Can You Record or Screenshot a PA DOC Video Visit? Rules and What That Means
Thinking about recording a PA DOC video visit or grabbing a quick screenshot? Pause first. The DOC has clear rules about what they record, and what you're not allowed to record or share.
PA DOC video visits with non-attorneys are monitored, and the audio and video are recorded. Those recordings can be reviewed later, so assume anything said or shown during the visit could be watched again after it ends. The key exception: video visits between an incarcerated person and their attorney are not audio or video recorded. If you need to have a legal conversation, that attorney visit category is handled differently than regular family or friend visits.
Note: Non-attorney video visits are monitored and recorded, and they can be reviewed. Attorney video visits are not audio/video recorded.
You, as the visitor, are not authorized to record the video visit, upload it, share it, or distribute it in any way. That covers anything that creates a copy or puts the visit into someone else's hands. Even if you just want to save a sweet moment or show another family member later, it's not allowed.
Warning: Recording or sharing a video visit is not authorized. If you're unsure whether something counts (like a screenshot), treat it as recording and don't do it.
For questions about video visits or special situations, start by contacting your loved one's facility directly. You can also reach PA DOC Central Office by email at ra-crdocinmatevss@pa.gov.
Both in-person and video visits need to be scheduled in advance through the Inmate Visitation System (IVS). If you're trying to resolve an issue about a specific visit, have your scheduled visit details ready. It'll make those conversations go a lot faster.
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