A report on new policies pertaining to rules of conduct for all prison employees was presented to the Schuylkill County Prison Board by Warden Eugene Berdanier at the monthly meeting held Thursday at the courthouse in Pottsville.

The action was requested by the board after several correction officers were disciplined for assaulting a prisoner in his cell some time ago. Criminal charges were filed recently against a former guard, James W. Preneta, 28, of Shenandoah, who has been charged with simple assault and harassment by Pottsville police.A total of three guards were fired last May 4 for allegedly beating Brandon Moyer, 23, of Pottsville. The other two guards were John D. Yeager, 56, and Michael J. Galavage, 37, both of Pottsville. They were found guilty by a district justice of harassment and were fined.In the new policy presented by Berdanier he reported staff and intake booking procedures were amended pertaining when a prisoner is on lock down. A schedule was set up to keep a log and track all inmates in their specific post assignments. The captain is reviewing final recommendations as to an inmate identification system.A fire drill, which the prison was criticized by Controller Melinda Kantner for failing to be carried out on a regular basis, is being worked out. New hiring practices have been developed which includes a new testing format and psychological; screening prior to formal offer of employment. New fire alarms were acquired for the staff and the staff is now undergoing qualification in their use.Berdanier reported six inmates are observing Ramadan during the month of August. He said the prison is accomodating their religious belief. They do not partake in food between sunrise and sunset so they are given an extra portion in the morning and at night.A report on the physical plant included an update showing all surveillance cameras are now operational.The board discussed which would be more economical, purchasing new toilets or refurbishing the broken ones. Water leakes in pipes and roof leaks were repaired.A complete maintenance inspection was performed and a list of needs will be presented to the board at a later date.President Judge William E. Baldwin, who chairs the board, reported more than 100 applications for jobs at the prison have been received. He expressed hope some are qualified for the position of lieutenant which is a vacancy.The cost to operate the prison for July was $318,681.60. Among the major costs were, salaries and wages of employees, $150,617.111; overtime, $39,627.84; maerials and supplies, $7,905.03; clothing and bedding, $6,436.27; groceries, $28,259.72; fuel, elecric, ware and sewer costs, $13,477.17; professional services for health care for inmates, $59,938.12 and maintenance and repairs,The current inmate population has 129 males and 39 females.Berdanier reported July was a "very active month" for the medical staff with many outpatient appointments and emergency room admissions. Psychologists saw 107 inmates, 42 visited a dentist and 58 were seen by psychiatrists. Nineteen were on suicide watch with no incidents.There were 28 inmates in the work release section of the prison. The vocational rehabilitation program had 14 inmates participating. The monthly revenue for room and board was $4,872 plus $1,610 collected towards their fines and costs.