How to Read SCI Forest's Population Numbers: Occupancy, Physically Present, Hospital & Temporary Absences
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections monthly population report uses a few different counts that can look contradictory at first glance. Here's how to read SCI Forest's numbers from the December 31, 2025 report, and what each line actually measures.
The numbers below come from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections monthly population report as of December 31, 2025. In that report, SCI Forest (FRS) shows a total institution population of 2,246. The report also lists SCI Forest’s capacity as 2,582, which works out to an occupancy of 87.0%.
If you compare this report to older DOC reports, the "capacity" line might look different. That's because the DOC changed its capacity definition effective December 2024. It now includes all possible available beds, including offline beds that are able for use and specialized beds.
Occupancy is calculated as the institution's population divided by its capacity, shown as a percentage. For SCI Forest, that's 2,246 people against a capacity of 2,582, which gives you the 87.0% occupancy figure in the report.
SCI Forest's total institution population is 2,246, but the "Physically Present" count is 2,230. That's a gap of 16 people. Those 16 are counted as part of the institution's population but weren't physically at the facility on the report date.
Keep in mind: These are snapshot counts as of the report date. If you need to confirm one person's current status, verify it directly with the DOC or the facility.
The monthly report breaks out two common reasons someone might be counted in the institution population but not physically present. For SCI Forest, it lists 1 person in "Hospital" and 15 people on "Temporary Absence." These are counts only. They don't identify who they apply to.
Keep in mind: A hospital or temporary absence number won't tell you who is out or why. For anything specific to your loved one, check directly with the DOC or the facility.
Comparing SCI Forest to the systemwide picture helps put these numbers in context. SCI Forest sits at 87.0% occupancy (2,246 population, 2,582 capacity). Across the entire DOC jurisdiction, the report lists a population of 39,211, a capacity of 49,171, and an overall occupancy of 79.7%.
For context: In this snapshot, SCI Forest's occupancy (87.0%) runs higher than the DOC jurisdiction overall (79.7%). The report doesn't explain why. It only reports the counts.
These figures come from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections monthly population report, "As Of December 31, 2025." You can view it as the DOC's current monthly population PDF.
Short Takeaways
- ✓ SCI Forest (FRS) total institution population in the report: 2,246
- ✓ SCI Forest capacity: 2,582, occupancy: 87.0%
- ✓ SCI Forest “Physically Present”: 2,230 (a 16-person difference from the total institution population)
- ✓ SCI Forest “Hospital”: 1
- ✓ SCI Forest “Temporary Absence”: 15
- ✓ Use these as snapshot counts, not a way to confirm one person’s location. Verify individual status directly with the DOC or the facility.
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