Pittsfield Police Advisory Committee Tours Jail

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The entire Police Advisory Committee went to jail on Monday to see what a modern law enforcement facility needs.

The newly formed committee toured the Berkshire County House of Correction to both increase the members' understanding of the county's law enforcement and to see what a newer law enforcement building looks like as they set their sights on a new police station.

It took them two hours to tour what they described as a "really nice facility" featuring not only cells but an industrial kitchen, gymnasium, classrooms, laundry and administrative offices.

The House of Correction opened in 2001 and currently houses 267 inmates — 85 of whom are being held for trial — in eight separate housing units. Each housing unit can hold up to 72 inmates in 36 cells. Two units are for pre-trial inmates, one for women, four for convicted inmates and one is a "segregation unit" for those who misbehave or are a danger to the others.

Led by Sheriff Thomas Bowler, the committee saw the inside workings of an operation that costs $14.1 million per year and employs more than 180. They got close looks at security infrastructure such as the 132 cameras that can zoom in close enough to see the hands in inmates' card games, iris scanners and the 15-foot outside walls capped with razor-wire.

"This is a very labor-intensive operation," Bowler told the committee and added that it is a very "stressful" environment to work in every day.

The employees extend beyond guards to include teachers for instruction in General Educational Development diplomas, janitorial and graphic arts,  and nurses, counselors and locksmiths.  

That isn't to say the inmates are being "spoiled" with televisions, workout rooms and job training — it only took one look inside the cells to see that. The small two-person units are equipped with only a metal toilet and a small mattress on metal beds.

"You try to help the correctional officer by giving them stress relievers," Bowler explained of the "perks" of television and recreational time that are taken away if the inmates misbehave.

The committee was impressed with the operation but Bowler still has a wish list of improvements he'd like to see. The jail is in the process of getting a K9 unit to help stop the smuggling of drugs inside, and Bowler said he'd like to make family visits "no contact" because drugs and other items are exchanged during kissing and hugging visitors.

"You'd be  surprised at what people try to bring into the prison system," Bowler said, adding that cell phones are a commodity because the only other phones lines are recorded by staff.

Bowler said he also like to see the outside area that accesses the booking area be covered from the elements and, of course, have more staffing.

Committee members asked what it would take beyond staffing to turn it into a regional lockup; Bowler said it would require a whole new building. The committee asked questions along the tour about the structure itself but were mostly there to listen and see.

"This was very informative," Chairman Radcliffe Harewood said. "It was an opportunity to see a more modern facility."

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.