Like any totalitarian oppressor, the Pennsylvania Department of Imprisonment (which dishonestly calls itself the Department of "Corrections" - "DOC") fears and loathes openness. The DOC doesn't view itself as a public servant. It sees no reason why it should be answerable to the public or why it should be honest, open or responsive. In short, they are a very bad bunch! Then along comes Pennsylvania's Open Records Law! DOC hates it! DOC resents having to obey ANY law. It really detests a law which requires it to open up its records. It fears the public will see what it's been doing. They are a very bad bunch! The DOC's so-called Open Records Office is run by an imprisonment lackey named Andrew Filkosky. His job is to prevent you and the public from getting into any of the prisons' nasty secret records, policies or activities. Andy's job is to stonewall you and your requests. Wherever possible he's expected to violate the law by stalling in processing and answering requests, by trying to force a "requester" to reveal who he/she is and what the information will be used for. You can't expect "Stonewall" Andy to be helpful or forthcoming if and when you make an Open Records request. If you want to try phoning Andy, try 717-214-9678. There's a small chance you'll be allowed to get through. To make an Open Records request the law says that all you have to do is ask in person or even by phone or email. Not so with the Department of Imprisonment. For DOC and some other agencies, you'll need to complete a simple form. It's available online if you're rich enough to buy Microsoft's expensive Office program. For the rest of us ordinary citizens, agencies are expected to give you copies of the form at no charge. Stonewall Andy was reluctant to come across with half a dozen copies of the form when we requested them. We got a PDF copy of the form from the central Right-to-Know Office. Hopefully you'll be able to download it from the link, or try the office at: Office of Open Records 400 North street, Plaza Level Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225 Phone: 717-346-9903 openrecords.state.pa.us for the website For email: openrecords@state.pa.us Terry Mutchler is the director of the office. The Open Records Office is much more receptive and responsive then Andy is at DOC. But what ever difficulties you face, we very strongly urge to request all the records and information you want; strip search the DOC. It's about time!