SCI Forest (FRS) population and capacity — what the December 2025 numbers mean for families

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections monthly report dated December 31, 2025, SCI Forest (FRS) had a population of 2,246. The facility's official capacity is 2,582, putting occupancy at 87.0% on that date.

That 2,246 figure isn't just a headcount of people physically inside at that moment. The report breaks it down: 2,230 physically present, 1 person hospitalized, and 15 temporary absences. If you've heard a different number in conversation, this breakdown usually explains the gap.

Comparing occupancy across different months or years? Here's a wrinkle: the DOC changed how it defines "capacity" in December 2024. The new definition includes all possible available beds - even offline beds that could be used and specialized beds. So SCI Forest's 87.0% occupancy on December 31, 2025 reflects this broader count (2,582 beds), not the older, narrower approach.

For context, here's how SCI Forest compares to the statewide picture. On December 31, 2025, the DOC Institution Total (all state prisons combined) was 38,144 people against a capacity of 48,104 - that's 79.3% occupancy.

The report also gives a broader system number called the DOC Jurisdiction Total, which includes community corrections centers (CCCs), community contract facilities (CCFs), and contracted beds. As of December 31, 2025, that Jurisdiction Total was 39,211 people with a capacity of 49,171 - 79.7% occupancy.

So what does this mean? The statewide numbers (79.3% for institutions, 79.7% for the full jurisdiction) give you a baseline. SCI Forest's 87.0% occupancy is noticeably higher than both. That doesn't automatically tell you what daily life is like inside, but it does mean Forest was running closer to capacity than the system average on December 31, 2025.

The report also tracks how Forest's population has shifted. Month over month, the number held steady - 2,246 both times, no change. Year over year, it dropped by 23 people, a -1.0% change.

Practical Next Steps

• ✓ Confirm you’re looking at the Pennsylvania DOC monthly population report dated as of December 31, 2025 before quoting the numbers.
• ✓ When you reference SCI Forest, cite the institution population total (2,246) alongside the official capacity (2,582) and occupancy (87.0%) so the figure has context.
• ✓ If you’re trying to understand “how many people are actually there right now,” remember the report’s total includes categories beyond physically present (for Forest: 2,230 physically present, 1 in hospital, 15 temporary absences).
• ✓ For trend questions, note that Forest was unchanged from one month prior (0 change) and down 23 people from one year prior (-1.0%).
• ✓ If someone compares Forest to “the whole system,” ask whether they mean the DOC Institution Total (38,144; 48,104 capacity; 79.3% occupancy) or the DOC Jurisdiction Total (39,211; 49,171 capacity; 79.7% occupancy).
• ✓ Treat the report as a snapshot for that date; use it to frame questions, not to assume current conditions.

1. Start with the date - Ask which report date they’re using, and tell them you’re looking at the DOC monthly population report as of December 31, 2025.
2. Clarify what “capacity” means now - Confirm they’re using the post–December 2024 capacity definition that includes all possible available beds, including usable offline beds and specialized beds.
3. Ask for the most relevant “today” picture - If your question is about current conditions, ask how the current physically present count compares to the report-style totals.
4. Verify what affects your family directly - Ask the specific questions you need answered (for example, whether the area you’re concerned about is operating normally), rather than relying on occupancy percentage alone.