Press Release

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Westmoreland County Prison Warden, Dr. Bryan L. Kline, announces his resignation effective 10/02/23.  

Westmoreland County, September 25, 2023- “I  have enjoyed my time serving as the Warden of the Westmoreland County  Prison. During my time as the Warden and under my leadership, the  following items were accomplished beyond the care, custody, and control  of inmates: 

• Mental health treatment for WC Prison inmates increased through the addition of contracted services. 
• Medical Assisted Treatment Program, in partnership with PrimeCare Medical will be launched in October at the WC Prison. 
• The Wardens Advisory Committee was established, composed of WC Prison facility staff to provide operational recommendations to the WC Prison Warden. 
• Crisis Intervention Training program established for WC Prison Corrections Officers in conjunction with the Department of Justice to be launched in 2024.
• WC Prison Correctional Officers recruiting firm hired to fill vacancies. 
• Established a partnership with Westmoreland Community College to recruit graduates as new WC Prison employees. 
• A C.E.R.T team was re-established with Command Staff and Correctional Officers. 
• WC Prison Community Reintegration Program resources increased with the issuance of new tablet devices for a 1:1 ratio allowing inmates to work on programs that help them rejoin the community upon release. 
• A WC Prison COVID-19 Strategic Plan was developed for 24/7 continued operation. 
• Reentry Simulation Program provided, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, at the WC Prison that allowed decision-makers in the criminal justice field to experience the barriers that offenders experience upon release. 
• Recidivism of offenders declined through new programs that were implemented in the WC Prison. 
• A Preventative Maintenance Program was developed for the WC Prison. 
• WC Prison Officer Training Program is on the path to becoming a certified PA Department of Corrections training site. 
• Established monthly meetings with Torrance State Hospital and the County Behavioral Health Department regarding mental health needs at the WC Prison. 
• Facilitated the WC Prison transition with a new healthcare provider. 
• Initiated a reinvestment in the Stepping Up Initiative at the WC Prison, which will have a direct impact on individuals who are incarcerated who have a mental health diagnosis. 
• Implemented an inmate manipulation course at the WC Prison for Corrections Officers. 
• Approved three WC Prison command staff members to be trained as trainers in de-escalation tactics. 
• Started an open interview and agility test process to fill vacancies. 

Correction Officers are the unsung heroes in public safety, and I appreciate their hard work and their dedication to the profession. I have been honored with the opportunity to work alongside some of the finest administrative staff, command staff, and officers in the profession. I will be working in academia while continuing quantitative research as an Assistant Professor while finishing my publication. I will also continue to be available as a subject matter expert in the field of corrections and criminal justice, stated Westmoreland County Prison Warden, Dr. Bryan L. Kline.” 

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