather than renovate the existing one. With more efficient, sustainable space for employees, visitors and the temporarily incarcerated, as well as flexible space for rehabilitation and education, those confined in the Berks County Correctional Facility will be better prepared to re-enter the community in a more productive manner.
Steering Committee Meetings
The Steering Committee meets on Thursdays at 1 pm. The meetings are open to the public and held in person only at the Berks County Services Center, 633 Court Street, 13th Floor – Commissioners’ Boardroom, Reading, PA 19601. Agendas will be provided at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.
Needs Assessment
 A needs assessment aids in decision making for long-term capacity requirements by taking into account industry norms and county-specific information.
Programming
Programming for the Berks County Correctional Facility will provide further information to accurately meet the goals and objectives by providing more detailed data around what the building should include.
Procurement
An in-depth evaluation will help determine the best construction approach based on the financial and project management strategy assessed by the county. How the project is to be procured and developed will be decided at a later date in the process.
PROJECT TIMELINE
Criminal Justice Master Plan
- Creating a long-term plan for operational effectiveness to allow the County to make decisions on policies and programs to meet criminal justice system needs.
Project Delivery Workshop
- Understanding best methods for financing and procurement of a new facility.
Organizational Review and Facility Condition Assessment
- Assessing the jail’s current organizational structure to determine if it is aligned with best practices and whether it efficiently supports the jail’s mission.Â
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Identifying visually apparent deficiencies in the buildings and developing a cost basis for repair, upgrade, or replacement.
Needs Assessment Update
- Aiding in decision making for long-term capacity requirements by taking into account industry norms and county-specific information.
Programming
- Defining project goals and defining types and square footage of spaces in the new facility.
Population Reduction Exploration
- Assessing ways the criminal justice system collectively could aid in future population reduction.
