Before Your First Visit to SCI Benner Township: What to Bring, What to Leave Behind, and What to Expect
Your first visit to SCI Benner Township goes smoother when you plan for security screening and strict property rules ahead of time. Use the checklist below to avoid delays—and avoid getting turned away at the gate.
Need to confirm details before heading out? Call the facility directly: SCI Benner Township is at 301 Institution Drive, Bellefonte, PA 16823. The phone number is 814-353-3630. For visitation questions, you can also email the DOC Central Office at ra-crdocinmatevss@pa.gov.
The Pennsylvania DOC allows both in-person and video visitation. Which type applies to you depends on your situation, so confirm ahead of time - and find out what you'll need for check-in.
Vehicle Prep
- ✓ Lock your vehicle while you’re on prison property
- ✓ Roll up/close all windows
- ✓ Secure any equipment in or on the vehicle (including ladders and toolboxes)
Note: All visitor vehicles are subject to search on DOC property. Keep your car simple and tidy so an inspection doesn't turn into a long delay.
Everyone in your group will go through security screening. At SCI Benner Township, every visitor - regardless of age - is subject to search. Don't assume kids will be waved through.
You'll pass through a metal detector. The easiest way to avoid repeated alarms? Arrive with as little on you as possible, and follow staff instructions if something sets it off.
- ✓ Bring only what you truly need so you’re not juggling extra property during screening
- ✓ Expect searches for every visitor in your group, including children
- ✓ Be ready to pass through a metal detector
- ✓ Keep your vehicle and anything inside it ready for a possible search
SCI Benner Township has no waiting area. If someone in your group isn't visiting, they can't stay on the grounds - anyone not visiting must leave the property.
- Coordinate your ride plan ahead of time - since there’s no waiting area, set a clear drop-off and pick-up plan.
- Confirm timing before you head out - if you’re unsure about when to arrive or who is allowed in, call SCI Benner Township at 814-353-3630.
- Only bring people who are actually visiting - anyone who cannot visit must leave the grounds.
Reduce Denied Visit
- ✓ Lock your vehicle and keep windows rolled up/closed while on prison property
- ✓ Secure equipment like ladders and toolboxes before you enter the grounds
- ✓ Keep your vehicle “search-ready” (all visitor vehicles are subject to search)
- ✓ Arrive prepared for screening - every visitor, regardless of age, is subject to search
- ✓ Plan to pass through a metal detector and keep what you’re carrying to a minimum
Worried about getting turned away for a rule you didn't know? Verify the details before you go - especially whether your visit is in-person or video and what's required for each. Call SCI Benner Township directly, or email the DOC Central Office at ra-crdocinmatevss@pa.gov.
Something not going right on site - confusion at check-in, questions about where to go, timing issues? Call SCI Benner Township at 814-353-3630.
For broader visitation questions or unresolved issues, email the DOC Central Office at ra-crdocinmatevss@pa.gov.
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