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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Monday, September 09, 2024

NorCo Courts to End Private Security Contract at JJC

On August 26, I told you that NorCo's courts have spent $344k of your money for a private security contract at the juvenile justice center. Plagued by a statewide staffing crisis at juvenile detention facilities, PJ Craig Dally entered into a no-bid contract with Corporate Protective Services. He did so without the Executive assent required by the county's Home Rule Charter (Section 302(4)).

In my original report, I called them "glorified security guards." But I've since learned that's inaccurate. These youth care workers were, in fact, vetted on three levels to ensure they meet the rigorous standards of the Department of Public Welfare. They did have the mandated college credits or 18 months experience in a juvenile setting. Before being placed in the work rotation, they each did two weeks of onboarding with newly hired youth care workers. 

But that presents a new problem. This private security firm is essentially performing the same role as unionized youth care workers, and the courts never obtained a memorandum of understanding with the union representing the youth care workers. This is at least a prima facia unfair labor practice. 

Even more concerning, as I noted on August 27Corporate Protective Services (CPS) is now being managed by Scott Miller, who was forced to resign in disgrace as Washington Tp police chief after leaving the scene of a one-car collision (he actually hit someone's home) following eight hours of drinking at a local sports bar. His involvement with that company was likely unknown to the courts. 

Each if the seven CPS empolyees will be offered county jobs as youth care workers

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Norco - where rules, charters, common sense and integrity mean nothing

Anonymous said...

This is a really excellent retreat made by Jermaine Greene. He was boxed in and had to surrender.

Anonymous said...

Well Bernie it sounds like they were well trained and consistent security. If there weren't open positions they would not have needed them. Perhaps gone about it wrong by county but not those workers fault. In going after one guy you affected many people's lives. County needed help and got it with well trained people county should have to pay if they hire them. As agencies require. Private company was very much negatively impacted

Anonymous said...

Now do Gracedale nurses. They're stealing union jobs.

Anonymous said...

Is there something written in the law that lets judges work part-time and collect full time pay ?