The following words and phrases when used in this title shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Board.” The Pennsylvania Parole Board.

“Chief administrator.” The warden, superintendent or other officer in charge of a correctional institution.

“City department.” The department of human services of a city of the first class, or such other agency of a city of the first class as shall be determined by a mayor of the city.

“Commission.” The Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing.

“Correctional institution.” A State correctional institution or a county correctional institution.

“Corrections officer.” A person employed at a correctional institution to provide any security or custodial service for inmates.

“County correctional institution.” A correctional facility, prison or jail owned or operated by a county.

“Department.” The Department of Corrections of the Commonwealth.

“Inmate.” A person committed to a term of imprisonment or otherwise confined under the custody of the Commonwealth or a county in a correctional institution in accordance with law.

“Offender.” An individual that has been convicted or found guilty of a criminal offense by a judge or jury or an individual that pleads guilty or nolo contendere to a criminal offense at any time in a court of record or before a magisterial district justice under section 6138(a)(1.1) (relating to violation of terms of parole).

“Parole violator center.” An area within the secure perimeter or on the grounds of a State correctional institution or any contracted facility or contracted county jail that has been designated to house offenders detained or recommitted by the board for a technical parole violation.

“Prescribed programming.” An individualized treatment plan that is part of the correctional plan jointly developed by the department and the board following a diagnostic evaluation and risk and needs assessment that includes a structured set of evidence-based treatment curriculums designed to reduce the risk of reoffense by an offender.

“Secretary.” The Secretary of Corrections of the Commonwealth.

“State correctional institution.” A correctional facility, prison or jail owned or operated by the Commonwealth.