There are many policies, procedures and standards already in place that would cover this situation.  Many of these are set forth by Professional Correctional Accrediting agencies such as; The National Commission on Correctional Health Care and the American Correctional Association. These agencies provide operating standards that are the nationally accepted “best practices” . The Commonwealth already has a procedure in place that addresses how correctional standards are to be developed and modified. This procedure involves the Jail Operations Minimum Standards Committee. They gain input from experts in the field such as; The National Commission on Correctional Health Care and the American Correctional Association. They also gain information that is creditable and factual. By not allowing the Jail Operations Minimum Standards Committee to address this issue we are opening the door for a standard that is based on speculation and emotions instead of facts and best practices.

I would strongly urge the Commonwealth to allow the Jail Operations Minimum Standards Committee, with the input of the Sheriffs and Superintendents, to develop or modify a current standard to cover this situation.