Latest news with #RyanSayers
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Yahoo
Criminal justice advocates call for changes in Pennsylvania
CLEARFIELD COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Over 500 criminal justice advocates, court officials and state departments attended an annual conference in State College to discuss issues in the criminal justice system and ways to address them. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) Conference held its annual two-day Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) Conference, and in attendance was the largest gathering of advocates since the conference's inception in 2007. Members of the court justice system, including Clearfield County District Attorney Ryan Sayers, met to discuss what they're seeing in Pennsylvania. This year's conference had a theme of 'From Crisis to Collaboration: Building Resilient Justice Systems,' and worked to address the pressing challenges facing the justice and behavioral health systems. Sayers spoke with WTAJ and said that a lot of the discussions at this year's conference surrounded mental health and drug rehabilitation. 'One of the big things that we're seeing is an increase in mental health, mental health cases and how mental health is usually coinciding with drug addiction. There are different programs and specialty courts around the Commonwealth to deal or to help deal with those items,' Sayers said. Central PA senator sends letter for information on committee that proposed SCI, boot camp closure However, he also noted that Clearfield County is one of the counties that lacks specialty programs for those issues. 'So we don't have those specialty courts in Clearfield County to deal with these things. The hope is, is that, you know, hopefully next year we will get into implementing such programs in Clearfield County,' Sayers added. Since Clearfield doesn't have specific programs, Sayers said that the criminal justice system does the best it can when it's presented with mental health cases. Adding that one thing the county has is the Quehanna Boot Camp. Although the boot camp wasn't talked about during any of the conference's panels, it was still a topic of discussion among the attendees. 'I did have those conversations, and it was a discussion that the boot camp is the only type of program in the Department of Corrections to have what it has,' Sayers added. Sayers previously stated that the boot camp provides prisoners structure, discipline, education and therapeutic techniques in order for them to be successful once released. Adding that the reincarceration rate from the program is just a little over 25%, which is 22% lower than the statewide rate. However, despite the arguments about what the boot camp can provide, it's also facing problems. Currently, it's on the list of possible closures recommended by a committee with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. Sayers added that all those who brought up the possible closure were in agreement that they hope Governor Shapiro will change his mind. During the conference, there were sessions that the PCCD hopes will provide those working in the criminal justice system with tools and strategies to build a more responsive justice system. Here are some of the topics they discussed: Behavioral health screening Risk assessments, Law enforcement collaboration Crisis response strategies Supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
Clearfield County officials promote National Child Abuse Prevention Month
CLEARFIELD, Pa. (WTAJ) — Community leaders in Clearfield County are encouraging residents to take part in National Child Abuse Prevention Month this April by raising awareness and supporting local efforts to protect children. District Attorney Ryan Sayers and Child Advocacy Center Director Dr. Mary Tatum are calling on individuals and organizations to help create a safer environment for children by promoting education, social connections, and parental resilience. They say, research shows that strong support systems can significantly reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. As part of the awareness campaign, the Clearfield County Child Advocacy Center is encouraging residents to wear blue on April 4 for Wear Blue Day, an initiative sponsored by Children's Aid Society. Participants can submit photos of themselves wearing blue to the CAC-CC's Facebook page to show their support. Additionally, CenClear will host its Annual Child Abuse Prevention Carnival on April 5 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 1633 Philipsburg Bigler Highway in Philipsburg. The event will feature games and activities for children, while parents and caregivers can learn about available community resources. Officials stress that child abuse is preventable and urge the public to report suspected abuse to local law enforcement or Childline at 1-800-932-0313. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Yahoo
WATCH: Man caught on camera stealing baked goods, shop asking for help
CLEARFIELD COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A local shop in the Shawville area Wednesday morning shared on their social media account that their store had been robbed and are hoping to find the person responsible. Susquehanna Small Batch, located along Shawville Croft Highway, is kitchen that's open 24 hours a day offering canning, baking, and preserving products through and honor system. 'We are sad to post this, but this morning, we experienced our first Robbery,' the store's post read. According to the Facebook post, the suspect came to the shop Tuesday morning around 4 a.m. with two other men and then returned Wednesday morning around 7 a.m. PD: Hollidaysburg man charged after stealing Pokémon cards from store Security videos and still images posted to the shops Facebook page showed a man enter the store and saying 'hello' multiple times to seemingly check if someone was inside the shop. The suspect was seen briefly leaving the store before coming back inside, looking around and putting his hood up before taking an unknown number of items. The shop's page said the man stole cookies, fudge, breads, gelato and wax melts. They asked anyone who recognizes the person in the videos and images to send them a private message. Woodland state police are investigating the incident. Clearfield County District Attorney Ryan Sayers also urged anyone who recognizes the person to contact troopers at (814) 857-3800. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
