Bryan L. Kline YOUR Westmoreland County Clerk of Courts
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In the News

Case involving Westmoreland register of wills raises unusual legal issues, expert says

Western Pa. jail leaders weigh in on security in wake of recent Pennsylvania jail breaks

Case involving Westmoreland register of wills raises unusual legal issues, expert says

 

It’s a notion that elected officials must consider, said Bryan Kline, who served as Westmore­land County’s elected clerk of courts for 10 years.

“You’re always responsible when a court order is handed down by a judge. You have to follow that. You take an oath of office, and it’s your responsibility for everything that happens in that office,” Kline said.

Elected officials, he said, have the primary responsibility to delegate and oversee staff to make sure required benchmarks are met.

“When you assume one of these roles, you accept responsibility for the office,” Kline said.

Jails, police departments need to address losses in leadership

Western Pa. jail leaders weigh in on security in wake of recent Pennsylvania jail breaks

Case involving Westmoreland register of wills raises unusual legal issues, expert says

 “We definitely have an urgent need for corrections officers,” Warden  Bryan Kline said in November 2022, when he was advocating for $500  sign-on bonuses for new hires and $500 bonuses to existing employees for  referrals.

One more position is open at the prison now. Kline resigned Monday in  a last-minute prison board decision following a short executive  session. 

Kline, who became warden in January 2021 after the retirement of John Walton, isn’t going to another prison job.  He is opting to pursue academia instead. He recently completed his doctorate. 

Western Pa. jail leaders weigh in on security in wake of recent Pennsylvania jail breaks

Western Pa. jail leaders weigh in on security in wake of recent Pennsylvania jail breaks

Western Pa. jail leaders weigh in on security in wake of recent Pennsylvania jail breaks

Bryan Kline, who has been warden of the Westmoreland County Prison for more than two years, said he’

 Bryan Kline, who has been warden of the Westmoreland County Prison  for more than two years, said he’s coping with staff shortages. At full  capacity, he should have 159 correctional officers. There are currently  34 vacancies.

There are multiple reasons for the shortages, but one is that once  some officers hit the floor of a prison or jail, they realize they’re  not cut out for the career, Mr. Kline said.

For those who do work in the field, Warden Kline said, thinking about  safety and security is a constant part of the job — not just after  events like the one in Chester County.

“Our senses are always heightened, so it doesn’t take an event like  that to bolster your security,” he said. “You should always take a  proactive approach on security.”

Prison board recommits to mental health initiative

Westmoreland County unveils 1st phase of opioid settlement spending plan

Western Pa. jail leaders weigh in on security in wake of recent Pennsylvania jail breaks

According to Kline, it is  expected the program will assist the prison in offering support to inmates both while incarcerated and upon release.

As  of Monday’s report, Kline said 9% of inmates are currently prescribed  psychotropic medications. Since PrimeCare Medical, Inc., which provides  medical care at the prison, began working at the jail, the number of  inmates on those types of medication has dropped from 400 to 49.

Westmoreland County unveils 1st phase of opioid settlement spending plan

Westmoreland County unveils 1st phase of opioid settlement spending plan

Westmoreland County unveils 1st phase of opioid settlement spending plan

 $239,738 for medication-assisted treatment at the Westmoreland County  Prison. That is the same amount that was included in a July 2022 $20.9  million contract with PrimeCare Medical Inc. of Harrisburg to provide  those services.

The program will allow incarcerated people to use suboxone or  methadone medication, which helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms for  people with opioid dependence.

Warden Kline said "We are looking forward to starting an MAT program at the County Prison which has been a priority of mine, as we start to address key crimogenic factors that lead to recidivism."

In the News

Westmoreland County Prison looks to hire corrections officers

Westmoreland County Prison looks to hire corrections officers

Westmoreland County Prison looks to hire corrections officers

"It's  a great place to work," Warden Bryan Kline said. "You're helping people  put their best foot forward upon release. One of the main of  corrections is to rehabilitate offenders."

Kline said the prison  has 29 full-time officer positions available, and officials are looking  to fill them all. Like many places, the Hempfield Township facility is  short-staffed and needs new guards. 

"You get a county pension,  county health care, starts at $17.72 an hour," Kline said. "And after  1,923 hours of employment, you're up to $23.75. Lots of overtime  available."



Westmoreland prison puts out the call for 29 guards

Westmoreland County Prison looks to hire corrections officers

Westmoreland County Prison looks to hire corrections officers

  “We definitely have an urgent need for corrections officers,” Warden Bryan Kline said during a prison board meeting this week.

