SCI-Albion

[jenpalmer71]

SCI-Albion
10745 Route 18
Albion, PA 16475-0001
(814)756-5778

The State Correctional Institution at Albion is located in Erie County, one mile south of Albion, Pennsylvania, on Route 18. It is one of five (5) prototypes designed and constructed by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections in the mid 1990's. It was constructed as a cooperative venture between Pennsylvania and the County of Erie. The County developed a prison authority, floated the bonds, and built the facility on a fast track basis to state specifications. The state pays for the bonded indebtedness on a monthly basis. The facility was constructed as a 1,000-cell medium security institution to house adult male offenders.

The facility occupies approximately 290 acres; 63 acres are with a double-fenced enclosure. The 14-foot fences are topped with razor ribbon and man-barrier wire. There is an electronic perimeter alarm system, a television surveillance, and roving perimeter security personnel. Within the compound are ten (10) housing units; a large multi-use building that contains food services, education, chapel, medical, correctional industries, offices, and a number of ancillary services; and administrative services. This facility has specialized units for sex offenders, drug and alcohol offenders, and inmates with special needs (physical and mental health). There is also a unit designated for inmates who read below the eighth grade level, offering tutors to help them improve their reading skills. Outside the compound, a large building houses the garage and power plant and another serves as the facility warehouse. There are two (2) trailers that serve the firing range and the Special Response Team. There is a large field house. The housing buildings are organized as units with a Unit Manager for each. An elaborate classification system includes a restricted/segregation housing unit; several devoted to treatment needs (substance abuse, handicapped, job assignment designations); and risk designations. Though the facility is designated medium security, it houses a number of close security offenders. There are 2,128 inmates housed in the facility. The staff complement numbers 565 persons.

The design and location of the facility gives a very pleasing appearance to the institution. The buildings are of block construction with a muted dolomite, granite color. Paint schemes are very appropriate. Landscaping reflects excellent planning. Maintenance and upkeep is an obvious high priority.

Since the opening in 1993, there have been several improvements and additions to the facility.

Key Staff

Marilyn S. Brooks, Superintendent

Joyce K. Wilkes, Deputy Superintendent for Centralized Services

Michael W. Harlow, Deputy Superintendent for Facilities Management

Robert McCarthy, Business Manager

William Barr, Superintendent's Assistant