Petition to Erie County Council: 

We, the undersigned residents, community stakeholders, advocates, formerly incarcerated individuals, service providers, and concerned citizens of Erie County, Pennsylvania, respectfully petition the Erie County Council to rescind the vote approving Ordinance #23-2026, directly resulting in the transfer  of the Erie County Re-entry Services and Support Alliance (ECRSSA) to the authority of Erie County Probation.

The decision to move ECRSSA under probation was advanced and approved without adequate public discussion, transparency, or meaningful community engagement. A matter of this magnitude directly impacts re-entry services, justice-involved individuals, families, service providers, and the broader Erie County community. Such decisions should not be made without allowing the public the opportunity to be heard.

ECRSSA was established to support successful re-entry, reduce recidivism, strengthen families, and connect individuals returning from incarceration with community-based support and resources. Many residents are concerned that placing ECRSSA under probation could fundamentally alter its mission, independence, and community-centered approach.

We therefore respectfully demand the following:

That Erie County Council immediately rescind or suspend the vote transferring ECRSSA to Erie County Probation. 
That Erie County Council hold public hearings and community forums before any future action regarding the structure, oversight, or governance of ECRSSA. 
That impacted individuals, community organizations, advocates, service providers, and Erie County residents be given a meaningful opportunity to provide input and recommendations. 
That all future discussions, proposals, and votes concerning ECRSSA be conducted with full transparency and adequate public notice. 
That Erie County Council prioritizes equitable representation and community collaboration in decisions affecting criminal justice reform and re-entry services. The people of Erie County deserve a voice in decisions that affect public trust, rehabilitation, re-entry support, and community safety. Transparency, accountability, and public participation are essential to maintaining confidence in local government and ensuring that re-entry services remain focused on rehabilitation and community support rather than expanded supervision and control.

We urge Erie County Council to listen to the concerns of the community and reopen this process in a fair, transparent, and inclusive manner.