Kline said the county has made “significant progress” in reducing the  number of vacancies since he was hired in February 2021, but it remains  an issue. The county has 158 corrections officers to guard 496 inmates,  Kline said.impacts our  district,” Kline said.

Editorial: Corrections officers are key to a successful jail

Westmoreland County Prison looks to hire corrections officers

Editorial: Corrections officers are key to a successful jail

  Like teachers, police officers and truck drivers, these are jobs that  are vital to daily life. It isn’t just that the law-abiding residents  and visitors of Westmoreland County need to be kept safe. The inmates at  the jail do, too. Every county facility includes not just those  sentenced to short stays behind bars. It also has the care and  safekeeping of people accused of crimes who are awaiting trial. 

Penn-Trafford to explore school mergers, new construction

Westmoreland County inks $20.9M contract for prison inmate medical care

Editorial: Corrections officers are key to a successful jail

 School board member Bryan Kline said both studies have been in the works for some time as the district continues to grow.

“The demographics in Penn-Trafford are changing with all the building  that is going on. We need to study it and see how it impacts our  district,” Kline said.

Westmoreland County inks $20.9M contract for prison inmate medical care

Westmoreland County inks $20.9M contract for prison inmate medical care

Westmoreland County inks $20.9M contract for prison inmate medical care

 Warden Bryan Kline said the additional costs come with enhanced services for mental health treatment.

About 70% of inmates at the jail have mental health needs, Kline said.

“There will be additional staffing and increased mental health services,” Kline said.

Negotiations continue for new medical contract at Westmoreland jail

Westmoreland County inks $20.9M contract for prison inmate medical care

Westmoreland County inks $20.9M contract for prison inmate medical care

Warden Bryan Kline said 108 inmates who entered the jail in May  underwent detox for drugs and alcohol, including 87 who were addicted to  opiates such as heroin. The detox process requires inmates to be  monitored as they go through withdrawal.

Nine new incarcerated inmates last month had prescriptions for  suboxone and methadone, but, under existing policy, they were not  eligible to receive that medication in the jail.

“This is something that is needed, and it’s been one of my  priorities,” Kline said. “There’s a continuity of care that needs to  exist. I’m of an opinion they need to continue these medications in  jail.”.

Westmoreland prison dog pulled from service over anxiety issues

Westmoreland courthouse construction project prompts revision to bail payment process

Westmoreland courthouse construction project prompts revision to bail payment process

Warden Bryan Kline said the county has spent about $5,500 to train  and care for Kira. The dog initially was purchased with funds  administered by the district attorney’s office from money seized as part  of drug investigations.

“We will continue the program and are looking to get another drug dog,” Kline said.

Westmoreland courthouse construction project prompts revision to bail payment process

Westmoreland courthouse construction project prompts revision to bail payment process

Westmoreland courthouse construction project prompts revision to bail payment process

 Since the change, only three inmates have paid at the jail.

“With technology, bail can also be posted online,” Kline said.

Editorial: Less recidivism requires more preparation for inmates

Westmoreland courthouse construction project prompts revision to bail payment process

Editorial: Less recidivism requires more preparation for inmates

Westmoreland County Prison Warden Bryan Kline said that as of Monday there are 21 COVID cases.

 Westmoreland County Prison is attempting to address the issue through preparation and support. On Monday, Warden Bryan Kline announced a program with Peerstar LLC of Altoona to take inmates within three months of release and work with them on life skills they will need when they return to the community. 

Warden Kline recommends to hire firm to help reduce recidivism

Editorial: Less recidivism requires more preparation for inmates

 Warden Bryan Kline said Monday at the county prison board meeting, where the agreement was approved. An advantage of this program is that it will continue to help those held in the Hempfield jail “to be reintegrated into the community” after they are free, Kline said.

Westmoreland jail sees coronavirus cases ease in recent days

Westmoreland County Prison Warden Bryan Kline said that as of Monday there are 21 COVID cases.

 Westmoreland County  Prison Warden Bryan Kline said that as of Monday there are 21 current  coronavirus infections at the jail but no additional cases have been  reported since late last week. Kline said the last inmate to test  positive for the virus was on Dec. 17. “It’s getting better,” Kline said  Monday after a meeting of the county’s prison board. 

Westmoreland County Prison looks to hire corrections officers

  

Warden Bryan Kline will conduct the interviews and agility tests at  9:30 a.m. Jan. 9 at the county prison, off Route 119 in Hempfield.

