HARRISBURG – Robert Vance, a lieutenant of the State Correctional Institute at Rockview, was recently honored at the Department of Corrections annual employee recognition ceremony on May 4 for his outstanding performance.
“Lt. Vance is an outstanding supervisor and manager,” said SCI Rockview Superintendent Marirosa Lamas. “The role he performs in the prison security office through his rapport with inmates has improved security measures at Rockview. His performance has been superior and has helped the security office function at times when they were not at full complement. His sound decision-making abilities under times of stress are unparalleled.”
Vance began his career in 1988 at SCI Rockview. In his 23-year career he has been promoted to increasingly more complex positions requiring the utmost character, loyalty and confidentiality.
Since 2000, he has been assigned to the prison’s security office, where he has become an expert in security threat groups, helping the department to identify and confirm inmate gang involvement. Vance also has spoken to classes at Penn State University and the Centre County Gang Task Force.
He has been instrumental in managing the inmate population by creating a safe and secure environment at SCI Rockview. The relationships he has cultivated with the inmate population have led to improved communication, helping to keep the institution safe. Inmates, some of whom proved to be very difficult management problems at other prisons, trust Vance to take the right action with information he is given.
Vance began his employment at SCI Rockview in 1988 and was promoted to corrections officer the following year. He was promoted to sergeant in 1994 and lieutenant in 1997. He has received commendations from his supervisors for his work as training lieutenant and drug detection equipment operator.