Orlando Harper

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Orlando L. Harper, an American corrections officer and military veteran, currently holds the position of Warden at the Allegheny County Bureau of Corrections, which oversees the Allegheny County Jail, a role he assumed on October 15, 2012. His career trajectory includes over two decades of service at the Washington, D.C., Department of Corrections, where he served as the Deputy Warden for Operations. Harper's tenure has been marked by multiple allegations, legal scrutiny, and substantial criticism over various aspects of his administrative practices.

Career[edit]

Washington, D.C. Department of Corrections (1988-2012)[edit]

Harper's corrections career began in 1988 with the Washington, D.C., Department of Corrections. Over more than two decades, he ascended to the position of Deputy Warden for Operations. During his time in Washington, Harper was implicated in a 2013 federal lawsuit where three women accused him of failing to act appropriately after they reported experiencing sexual harassment by their colleagues and supervisors.

Warden of the Allegheny County Bureau of Corrections (2012-present)[edit]

On October 15, 2012, Harper was appointed as the Warden of the Allegheny County Bureau of Corrections by County Executive Rich Fitzgerald

His tenure has been punctuated with significant controversy and criticism. Harper's introduction of new use of force training and weapons contracts with the Corrections Special Application Unit (C-SAU) and Lightfield Less Lethal Research raised concerns. These contracts have been criticized for bringing flashbangs, rubber slugs, and other projectiles into the jail environment

His leadership was further challenged by a "no confidence" petition initiated by the president of the union representing the jail's correctional officers. The complaints of overworking, understaffing, and safety issues were also voiced Criticism extended to the conditions within the jail, with a fall survey revealing inmates' complaints about issues such as the presence of cockroaches and bugs in their food.

A controversy emerged over the death rate in the Allegheny County Jail. Contrary to Harper's claims, one report suggested that the death rate in the jail was nearly twice the national average.

In August 2013, Harper dismissed Ruth Howze, the former administrator of alternative housing for jail inmates, offering little explanation for the action. This led to Howze planning legal action against the county.

Corrections Collective Survey (2021)[edit]

In the spring of 2021, the Corrections Collective, a community-based advocacy group, conducted a survey involving 98 correctional officers at the Allegheny County Jail. The survey included 14 questions, addressing the correctional officers' perceptions about their working conditions. Key findings included:

• All respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that each shift is adequately staffed with enough correctional officers.
• Forced overtime, fear and intimidation tactics, and lack of communication and respect from jail administration were the most common themes in the open-ended responses.

The survey results were presented to the Jail Oversight Board in June, provoking public comments and criticism towards Warden Orlando Harper. During a live interview on Pittsburgh Cable News Channel in July, Harper defended his administration, stating that he has an open-door policy and the jail provides adequate staffing, training, and health care. However, his claims were challenged by some former inmates who called into the program. Harper also faced controversy over his decision to hire contractors for use of force training and weapons for corrections officers, a move that some board members and advocacy groups opposed.

Military Service[edit]

Before entering the corrections field, Harper served as a 13 Bravo Cannon Crewman in the United States Army.

References[edit]

External links[edit]

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