FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 7, 2025

FOP Lodge 92 Demands Immediate Action from Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Following Erie Agent-Involved Shooting

Erie, PA — The Executive Director of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 92, which represents criminal investigators and parole agents throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, has issued a formal letter to Department of Corrections Secretary Dr. Laurel Harry demanding the immediate implementation of an Agent-Involved Shooting Policy.

The letter, dated August 7, 2025, follows a recent shooting involving parole agents in Erie that resulted in the tragic loss of life. FOP Lodge 92 extends its condolences to everyone affected by this incident. While investigations remain ongoing, the union asserts that the Department’s failure to adopt a formal policy left the involved agents without procedural guidance or basic protections in the aftermath.

“This inaction is no longer just negligent—it is dangerous,” Wines states. “The absence of any guiding policy left these agents without formal direction or procedural safeguards in the critical hours and days following that incident.”

Compounding the issue, the Department of Corrections failed to issue any public statement following the incident—neither to the press nor to the affected communities. FOP Lodge 92 believes this silence undermines transparency and disregards the dangerous work performed daily by parole agents across the Commonwealth.
For over two years, FOP Lodge 92 has pressed the Department to establish a clear, written policy addressing agent-involved shootings. Despite numerous requests, no draft has ever been provided.

The union now demands that the Department issue a comprehensive draft policy within 30 days. The policy must include:
• Procedures following the use of deadly force
• Notification protocols and union involvement
• Legal representation and due process protections
• Administrative leave and duty status
• Access to mental health and critical incident support
• Guidelines for media and public communication

“Our agents are entrusted with dangerous responsibilities every day,” said Tom Wines, Executive Director of FOP Lodge 92. “When a deadly force incident occurs, they deserve to know what to expect—what their rights are, what steps will follow, and how they will be supported.”

Union Now Calls on Governor’s Office to Intervene
Due to ongoing inaction by the Department of Corrections, FOP Lodge 92 is now calling on the Office of the Governor of Pennsylvania to intervene and ensure the immediate implementation of this long-overdue policy. The union states that the Department’s failure to lead has placed agents, the public, and the Department itself at unnecessary risk.

“The Department has had two years to act. It has failed,” Wines continued. “We are now asking Governor Shapiro’s administration to take whatever action is necessary to ensure that the rights, safety, and due process of our members are protected.”

Media Contact:
John McNesby
Business Manager
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 92 Labor Services