Major Frazer Blake, Corrections Classification Program Manager (CCPM) Jim Stover and Captain Scott Carter traveled to the Erie Courthouse on September 26, to give a presentation to a group of judicial representatives. The group was comprised of judges, district attorneys, public defenders, private attorneys and the county victim advocate.
Nicole Sloane, a public defender, initially contacted Quehanna Boot Camp to request the presentation. Ms. Sloane stated, "I felt there was a need for some education about the Boot Camp program in Erie County."
CCPM Stover began the presentation by giving a general overview of the program and statistics of completion and recidivism. Next, Major Blake discussed statutory eligibility and the waiver process. Captain Carter rounded out the presentation by providing a vivid description of a typical day for a Boot Camp teammate and encouraged some audience participation.
The presentation was well received and has resulted in an increase in the number of inmates being made Boot Camp recommended at sentencing in Erie County. In 2018, Erie County referred 20 potential candidates to the Boot Camp ranking them in the top 10% of participating counties.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and the Pennsylvania Sentencing Commission, the Boot Camp program is an effective and efficient alternative to standardized incarceration. The Quehanna Boot Camp appreciates the opportunity to provide this educational session.