Delaware Department of Correction officials met with families whose loved ones have been transferred to Pennsylvania prisons - or soon could be.
The families vented their frustration with DOC’s plan to move up to 330 inmates across the state line. DOC officials say it’s a temporary measure in response to a shortage of correctional officers.
Some family members argue the transfers seem to be retribution for filing lawsuits against correctional officers. Family members also complain they’ve lost contact with their loved ones since they’ve been transferred.
Joseph Crumpler is one of several inmates suing the state over his treatment. He was recently moved to Pennsylvania and his mother Sharon Osborn said her struggles with lupus and cancer make it difficult for her to see her son for Christmas, even if he’s allowed visitors.
“But what I’m saying is people like me who’s handicapped," she said. "How am I supposed to go way up to Camp Hill? How am I supposed to get there, even though I drive? My legs aren’t going to make no two-hour drive.”
Bureau of Prisons Chief Steven Wesley said he doesn’t know why someone with pending litigation would be transferred, but DOC is allowing some on a case-by-case basis.
DOC officials say about 150 of the more than 300 inmates they plan to move to Pennsylvania have already been transferred. They say it’s a two-year plan to reduce a correctional officer shortage and turn the probation center in Smyrna into a large drug treatment facility.
Wesley said creating the drug treatment center is the key to DOC’s strategy to staff up Delaware prisons. He says he’s hopeful it can be done within two years.
“Once that building, the CVOP conversion is complete and we have lowered the vacancy rate, then we can start bringing folks back,” he said.
Delaware has the option to extend its agreement with Pennsylvania after two years.