The board approved the hiring of 13 corrections officers Monday, after candidates were interviewed earlier this month.

Kline said at November’s prison board meeting that the prison needed  to hire 29 corrections officers. The prison had about 160 corrections  officers, prior to Monday’s hiring spurt.

In the News

Editorial: More access means more vaccines?

Westmoreland jail moves to in-house covid-19 shots

Westmoreland jail moves to in-house covid-19 shots

 On Monday, Warden Bryan Kline  said Wexford Health Services Inc., the county prison’s medical provider,  has been granted permission to administer covid-19 vaccinations.  Officials see this as a potential way to increase the vaccination rate  for county inmates.   

Westmoreland jail moves to in-house covid-19 shots

Westmoreland jail moves to in-house covid-19 shots

Westmoreland jail moves to in-house covid-19 shots

 The jail has held vaccination clinics every six weeks with doses  provided by a local pharmacy. Inmates received the two-dose Pfizer  vaccine and as a result some inmates had rejected the shots saying they  didn’t expect to be at the jail for their second shot, Kline said.  

Kline wins School Director

Westmoreland jail moves to in-house covid-19 shots

Westmoreland Jail Virus Free

 Kline and the incumbents beat out write-in candidates Danielle Lang  (Region I), Malissa Chaplick (Region II) and Anthony Zona (Region III).  However, until certified results are tabulated, their exact totals are  not known.  

Westmoreland Jail Virus Free

Attorneys hoping for bond in case of homeless man charged with Murrysville arson

Westmoreland Jail Virus Free

  Kline said 128 inmates, about 24% of the facility’s population, are  fully vaccinated for the coronavirus. Another vaccination clinic for  inmates will be conducted in mid October, Kline said.  

Attorneys hoping for bond in case of homeless man charged with Murrysville arson

Attorneys hoping for bond in case of homeless man charged with Murrysville arson

Attorneys hoping for bond in case of homeless man charged with Murrysville arson

  “I’m currently reviewing all policies, and that’s one that I’m taking a look at,” Kline said.   

COVID cases slow at Westmoreland Jail

Attorneys hoping for bond in case of homeless man charged with Murrysville arson

Attorneys hoping for bond in case of homeless man charged with Murrysville arson

 Warden Bryan Kline said just 13 active cases of the virus remained at  the Hempfield lockup, less than a week after the facility saw as many as  29 inmates with new infections.  

In-person visits set to resume at Westmoreland prison as inmate vaccinations begin

In-person visits set to resume at Westmoreland prison as inmate vaccinations begin

In-person visits set to resume at Westmoreland prison as inmate vaccinations begin

 Inmates have been limited to video visits with friends and family as the  coronavirus surged through the community and inside the Hempfield  lockup. Warden Bryan Kline said starting June 1, the facility will move  to more normal operations with the resumption of several in-house social  service programs.  

Help wanted: Westmoreland County seeks applicants for vacant jobs

In-person visits set to resume at Westmoreland prison as inmate vaccinations begin

In-person visits set to resume at Westmoreland prison as inmate vaccinations begin

 Applicants for vacant guard jobs have lagged over the past several  months. Warden Bryan Kline said the hiring period for guard candidates  saw just three applicants show up for a required agility test. Just one  person passed the test but declined a job offer, Kline said. 

Westmoreland County Prison inmates may be compensated for getting a vaccine

In-person visits set to resume at Westmoreland prison as inmate vaccinations begin

Westmoreland County Prison inmates may be compensated for getting a vaccine

 “This is not taxpayer money. What it is,” Westmoreland County Prison  Warden Bryan Kline explained. “There’s the inmate canteen fund. It’s  coming out of that. Families deposit money on their books like food  candy clothing, and that money is put into the canteen fund.” 

Westmoreland County to pay jail inmates to get covid vaccine

County inmates to get commissary incentive to receive COVID-19 vaccine

Westmoreland County Prison inmates may be compensated for getting a vaccine

 Warden Bryan Kline said it’s unclear when the vaccination program will  begin but the incentives are expected to entice a significant number  inmates to receive the shots when they become available. Inmates will  receive the full $25 credit for vaccinations, unlike other financial  deposits, which are docked by 50% to pay for room and board expenses and  court costs. 

County inmates to get commissary incentive to receive COVID-19 vaccine

County inmates to get commissary incentive to receive COVID-19 vaccine

County inmates to get commissary incentive to receive COVID-19 vaccine

 The prison board on Monday  approved offering $25 in credit at the prison’s commissary to inmates  who receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Kline said the incentive would be  funded through the prison’s canteen fund, not taxpayer dollars. 

