Visiting SCI Mercer: Campus layout, vehicle rules, and security screening (what first-time visitors should do)
SCI Mercer sits on about 304 acres of open, campus-style property. That means more driving around the grounds and more walking than you'd expect at a single-building jail. As a level 2 facility, the arrival process is structured and staff take vehicle and entry screening seriously.
Before you leave home, confirm you're cleared to visit and understand the current scheduling process. Rules change, and the fastest way to avoid being turned away is to double-check the basics ahead of time. Questions about what you can bring, who can come with you, or when to arrive? Contact SCI Mercer or the Pennsylvania DOC directly before making the drive.
Vehicle Checklist
- ✓ Lock your vehicle while you’re on prison property.
- ✓ Roll up/close all windows while you’re on the grounds.
- ✓ Secure any equipment in your vehicle (for example, ladders and toolboxes) so nothing is loose or accessible.
- ✓ Be prepared for your vehicle to be searched - any visitor vehicle can be subject to a search on facility grounds.
Expect security screening. Everyone - regardless of age - can be searched before visiting. Kids and elderly family members aren't exempt. You'll pass through a metal detector, similar to airport security, so keep your pockets and belongings simple to speed things along.
No waiting on grounds: SCI Mercer does not have a waiting area on facility property. If someone isn’t going in to visit, they must exit the facility grounds - so don’t bring a person who can’t enter and expects to wait in the car.
Can't visit in person? The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections offers a "Send money" option to transfer funds directly to an inmate's account.
Final Checklist
- ✓ Expect a large, open campus setting (SCI Mercer sits on about 304 acres), so plan for driving on grounds and some walking.
- ✓ Lock your vehicle while you’re on prison property.
- ✓ Keep all windows rolled up/closed while you’re on the grounds.
- ✓ Secure any equipment in your vehicle (like ladders or toolboxes).
- ✓ Be ready for your vehicle to be searched on facility grounds.
- ✓ Expect every visitor - regardless of age - to be subject to search.
- ✓ Plan to pass through a metal detector before entry.
- ✓ Don’t bring anyone who can’t enter to “wait” - there is no waiting area on facility grounds.
- ✓ If someone isn’t visiting, they must leave the facility grounds.
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