Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster County is embarking on the development of a new correctional facility in what is to become one of the largest projects in the County’s history. Numerous studies have determined the existing prison structures are well beyond their useful life. The original structure was built in 1851 and has not been used in the last 9 years. Since then, additional buildings were constructed in the 1960s – 1990s. Building, utility and mechanical systems throughout the complex are outdated and inadequate. Previous and ongoing maintenance costs for these buildings are significant and exceed any logical measure of a reasonable return on investment compared to a new structure. Further, the site is inadequate to accommodate the needs of a modern correctional facility.

A new site and a new facility will allow the County to modernize its approach to justice and confinement so those confined in the Lancaster County Correctional Facility will be better prepared to re-enter the community in a more productive manner. Further, a new site provides opportunities for movement, light, climate control, parking and visitation; programming opportunities such as education, support services and re-entry services; more opportunities for staff recruitment and retention; and a focus on prioritizing treatment using evidence-based programming to reduce recidivism.

The site is in Lancaster Township, just south of Lancaster City immediately adjacent to and south of the Greenwood Cemetery on the peninsula created by the Conestoga River. There is currently no public access to the site.

The Advisory Committee was formed by the Lancaster County Commissioners to advise county government on the construction of the LCCF. It is comprised of Lancaster County department leaders who will have direct involvement in various facets of the design and construction of the facility, from programming and operations to purchasing of goods and services and information technology. Additionally, the Commissioners solicited applications for two community member appointments; of 15 applications received, Commissioners appointed two community members with ties to neighborhood and community agencies and groups involved with individuals in the criminal justice system.

1. Create a safe and supportive environment for staff, inmates and the public
   1. Design areas for staff wellness, including sufficient workstations, training space and break areas
   2. Ensure staff, inmates and the public are safe and feel supported
   3. Plan for spaces to support special populations such as female, mental health and vulnerable ​
2. Focus programming to support the reduction of recidivism
   1. Set the tone and behavioral expectations at acceptance: preparation for community re-entry process starts at the intake process
   2. Improve access to justice system stakeholders to connect inmates to the community
   3. Provide flexible spaces that can support a variety of program opportunities​
3. Plan a facility that will serve the community well into the future
   1. Right-size housing units for operational adaptability and the populations served
   2. Allow for adaptability of design to incorporate future needs
   3. Integrate technology to advance and enhance operations, programs, facility maintenance and security​
4. Establish a positive community footprint
   1. Create a facility that is mindful of the surrounding community, including impacts related to building appearance, noise, light pollution and traffic
   2. Leverage the location for building, site and environmental sustainability ​
   3. Incorporate nature inside and outside the facility

The number of beds in the new facility has not been finalized. The County began the process of collecting information for the number of beds through data assembled during the Needs Assessment, conversations with judicial system stakeholders, and programming. The successful Design Team, working with the County’s Owner’s Representative, will use this information to prepare bed count options for the County to consider.

The number of beds in the new facility has not been finalized. The initial estimate of 1,200 beds used in the previous RFP, #22-005, was an initial estimate made prior to the completion of the Needs Assessment and justice system stakeholder conversations. The new facility will include housing that is right-sized with space for educational resources and social services programs—all aimed at making our community better by reducing recidivism and helping prepare individuals to re-enter society as law abiding and productive citizens.