During a recent listening session by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC), Cris Dush, Chairman of the Senate State Government Committee, emphasized his intention to use subpoena authority, if necessary, to prevent the closure of SCI Rockview and Quehanna Boot Camp. In a letter to DOC Secretary Laurel Harry, Dush requested information regarding the DOC steering committee members and the criteria used for the proposed closures.
“I am writing to express concern about the decision to close SCI Rockview and Quehanna Boot Camp,” stated Dush, who is also a retired state corrections officer. He highlighted that while DOC officials claimed SCI Rockview required maintenance work, his recent visit showed otherwise. Dush observed that many renovations were either completed or under contract, contradicting the rationale for closure.
“These revelations made me question the legitimacy of the steering committee’s findings,” said Dush, urging the DOC to provide answers. “The empirical evidence that conflicts with the department’s stated needs leads me, and many others, to believe that is not the case.”
Dush has set a deadline of May 2, 2025, for DOC’s response. He warned that failure to respond could lead to a State Government Committee hearing and potential subpoenas during the week of May 5, 2025.
Sen. Dush’s complete letter to Secretary Harry, including the full list of requested information, is available for review.