Tablets for all at Westmoreland County Prison

County inmates to get commissary incentive to receive COVID-19 vaccine

County inmates to get commissary incentive to receive COVID-19 vaccine

  “We only allow inmates to have them certain times a day,” Kline said of  the tablets. Inmates will be issued tablets in the mornings, after  breakfast, and must return them by 9 p.m. They cannot remain overnight  with the inmates, the warden said. 

In the News

Positive coronavirus cases reported at Westmoreland jail, courthouse

Positive coronavirus cases reported at Westmoreland jail, courthouse

 In-person visitation has been prohibited for the past year. Some guards  have gotten vaccinated and Kline praised correction officers and the medical staff for handling the outbreak on a daily basis. 

Coronavirus cases slow at Westmoreland County Prison

Positive coronavirus cases reported at Westmoreland jail, courthouse

 

Warden Bryan Kline said Monday there were 20 active cases among the  495 inmates lodged in the Hempfield lockup, down about 47%, from 38  cases just one week ago. 

“It’s something that’s uncontrollable, but we’re trying,” Kline said. 

Kline to resign as Clerk of Courts on Feb. 19, begin new job as jail warden

Kline to resign as Clerk of Courts on Feb. 19, begin new job as jail warden

 “We will look at evidence-based practices that are effective and  hopefully we will have the ability to incorporate some of those  programs,” Kline said. “Obviously, there is a price tag to do that on  the front end, but there will be a savings on the back end.” 

Kline favored for vacant Westmoreland jail warden job

Kline to resign as Clerk of Courts on Feb. 19, begin new job as jail warden

 “I am honored that I have the confidence of the prison board, and the  details have not been finalized yet,” said Kline, noting he has not  officially accepted the job and salary negotiations are ongoing. “I am  not making any declarations on my future role as Clerk of Courts at this  time.” 

Westmoreland Clerk of Courts to close offices noon to 1 p.m. daily for sanitizing

Westmoreland Clerk of Courts to close offices noon to 1 p.m. daily for sanitizing

 

“We have had another surge of covid in the office with staff,” Kline  said. “We will continue to operate by appointment only and will be  closed daily from 12-1 for cleaning for the foreseeable future.

“I encourage everyone to download the new mobile application in the Apple and Android store for Clerk of Courts services.”

Tighter restrictions implemented at courthouse following coronavirus spike

Westmoreland Clerk of Courts to close offices noon to 1 p.m. daily for sanitizing

 

   

“We’ve had an increase in the office and an increase in the community.  So, it is being done to protect the staff and the citizens that come  into the office,” said Kline.

 

The clerk of courts was the first office in the county to restrict  access, requiring the public to make an appointment before entering.

Westmoreland County Clerk of Courts enhancing cleaning protocols

Westmoreland County Clerk of Courts enhancing cleaning protocols

 

Officials are trying to limit traffic in the courthouse to prevent  the spread of COVID-19. It's an experience Kline and his family all  lived through.

"We saw the impact first-hand of how it affects  people," Kline said. "We've all been affected one way or another and  we're just trying to provide these services to the public."

Westmoreland Clerk of Courts Launches Smartphone App

Westmoreland County Clerk of Courts enhancing cleaning protocols

 Clerk of Courts Bryan Kline said the app, which is specific to  Westmoreland County, will enable the public to search criminal court  documents and make court payments for restitution and fines on mobile  devices. 

Clerk of Courts, Bryan Kline test positive for COVID

 Kline, the county’s three-term Republican clerk of courts, said he was  diagnosed late last week with the virus and has experienced significant  symptoms, including a temperature that reached 104 degrees.  

Clerk of Courts office moves to appointment only due to COVID

 “My staff operations are limited” and Kline said he is trying to reduce  the amount of foot traffic into the courthouse office. He declined to  say how many employees were affected. 

Kline saves your tax dollars again

Kline saves your tax dollars again

 Kline said the change could generate nearly $30,000 in savings to county  taxpayers. His office processed nearly $1.6 million in credit card  payments last year, he said. 

Kline does not agree with pay raise

Kline saves your tax dollars again

 Clerk of Courts Bryan Kline said he opposed the raise for his deputy.

“I felt a raise would have been better served for my union employees because employee retention is an issue,” Kline said.

In the News

Pennsylvania State Association of the Prothonotaries and Clerks of Courts

 

Westmoreland Clerk of Courts Bryan Kline reappointed to state association board

Westmoreland County collects more than $100k in owed court fees through tax returns

 The Westmoreland County Clerk of Courts office this year collected more  than $100,800 under a new program that diverts state tax refunds from  criminal defendants who owe court costs, fees and restitution.  

