An emerging coalition will unveil an analysis prepared by the Prison Policy Initiative which sheds light on the flawed analysis surrounding the impending construction of the Lancaster County Prison. Coalition members will present this analysis to the commissioners at their May 7th working session, urging the commissioners to form a working group to revisit the new jail bed count and refocus on community-oriented solutions.

The ACLU-PA filed a federal class action lawsuit against Lancaster County. The lawsuit challenges the County’s unconstitutional bail practices, claiming magisterial district judges (MDJs) illegally set bail by not giving arrested people an opportunity to be heard and by not considering their ability to pay.

As the County solidifies plans to build a new jail, the urgency to examine our system is growing. We have identified four action items that would significantly lower our jail population and result in a safer, more just and economically robust Lancaster.

The Lancaster Bail Fund is growing its volunteer network! We are looking for mission-oriented community members to help advance our work. See our volunteer opportunities here.