What to Know Before Driving to SCI Phoenix: Vehicle, Security & No-Waiting-Area Checklist

Once you're on SCI Phoenix grounds, keep your vehicle locked. It's a basic rule on prison property, and one of the easiest things to forget when you're focused on getting inside on time.

Roll your windows all the way up before you leave the car. Anything mounted or stored on the outside of your vehicle (ladders, a toolbox, etc.) needs to be secured while you're on facility grounds.

Everyone in your group will be screened. At SCI Phoenix, every visitor is subject to search, including children and older adults. If you're visiting with family, talk through this ahead of time so nobody is caught off guard at the entrance.

All visitors must pass through a metal detector. Keep what you bring to a minimum. The less you carry, the faster you'll get through if staff need to inspect or rescreen anything.

• ✓ Expect screening for every person in your group, regardless of age
• ✓ Be ready to go through a metal detector
• ✓ Keep belongings to a minimum since visitors are subject to search
• ✓ Leave items in your locked vehicle, and remember that vehicles on the property can also be searched

SCI Phoenix does not have a waiting area for people who aren't visiting. If someone drives with you but isn't going in, they can't wait on facility grounds. Anyone not visiting must leave.

1. Only bring people who can actually visit - Since there’s no waiting area, anyone not entering for the visit needs to leave the grounds.
2. Secure your vehicle before you walk away - Lock your car while you’re on prison property, and keep the windows rolled up and closed.
3. Double-check anything on the exterior of your vehicle - Make sure equipment like ladders and toolboxes is secured before you head inside.

Sort out group size and timing before you make the drive. Each inmate may receive up to four in-person visits per month (including one weekend visit), and each visit is guaranteed to be at least one hour. A maximum of four visitors are allowed per visit (Quehanna Boot Camp is limited to two). Plan who's coming ahead of time, especially since non-visitors can't remain on the grounds.

If you're turned away at the door or your visit gets canceled, start by checking your scheduling details. All in-person and video visits must be scheduled in advance through the Inmate Visitation System (IVS). You'll need an IVS account and placement on the inmate's authorized visitor list before you can schedule. IVS uses Keystone Login to verify your identity, so login issues alone can stop a visit before it starts. If the facility cancels a visit, you'll get an email. Check the email tied to your IVS account for updates. Scheduling rules can change, so verify current timing requirements inside IVS before you make the trip. For questions, contact the facility or email Central Office at ra-crdocinmatevss@pa.gov.

1. Write down what happened right away - Note the date/time, who you spoke with, and what you were told.
2. Save any IVS-related messages - Keep cancellation emails or other messages connected to your IVS account.
3. Follow up quickly if privileges may be affected - Visiting regulation violations can lead to suspension of visiting privileges, so don’t let confusion linger if you think a rule issue was involved.