In the near future, I plan to re-introduce legislation that will require overwatch towers in correctional institutions to be manned by staff during outdoor inmate movement. This legislation, formerly
SB 1304, was co-sponsored last session by Senators Pennycuick, Hutchinson, Argall, Stefano, Laughlin, Gebhard, J. Ward and Mastriano.
In our correctional institutions, overwatch towers play a crucial role in security. They provide a vantage point where an officer can safely watch prisoners and ensure the safety of their fellow staff and the inmates.
Many correctional institutions are attempting to pivot away from overwatch towers towards cameras. As a former corrections officer myself, it is obvious to me that these two methods of observation are not equal, however, if there is any uncertainty regarding the pitfalls of using cameras instead of a manned tower, here are a few considerations:
Cameras may not be actively monitored at all times. Watching all cameras at all times can be particularly difficult if there are multiple feeds and monitors to watch.
Cameras are susceptible to technical issues such as power outages, smudged lenses, computer glitches, and varying video quality.
A camera does not have the presence that an armed officer does and cannot act as a deterrent in the same way.
Most importantly, a camera cannot respond to an immediate threat, if one were to present itself. Consider a scenario where an inmate draws a concealed weapon to attack another inmate, threatening their life. When a scenario is life or death and the seconds count, having an officer nearby is that difference between life and death.
For these reasons and several others that affect the safety and well-being of inmates and staff, the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association strongly supports this legislation. I ask you to join me in sponsoring this important legislation to ensure the ongoing safety of our inmates and staff.