A lightning storm on October 11 disrupted the security system in the Schuylkill County Prison, Warden Eugene Berdanier told the members of the county prison board at their monthly meeting held Wednesday at the courthouse in Pottsville.

Berdanier reported the camera, phone and alarm systems were triped but no security was compromised. The alarm system was immedately rebooted and telephone system repaired.President Judge William E. Baldwin, chairman of the board, suggested the board include in the prison budget for next year installation of cameras inside the prison at strategic areas to increase surveillance. Currently cameras are located only on the outside prison grounds.Berdanier also reported the storm caused multiple leaks of the prison roof and they were patched but told the board more work will be needed with possible replacement. New units were installed in the kitchen area and operations are back to normal.The total expenditures for operating the prison for September was $311,871.03 with overtime pay still runnning high at $28,238.20.The prison population as of Wednesday was 215 males and 44 females. The peak for the month was 295 males and 59 females. Baldwin expressed hope that bids can be requested soon for construction of a pre-release prison on land the county acquired adjoining the state correctional institution in Ryan Township. The prison would house short termers of non-violent crimes and relieve the overcrowding in the counrty prison.PrimeCare Medical Inc., Harrisburg, which provides medical services to the inmates, reported in September 108 inmates were on sick call, 247 saw psychologists, 199 were seen by the mental health department, 53 went to a dentist and eight had extractions. Nineteen were on suicide watch but no incidents happened.Seventeen were on work release with the county receiving $5,952 for room and board and $2,500 towards their court costs. Ten inmates participated in the Vocational Rehabilitation Program which completed 26 jobs durng September, including 14 community service and nine county jobs.Berdanier asked permission to coordinate a training program for the staff next year known as "Chump Change, " which is presented by federal correction officers. He reported the program received high praise from other facilities during the Spring 2010 Warden's Association Conference.The training is a two and one-half hour program that examines the 'anatomy of a con," how it starts and the phrases that inmates may use that should alarm staff that they have been targeted for manipulation.