HARRISBURG, Pa. — Three major public safety concerns for those living in Pennsylvania have been identified and outlined by the Pennsylvania District Attorney's Association (PDAA).
In a letter addressed to Gov. Shapiro and state lawmakers, the PDAA listed the lack of juvenile detention facilities in the state, the growing mental health crisis and the proliferation of skill games in communities as the top public safety priorities in need of answers.
The district attorneys outlined that many counties are struggling to find space for juveniles in the criminal justice system.
In May of 2023, the Juvenile Court Judges' Association reported that 15 detention facilities closed in Pennsylvania between 2006 and 2021. Today, there are reportedly only 13 facilities in Pa. providing secure detention services and offering just over 400 staff-secured beds for juveniles.
The PDAA wrote that the lack of secure facilities is particularly troubling because it reduces the likelihood that the juveniles will receive the support they need for rehabilitation.
The PDAA also outlined the need for more mental health services. The district attorneys recommended more collaboration with state agencies, better integration of behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment and more assistance on the local level.
In the letter to the Shapiro administration and lawmakers, PDAA officials said the association is not taking a stand on the legality of skill games. Rather, the district attorneys are focusing on the public safety impact caused by the proliferation of skill games.
The PDAA said that pizza shops, convenience stores and gas stations where skill games are found do not have a high level of security, making them vulnerable for thieves to target.
They recommended that policymakers require security improvements, consumer protection measures and mechanisms for preventing underage use.
To read the full letter, click here.