Owed money? In Westmoreland, some will get restitution on prepaid debit cards from criminal court do

 Between 50 and 100 crime victims will be selected to receive a prepaid  debit card as part of a four-month initial phase of the program in a  partnership with CourtFunds, said Bryan Kline, clerk of courts. The  program could be expanded to other crime victims in the county if the  initial phase works well, he said. 

Westmoreland hikes fees to remove some records from criminal court dockets

Westmoreland hikes fees to remove some records from criminal court dockets

 

“It’s a big increase, but taxpayers should  not be funding the court system. People involved in the court system  should be funding it,” Kline said. 



Westmoreland Clerk of Courts to run for State House

Westmoreland hikes fees to remove some records from criminal court dockets

Westmoreland Clerk of Courts to run for State House

 “I'm running for state representative to take my fight on behalf of  taxpayers to Harrisburg,” Kline said. “As clerk of courts for  Westmoreland County, I developed programs that have not only saved  taxpayer money but collected court fees, fines and restitution to ensure  that victims of crimes are made whole again. I have a proven track  record of conservative reform and results.”  

Keep Kline

Westmoreland hikes fees to remove some records from criminal court dockets

Westmoreland Clerk of Courts to run for State House

 Bryan's office modeled the best practices advocated by the task force,  including suspension of driver's licenses for failure to pay (more than  500 to date), accepting credit-card payments online and partnering with  the bench to establish a collections court.  

Kline seeks third term as clerk of courts

Clean Slate law offers offenders a fresh start without public criminal record

 “During the last eight years, I have protected the rights of crime  victims, while fighting for the hard working taxpayers of Westmoreland  County. We continue to use the programs that I have developed to collect  court fees, fines, and restitution to ensure that the crime victims are  made financially whole again,” said Kline, 35, of Penn Township.  

Clean Slate law offers offenders a fresh start without public criminal record

Clean Slate law offers offenders a fresh start without public criminal record

Pennsylvania state court officials are preparing a massive initiative  that could pave the way for courts across the country to offer people  convicted of minor offenses a fresh start outside the shadow of their  past. 

Criminal defendants to pay fee

Criminal defendants to pay fee

Clerk of Courts Bryan Kline said on Friday that an additional $11.50  will be assessed to defendants at the conclusion of their cases to pay  for administrative costs.   

In the News......

Westmoreland defendants to pay fee and not the tax payers

Westmoreland defendants to pay fee and not the tax payers

Westmoreland defendants to pay fee and not the tax payers

 “The culture has changed and we are becoming a cashless society, and the  demand for these services has increased. The convenience fee for  services like these are widely accepted by the consumers, more so today  than in the past. I feel that these fees should not be a burden to the  taxpayers and should be incurred by the defendants,” Kline said.  

Kline Develops Inmate Deduction Program

Westmoreland defendants to pay fee and not the tax payers

Westmoreland defendants to pay fee and not the tax payers

 The board on Monday unanimously approved an idea proposed by Clerk of  Courts Bryan Kline that will permit county prison officials to deduct  money from personal accounts of inmates to pay toward their fines, court  costs and restitution. Deductions can be taken only from prisoners who  are formally sentenced.     


 “I think restitution to crime victims should be a priority,” Kline told the board.     


Kline's program is a success!

Westmoreland defendants to pay fee and not the tax payers

Restitution payments top record in Westmoreland County

 Clerk of Courts Bryan Kline said on Tuesday that his year-old program to  collect cash for the court system brought in an additional $600,000  last year. 

Restitution payments top record in Westmoreland County

Restitution payments top record in Westmoreland County

 Collection of restitution payments owed to crime victims and court costs  paid to the government topped more than $6.1 million last year in  Westmoreland County to set a record high, according to Clerk of Courts  Bryan Kline 

Restitution payments in Westmoreland County on the rise

 Collections of unpaid costs, fines and restitution have steadily  increased since Kline took office in 2009. He implemented a system in  which defendants who have missed payments are summoned to a hearing.  Kline said he hopes to collect $6 million in 2014.  

Wait for restitution payments can be long for some crime victims

 Bryan Kline,  Westmoreland County’s clerk of courts, who served on the  Restitution in Pennsylvania Task Force, said he requires all defendants  to appear at an administrative hearing. If they fail to show up or stick  to a payment plan, they’re found in contempt of court.   .

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