In-person vs. video visits at SCI Phoenix: which to choose?

SCI Phoenix allows both in-person and video visits. You're not locked into one format - pick what works best for your family month to month, and plan around travel, work schedules, and who needs to be there.

Each inmate at SCI Phoenix may receive up to four in-person visits per month, including one weekend visit. These aren't quick drop-ins - each visit is guaranteed to be at least one hour. Group size is smaller, though: a maximum of four visitors can attend. The only exception is Quehanna Boot Camp, which limits in-person visits to two visitors.

Video visits are often easier when travel is tough or you're coordinating a bigger group. All inmates are eligible for free video visits - up to six per month, including one weekend visit. You can also have more people join: up to six visitors can participate in a single video session.

Privacy is one of the biggest differences. Video visits with non-attorneys are audio/video recorded and subject to review. Treat the conversation like it could be listened to later - stick to family updates and support.

Both in-person and video visits are scheduled through Pennsylvania's Inmate Visitation System (IVS), which uses Keystone Login to verify your identity. One DOC source says visits must be scheduled at least two days in advance, but the IVS site has stated three days in some places - give yourself extra lead time when you can. You can't book too far out, either: visits cannot be scheduled more than 60 days in advance.

Choosing video? Take a few minutes before your first visit to make sure your device is ready and your login works. The DOC provides device-specific guidance - review it ahead of time so you're not troubleshooting when your visit window starts.

Keep an eye on the email address tied to your IVS account. If the facility cancels a scheduled visit, you’ll receive an email notification there.

Practical Considerations and Prep

• ✓ You want more visit opportunities each month (up to six video visits per month, including one weekend visit).
• ✓ You need to include more people at once (up to six visitors can join a single video visit).
• ✓ You can’t travel, or coordinating transportation is a problem.
• ✓ You’re comfortable with the fact that non-attorney video visits are audio/video recorded and subject to review.

• ✓ You want face-to-face time and the structure of an on-site visit.
• ✓ You want a visit length that’s guaranteed to be at least one hour.
• ✓ You can work within the monthly cap (up to four in-person visits per month, including one weekend visit).
• ✓ Your group is small enough for the limit (maximum of four visitors per in-person visit).

1. Set up IVS access - Create/sign in to IVS using Keystone Login, since Keystone is used to verify your identity for scheduling.
2. Schedule early in IVS - A DOC source says visits must be scheduled at least two days in advance, but allow extra time just in case (some IVS guidance has used a three-day minimum).
3. Do a quick video-visit test (if you’re going remote) - Before the day of the visit, make sure your device and connection are working so you don’t lose time during the session.
4. Plan for security screening (if you’re going in person) - At SCI Phoenix, every visitor (regardless of age) and visitor vehicles are subject to search, and all visitors must pass through a metal detector.

Driving to SCI Phoenix? Lock your vehicle and keep windows closed while on prison property. Plan your ride carefully: there's no waiting area at the facility, so anyone not visiting must leave the grounds rather than wait on-site.