Philadelphia Dept. of Prisons

10/29/2026

🚨 OnePhilly Fair - Oct 30 @ 2pm! 🚨

We’re excited to meet job seekers at the One Philly Opportunity Fair this Friday, Oct 30 at Lincoln Financial Field!

📈 100+ employers onsite
✨ 1,200+ Opportunities: jobs, training, internships, apprenticeships, and career pathways

Stop by the PDP table, learn about our open roles, and connect with our hiring team!

⏰ WHEN: 10/30/2026, 2 - 6pm
📍 WHERE: Lincoln Financial Field - One Lincoln Financial Field Way, Phila, PA 19148

👉 More info and register at: https://www.evite.com/event/02C9IIAE4SKDAAVOOEPRZPQKBI7X3A

10/27/2026

PDP IN FOCUS: Alfred Mehn
CERT Officer, Curran‑Fromhold Correctional Facility (CFCF)
“Emotions must go to school to learn where the values are.” – Jim Rohn

Correctional Officer Alfred Mehn joined the PDP in January 2025, bringing with him 11 years of experience gained at Chester County Prison. Officer Mehn is currently assigned to CFCF’s Restricted Housing Unit (RHU) and was previously posted at the Detention Center’s Prison Health Services Wing (PHSW, the PDP’s infirmary). Officer Mehn is also a member of CERT, the Correctional Emergency Response Team. At PDP, CERT officers serve at regular posts until an incident calls for their activation. “When CERT gets activated, CERT officers from all facilities come together at HOC and get deployed,” he explains. Whether searching for contraband or managing an emergency, CERT work demands calm and clarity. “You’ve got to be calm within yourself,” he says. “If you’re not calm, situations can escalate.”

According to Officer Mehn, an officer’s composure and approach can shape how an incident unfolds. “You’ve got to know your emotions,” he says. “If you don’t learn to control them, they’ll control you.” This mindset guides him, whether he’s on the block or responding to an emergency.

For Officer Mehn, making a positive impact with the incarcerated population is crucial. “Sometimes you can influence behavior, de‑escalate someone, point them toward programs, or just treat them with basic respect. That can matter more than it looks.” He often talks with younger inmates to understand how they think, a skill shaped in part by his early work as a Juvenile Detention Officer.

Born in Liberia and raised all his life in Philadelphia, Officer Mehn credits his leadership style to his father, an Army serviceman. Today, he brings that steady influence into every assignment. “When I walk in a room, people feel my presence,” he says — a presence grounded in calm, confidence, and purpose.

Philadelphia Office of Human Resources

10/21/2026

▶ VIDEO: Skills Center Opening Ceremony and Ribbon-Cutting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSpfxXGdA1c



Senator Sharif Street Philadelphia Technician Training Institute

On Friday, October 9, the Philadelphia Department of Prisons held a...

10/14/2026

Thank you, KYW Newsradio, for your coverage of the opening of the Skills Center last week. The Skills Center was opened to teach incarcerated individuals hands-on trade skills and to help create pathways to meaningful employment opportunities upon returning to their communities.

The center is on the grounds of the city prison complex. It is supported by the Green Family Foundation, whose mission is to break unhealthy cycles through education and training. | KYW Newsradio

10/13/2026

On Friday, October 9, the Philadelphia Department of Prisons held a ribbon‑cutting ceremony to officially open the Skills Center, a new initiative designed to teach incarcerated individuals hands-on trade skills and help create pathways to meaningful, employment opportunities upon returning to their communities.

The Skills Center launches with a Welding Program operated in partnership with PTTI and supported by the Green Family Foundation, that combines technical instruction, industry certifications, workplace safety, hands-on practical experience, and career readiness workshops. About 40 participants are expected in the first year, with outcomes tracked post‑release.

City and state leaders joined PDP staff and partners for the event, including the City’s First Deputy Managing Director Crystal Yates‑Gale, City Councilmember Jim Harrity, State Senator Sharif Street, PTTI CEO Sherman McLeod, and the PDP’s Commissioner Michael R. Resnick and Deputy Commissioner Morgen Jaco. Nicole Powers, S.T.A.R.T. Program Director at PTTI, served as master of ceremonies. After the ribbon-cutting, a tour of the Skills Center and demonstration of virtual reality training equipment were conducted.

