How to Contact an Inmate at Bellefonte, Pennsylvnia, PA (PA)

At Bellefonte, PA, both in-person and video visits must be scheduled ahead of time through the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Visitation System (IVS). You'll need to create an IVS account and be on the inmate's authorized visitor list before you can schedule anything. One thing to double-check before planning your trip: the minimum lead time required. Official guidance is inconsistent on whether visits must be scheduled at least two days or at least three days in advance.

Once a video visit is scheduled, you have a few ways to join. You can log into your IVS account and select the Video Call URL, click the URL link emailed to you, or use the Zoom app with the meeting ID and password sent by email. Keep privacy in mind: video visits are monitored and recorded, with the exception of visits with legal counsel.

Expect standard correctional-facility security when you visit. Vehicles can be searched, every visitor (regardless of age) can be searched, and you'll go through a metal detector.

If you want to stay in touch through tablet-based messaging, the inmate has to order the tablet themselves through the DOC commissary system. What you can do from the outside is fund their account so they can make that purchase. Pennsylvania DOC guidance states that a JPay account is required for family or friends to send funds for that purpose.

Steps to Follow

• ✓ Create an IVS account so you can schedule and manage visits.
• ✓ Confirm you are on the inmate’s authorized visitor list before you try to book a time.
• ✓ Schedule your in-person visit or video visit in advance through IVS.
• ✓ For video visits, be ready to join through IVS (Video Call URL), through an emailed URL link, or through Zoom using the meeting ID and password sent by email.
• ✓ Assume video visits are monitored and recorded unless the visit is with legal counsel.
• ✓ Expect security screening on DOC property, including possible searches of visitors and vehicles and passing through a metal detector.
• ✓ If the inmate wants a tablet, remember the inmate must order it through commissary; you can send funds so they can purchase one, and that requires a JPay account.

1. Check the IVS scheduling guidance before you plan: One official source states visits must be scheduled at least two days in advance, while IVS login guidance states at least three days.
2. Look for a notice inside IVS when you log in: System messages and prompts often reflect the current rule used for scheduling.
3. Confirm the minimum lead time with the facility if you are close to the deadline: This helps you avoid showing up without a valid scheduled visit.

1. Set up your IVS account early: You need an IVS account before you can schedule.
2. Ask about the authorized visitor list process: You must be on the inmate’s authorized visitor list to book a visit, so confirm what the inmate needs to do on their side and how long approval typically takes.
3. Re-check your status before scheduling: If you are not recognized as an authorized visitor in IVS, your scheduling attempt may fail.

1. Confirm how your video link will arrive: PA DOC guidance describes joining from IVS or through an emailed URL.
2. Decide whether you will use Zoom: If you plan to join with the Zoom app, confirm you have the meeting ID and password from the email.
3. Understand the recording rule before you talk: Video visits are monitored and recorded, except for visits with legal counsel.

1. Confirm the inmate can order the tablet through commissary: Tablets can only be ordered by the inmate through the DOC commissary system.
2. Verify what funds are needed and when: Since the inmate purchases the tablet, timing matters if they are trying to order as soon as the item is available.
3. Confirm your funding method setup: A JPay account is required for family or friends to send the funds that allow the inmate to purchase a tablet.

• ✓ Ask whether any additional screening steps apply that day, since visitor vehicles and visitors are subject to search.
• ✓ Confirm metal detector procedures for all visitors (including children).
• ✓ Ask what identification you should bring for check-in.
• ✓ Ask how early you should arrive so you have time for screening and processing.