Controller Brady Releases Update on Philadelphia Prison Staffing, Highlights Ongoing Shortages

City Controller's latest monthly report reviews Philadelphia prison staffing levels

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 20, 2026

PHILADELPHIA - City Controller Christy Brady today released an update on staffing levels within the Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP), highlighting significant progress in hiring while underscoring continued staffing shortages that pose operational and safety challenges.

The report shows PDP currently operates five facilities housing approximately 3,100 incarcerated individuals. As of May 2026, the department has filled 1,615 of its 1,878 budgeted positions, leaving 263 vacancies, or 14% of roles unfilled.

While vacancies remain a concern, the Controller's Office noted that the department has made improvements compared to recent years. The current vacancy rate is a 70% reduction in the number of unfilled positions compared to FY2024.

"The Department of Prisons has made progress in addressing prison staffing shortages," said Controller Brady. "However, there is still many positions that need to be filled. Persistent gaps, particularly among correctional officers, continue to put strain on the system and raise concerns about safety, costs, and working conditions."

The report identifies correctional officer positions as the most significant staffing challenge. Of the 1,663 authorized correctional officer roles, only 1,427 are currently filled, leaving 236 vacancies.

With the incarcerated population near 3,100 individuals, the city's inmate-to-correctional-officer ratio stands at approximately 2.18 to 1.

To improve public awareness and accountability, the Controller's Office will maintain a Prison Staffing Shortage Tracker available on its site. The tracker will provide regularly updated data on staffing levels and vacancies across the prison system.

"This tracker, which will be updated regularly, is about transparency and accountability," Brady said. "Philadelphians deserve to understand how our public safety systems are functioning and where challenges remain."

Controller Brady emphasized that continued hiring efforts, retention strategies, and operational reforms will be essential to fully address staffing gaps and ensure safe, effective prison operations. She recently appointed State Representative Andre D. Carroll to the newly created Prison Community Oversight Board.

"Maintaining safe facilities requires a fully staffed workforce," Brady added. "We will continue to monitor progress and provide the public with clear, timely information."

The full May 2026 Municipal Money Matters report on the prison staffing levels is available on the City Controller's website: https://controller.phila.gov/

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