The Welding Program is the first training initiative offered through the new Skills Center, with PDP planning to explore additional skilled-trades opportunities in the future.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker

10/08/2026

On Friday, October 2, we said goodbye to a longtime member of the PDP family.

Correctional Officer Deron Mason, badge # 3471, signed off for the final time. Officer Mason joined the PDP in March of 1995 and has served the Department and the City of Philadelphia with 31 years of honor and distinction!

Congratulations, Officer Mason! You are 10-42 for the final time. We wish you the very best in your next chapter!

10/02/2026

PDP IN FOCUS: Officer Stacy Sanford
Correctional Officer, Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT)
"You have to set the tone."

As a Correctional Officer, Stacy Sanford helps maintain the safety, security, and order of PDP facilities. But before joining the PDP on April 14, 2025, she worked as a pharmacy technician and shift supervisor. According to Sanford, these very different careers are linked by one crucial skill: communication. "You have to know how to talk to people in that [pharmacy] job," she said. "I use those same skills here."

Sanford's communications skills were put to the test earlier this year, when an incarcerated person with a reputation for being confrontational with officers and staff became involved in an escalating situation. As officers prepared to use force to end the standoff, Sanford asked to try talking to her one last time. "Me and her have an understanding, we respect each other," she said. "There are other ways to handle it." Her approach helped resolve the situation without force. "It worked out: no force, no pepper spray. We had a good day."

Sanford brought that same willingness to step forward to CERT training, embracing the challenge of joining a rapid‑response team. "I was the loudest; I was always willing to go first. I showed that I wanted to be there." During training, Sanford led her class's cadence, a rhythmic chant used during marching and running. And at the CERT graduation on May 16, 2026, Officer Sanford was recognized with the Most Exceptional Performance Award – the first recipient of this honor in a CERT class. "She demonstrated leadership by motivating fellow cadets to complete their training," said Capt. Osvaldo Rodriguez, CERT Commander.

Whether talking through a difficult situation, stepping up during training, or representing PDP Recruitment at her first job fair, Officer Stacy Sanford continues to set the tone – through communication, listening, and her willingness to go first.

Philadelphia Office of Human Resources

09/25/2026

The Philadelphia Department of Prisons celebrated the graduation of New Leash on Life USA's Session # 41 — the "Beach Town Class" — on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. 🎓

For 15 years, New Leash on Life has partnered with PDP to provide participants with job-readiness training, life skills and hands-on experience training shelter dogs. With this graduating class, more than 400 PDP participants have completed the program, while more than 230 dogs have found permanent homes through adoption.

🎉 Congratulations to the Beach Town Class and thank you to New Leash on Life for 15 years of partnership and second chances — for people and pets.

New Leash on Life USA

09/25/2026

09/22/2026

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🇺🇸🥋 **ONE OF OUR OWN IS HEADED TO THE WORLD STAGE!** 🥋🇺🇸

The Philadelphia Department of Prisons proudly congratulates longtime Correctional Officer **Bobby Harris** on qualifying for the **U.S. National Team** and earning the opportunity to represent the **United States of America** at the **2026 ICO World Championships** in Thonon-les-Bains, France!

Harris will compete against elite martial artists from around the world during the international competition, scheduled for **October 15–18**. He will represent Team USA in two divisions: **35-and-over Light Heavyweight** and **45-and-over Light Heavyweight**.

But before heading overseas, Harris has another major competition on his schedule. From **October 8–10**, he will compete at the **Diamond National World Karate Championships** in Bloomington, Minnesota.

For years, Bobby has brought dedication, discipline and professionalism to the Philadelphia Department of Prisons. Now, those same qualities have helped earn him the honor of wearing the **red, white and blue** on the international stage.

The entire PDP family is behind you, Bobby!

We are incredibly proud to see **one of our own representing Philadelphia, the PDP and the United States of America on the world stage.**

🇺🇸 **TEAM USA. TEAM PDP. LET'S GO, BOBBY!** 🇺🇸