Before Your First PA DOC Visit: Vehicle, Search, and Waiting-Area Checklist
Your first Pennsylvania Department of Corrections visit goes a lot smoother when you plan ahead for security screening and know the rules for prison property. Use the checklist below to avoid delays, extra stress at the gate, or a denied visit.
Arrival Vehicle Rules
- ✓ Lock your vehicle while on prison property.
- ✓ Roll up or close all vehicle windows while you are on the grounds.
- ✓ Secure any equipment in or on your vehicle (for example, ladders and toolboxes).
Any visitor vehicle on DOC property can be searched. Keep your car locked, windows up, and personal items secured. This makes things easier if staff do check your vehicle, and it reduces the chance that loose items create a problem during screening.
Every visitor must pass through a metal detector before entering the visiting area. Even if you've visited other facilities, plan for this as a standard part of check-in.
Every visitor is subject to search, regardless of age. That includes children and older family members. Under the DOC's search policy (DC-ADM 203), searches are used to prevent unauthorized weapons, drugs, and other contraband from entering or being present at a facility.
Heads up: Screening applies to everyone. Expect a metal detector and possible additional searches. Build a little extra time into your arrival so the process doesn't feel rushed.
PA DOC facilities do not have a waiting area for non-visitors. If someone in your group can't visit, don't bring them along to wait at the facility. Anyone who isn't visiting must leave the grounds, so plan your ride, drop-off, and pick-up accordingly.
- ✓ Arrange a drop-off and pick-up plan that does not require anyone to wait on facility grounds.
- ✓ Confirm that only people who are actually visiting come onto the property.
- ✓ If someone is driving you, plan for them to leave the grounds after dropping you off.
DC-ADM 203 prohibits bringing unauthorized weapons, drugs, and other contraband onto facility grounds. Staff take screening seriously because searches are directly tied to facility safety and daily operations. Expect a thorough process.
Warning: Any violation of visiting regulations may result in suspension of your visiting privileges. Refusing a search or attempting to bring in contraband can cost you future visits.
- Secure your vehicle , Lock it while on prison property, roll up or close the windows, and secure equipment like ladders or toolboxes.
- Plan for a vehicle search , All visitor vehicles are subject to search on DOC property, so keep your car orderly and follow staff instructions.
- Expect screening at the door , All visitors must pass through a metal detector.
- Prepare everyone in your group , Every visitor, regardless of age, is subject to search.
- Do not bring non-visitors to wait , There is no waiting area. Anyone who is not visiting must exit the facility grounds.
Final reminder: The DOC searches visitors to prevent unauthorized weapons, drugs, and other contraband from entering facilities. Break the visiting rules and you can lose your visiting privileges.
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