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Pennsylvania’s correctional policies played a major role in the development of penal systems throughout the world. Solitary confinement and religious penitence were primary components of the early “Pennsylvania System.” The “penitentiary” was the embodiment of this philosophy, begun in 1790 when reformers experimented with a limited penitentiary program at the Walnut Street Jail in Philadelphia. In 1829, the first true penitentiary in the world, Eastern State Penitentiary, was opened near what is now Fairmount Park in northwestern Philadelphia. Until the latter part of the 19th century, the Pennsylvania System was the model for corrections throughout the nation and was widely copied by countries overseas. “Old Eastern,” also known as Cherry Hill, was eventually closed by the Commonwealth in 1970.
In the 1920’s, Pennsylvania’s major prison facilities were placed under the
jurisdiction of the old Department of Welfare, along with mental health facilities
and juvenile institutions. A legislative investigation into major prison riots
at Pittsburgh and Rockview in 1952 led to legislation which established a separate
Bureau of Correction within the state Department of Justice to oversee reforms
and to operate the system. Governor John S. Fine signed the bill on August 31,
1953. In 1980, the State Attorney General became an elected rather than an appointed
position, and the Bureau was transferred from the Justice Department to the
newly created Office of General Counsel, within the Governor’s office. Four
years later, corrections was elevated to a departmental status through legislation
proposed and signed by Governor Dick Thornburgh. For related records dating
prior to 1984, please see the Bureau of
Correction within the Department of Justice (RG-15).
Last processing update: 5/4/2011, acc. #5319
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