It is time for the inhumane treatment of the Lancaster county inmate population to end today.

Lancaster County Prison houses it inmates in extremely harsh conditions. The prison currently has no Air conditioning for the general population. Only two units have access to AC. During these hot months the building can reach to temperatures north of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a poor working condition for the staff as well. It is unacceptable environment for the inmates. And quite honestly it’s not acceptable for any human being who is in the custody and care of a government entity. Our animal shelters in Lancaster have air conditioning. The prison houses our most vulnerable populations as well with people  under the age of 18, individuals with medical conditions, and at times has a steady community of individuals over the age of 60. 

We are also in the midst of Global pandemic where potentially sick Covid patients are comprised at LCP and are quarentined in an institution that is not conducive to potential medical needs.  This outlined below in from LancasterOnline article on 6/29/2020

“An inmate at Lancaster County Prison was found dead Sunday evening, according to a press release from the Lancaster County Commissioners.

Luis Ortiz-Velazquez, 71, was found unresponsive in his cell at 8:53 P.M. Sunday evening, according to the news release. Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

The release did not say the death was COVID-19 related and said it is still under investigation. 

Warden Cheryl Steberger said the inmate was being housed in the isolation unit where new inmates who are showing signs of infection are taken, but added that inmates are taken there when they show any symptoms, such as a cough, and that it does not necessarily mean he had the coronavirus. 

County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni said Tuesday the result of a COVID-19 test was negative.”

Most of the inmates are still awaiting trial. These American Citizens are facing cruel conditions in the custody of Lancaster county. The majority of the population has not been sentenced and are still legally innocent under the US constitution. 

Will you sign this petition today tasking the Lancaster County commissioners office with ending the cruel and unusual punishment of American citizens?