Ion Scanners, K-9 Searches, and What Happens If Contraband Is Found at Quehanna
Visiting someone at Quehanna means going through real security screening—for you and your vehicle if you park on the grounds. Here's what to expect from the search process and what happens if drugs or contraband are found.
Visitors at Quehanna go through security searches both entering and leaving the facility. You'll need to pass through a metal detector - and you get three attempts to clear it. Fail all three, and you may be turned away from the visiting area.
Staff may also use an Ion Scanner during your screening. This device detects trace amounts of substances linked to contraband. It's a routine part of the entry process.
Park on facility property and your car becomes part of the security process too. Quehanna uses K-9 teams to search vehicles on the grounds - so the screening doesn't end when you step out of your car.
Show up appearing intoxicated - or smelling like alcohol - and you won't get in. Even if you feel fine, staff can turn you away if they believe you're impaired or detect alcohol when you arrive.
These screening procedures are part of the Department of Corrections' push for drug-free facilities. Searches going in and out help prevent contraband from reaching the visiting areas or the institution itself.
The consequences for drugs are severe. Attempt to bring drugs into Quehanna - or any PA DOC facility - and you face a permanent ban from visiting any DOC institution. The case also gets referred to the Pennsylvania State Police for prosecution.
Refuse a vehicle search when staff request one, and you'll have to remove your car from facility property. That can end your visit before it even starts.
Parking on facility property is a privilege, not a right. Choose to park on the grounds and your vehicle is subject to K-9 search as part of standard security.
Not willing to consent to a vehicle search? Plan ahead - the facility will require you to remove the car from the property. If you're carpooling or getting a ride, talk this through beforehand so no one gets caught off guard.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Don’t come to Quehanna if you appear under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, or if you smell of alcohol on arrival.
- ✓ Leave cameras, tape recorders, cell phones, radios, and pagers behind.
- ✓ Don’t bring drugs, alcohol, weapons, or any kind of contraband.
- ✓ Skip food and cash.
- ✓ Don’t carry sunglasses, wallets, or handbags into the visiting area.
- ✓ Leave cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, lighters, matches, and gum in your car.
- ✓ Avoid hats and hooded garments.
Note: Bringing drugs to Quehanna can trigger a permanent ban from visiting any PA DOC facility, and the case can be referred to the Pennsylvania State Police for prosecution.
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