Westmoreland commissioners are standing by the county's prison warden after a spate of disturbing incidents at the lockup.
Our question, previously raised, is what do they have to lose by conducting an independent review of prison operationsâ¢
Since April, three prisoners have been mistakenly released. There have been allegations of personal relationships between prison staff and inmates. And now there are charges that five prison guards misused sick days to enjoy a golf outing.
To his credit, Warden John Walton over the past three years has worked to reduce inmate suicides while also getting the taxpayers a return on cell space rentals. But some serious flags have been raised.
We're not suggesting a witch-hunt but an examination of prison operations with an eye toward improvements.
This year alone the county prison will cost taxpayers $14.1 million. An evaluation of that investment, in light of recent events, shouldn't be a stretch for anyone.
There already is one investigation ongoing, begun by District Attorney John Peck, into allegations that a prison lieutenant had a relationship with a female inmate and whether any institutional crimes were committed.
By the very nature of the job, there are bound to be problems in any prison's daily operation. On this point everyone agrees. Given recent episodes, a third-party review would be in everyone's interest.
