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Visitation

Video Visits at SCI Greene: How They Work, Device Tips, and Rules

Video visits at SCI Greene are free for incarcerated people and run through Pennsylvania DOC's visitation program. Whether you're new to IVS or Zoom-style calls, here's what to expect—from scheduling to the rules that can end a visit early.

• 4 min read • pa.gov
Video Visits at SCI Greene: How They Work, Device Tips, and Rules

Pennsylvania DOC facilities, including SCI Greene, offer both in-person (contact) visits and video visits. Video visits are free for inmates - a real help if you live far away or can't make it to the prison in person. That said, availability depends on your loved one's custody status and their housing unit's assigned timeslots. Don't see openings right away? Keep checking IVS; the schedule updates regularly.

Note: Video visits are monitored and recorded, except for visits with legal counsel. Plan your conversation with that in mind.

You can't just hop on a video call at SCI Greene. Everything runs through the Pennsylvania DOC Inmate Visitation System (IVS). Both in-person and video visits must be scheduled in advance, so your first step is setting up your IVS account and making sure your loved one is available to schedule.

Scheduling window: IVS typically requires scheduling at least 3 days in advance and no more than 60 days ahead. Some PA DOC pages mention 2 days in advance - if you're close to the cutoff, schedule as early as possible and check IVS for the current rule.

Up to six authorized visitors can join a single video visit. That's great for families, but everyone who wants to participate needs to be on the approved list. Coordinate ahead of time so you're not sorting out

Video Visits at SCI Greene: How They Work, Device Tips, and Rules

Join from a smartphone, tablet, or computer - whatever you're most comfortable with. Just make sure it has a working camera, microphone, and steady internet connection. Set up somewhere quiet with decent lighting so your loved one can actually see you. I recommend joining a few minutes early. Most missed visits come down to last-second audio, camera, or login issues.

  1. Schedule the visit in IVS - video visits must be booked ahead of time through the Inmate Visitation System.
  2. Find your join details - use the IVS visit information (or the meeting details you receive for the scheduled visit) to access the session.
  3. Open the meeting on your device - if the visit uses Zoom, open the Zoom app (desktop or mobile) and choose “Join Meeting,” then enter the Meeting ID and password.
  4. Turn on camera and microphone - allow permissions if your phone/computer prompts you.
  5. Join a few minutes early - it gives you time to fix sound or video before the visit time starts.

Each video visit lasts 45 minutes. That time goes fast, so be ready to join on time and keep distractions - kids, pets, background noise - to a minimum.

Monthly limits matter when you're juggling work schedules and family time. Each inmate can receive up to six video visits per month, including one weekend visit. Limits may vary by custody status. General population inmates can also receive up to four in-person (contact) visits per month through IVS.

Heads up: Video-visit limits can change based on custody status and operational needs. If you can’t schedule the number of visits you expected, check IVS for what’s available for your loved one’s current housing status.

No recording or sharing: Recording, uploading, sharing, or otherwise distributing a video visit is not authorized.

Video Visits at SCI Greene: How They Work, Device Tips, and Rules

Troubleshooting Help

  • ✓ Check your internet connection (switch to a stronger Wi‑Fi signal if you can)
  • ✓ Close other apps/tabs that might be using your camera or microphone
  • ✓ Confirm camera/mic permissions are enabled for your browser or the Zoom app
  • ✓ Restart the app/browser, then try joining again
  • ✓ Reboot your phone/tablet/computer if audio or video won’t connect
  • ✓ Join a few minutes early so you have time to fix issues before the visit starts

If problems persist - no timeslots showing, visits won't launch, or your account isn't working right - start with IVS since that's where all visits are scheduled. For IVS-specific questions, contact SCI Greene directly for help.

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Phone & Messaging

How to Contact an Inmate at Facility

Before helping your loved one use any in-facility communication technology, there's one documented policy to be aware of: inmates and reentrants can be held financially responsible for losses, costs, or damages they cause to Department information technology systems if the damage is intentional or negligent. This policy can apply broadly to technology used inside the facility, including devices or systems for messaging, video communication, or other IT-based services. That's the only facility-specific communication detail covered by the evidence provided here. Phone numbers, vendor names, messaging rules, visiting or video schedules, fee amounts, and how charges are calculated aren't included. You'll need to confirm those details directly with the facility.