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How to contact an inmate at SCI Rockview
This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate at SCI Rockview. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:
- Search for the inmate using our search tool below
- Create your account or log in to Penmate
- Write your message (up to 6,000 characters)
- Send instantly - inmates receive printed copies daily
Find an Inmate
Search for an inmate to start communicating today
Tip: You can search by first name, last name, or inmate ID number
To contact a person at SCI Rockview start by searching for the person on the official facility website. Perform a search by following these steps:
- Step 1: Enter their first name and last name into the search form and click "Search"
- Step 2: Locate their inmate record
- Step 3: Write down their Inmate ID and any housing information provided
Important! Be sure to enter the person's full name. Nicknames should not be used.
How to Send Messages to Inmates
You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at SCI Rockview.
Sending Photos and Postcards
A great way to send love and support to a loved one at SCI Rockview is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.
Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of SCI Rockview.
Frequently asked questions about SCI Rockview
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How long does it take to deliver a message?
If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by SCI Rockview.
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How much does it cost to send a message to SCI Rockview?
You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.
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What services can I use to contact an inmate at SCI Rockview?
Penmate
You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.
Securus messaging
Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at SCI Rockview. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.
JPay
Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.
Smart Jail Mail
You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at SCI Rockview. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.
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What is the mailing address of SCI Rockview?
Mailing address:
SCI Rockview
1 Rockview Pl
Bellefonte, PA 16823
Phone: (814) 355-4874Business hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Sunday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
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What are the visiting hours at SCI Rockview?
Visiting hours at SCI Rockview vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (814) 355-4874 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.
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What items are prohibited when sending mail to SCI Rockview?
Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with SCI Rockview for their specific mail policies.
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How do I send money to an inmate at SCI Rockview?
You can send money to an inmate at SCI Rockview through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.
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Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at SCI Rockview?
Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At SCI Rockview, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.
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What identification do I need to visit an inmate at SCI Rockview?
All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact SCI Rockview for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.
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How can I find out an inmate's release date?
To find an inmate's release date at SCI Rockview, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.
Facility Overview
Official Website
About SCI Rockview
A maximum-security correctional facility operating in Centre County, Pennsylvania, SCI Rockview emerged from early 20th century prison reform efforts aimed at addressing severe overcrowding and unsanitary conditions at existing penitentiaries. Located six miles south of Bellefonte and six miles northeast of State College, the institution was conceived as a rural alternative that would provide inmates with "useful employment in tilling the soil or otherwise," as outlined in the original 1911 legislation signed by Governor John K. Tener. The facility's development began after a special committee surveyed 33 potential sites before selecting 4,300 acres in Centre County, with additional acreage obtained from adjacent state forestland.
The institution's founding reflected a progressive approach to corrections for its time, with lawmakers recognizing that overcrowded urban facilities contributed to health problems and mental health issues among inmates. Originally intended to replace Western Penitentiary, the facility's mission expanded by 1915 to serve as a maximum-security prison designed to take the place of both Eastern and Western Penitentiaries. This rural setting typically allows for agricultural and vocational programs that may support inmate rehabilitation and skill development, while the facility's location provides reasonable access for family visits from both the Bellefonte and State College areas.
SCI Rockview houses inmates within Pennsylvania's state correctional system and likely offers various programs focused on education, job training, and reintegration preparation. The facility's rural environment may provide opportunities for work programs and therapeutic activities that support inmates' transition back to their communities upon release.
Programs & Services
The State Correctional Institution at Rockview operates with a foundation rooted in providing meaningful employment and rehabilitation opportunities, reflecting its original legislative mandate that prisoners "be provided with useful employment in tilling the soil or otherwise." This rural facility, situated on thousands of acres in Centre County, continues to emphasize productive activities that prepare individuals for successful reintegration into their communities.
Educational programs at SCI Rockview typically include adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy courses designed to help individuals develop fundamental academic skills. The facility may also offer vocational training programs that could include areas such as construction trades, food service, maintenance operations, and potentially agricultural programs given the institution's rural setting and historical emphasis on land-based work. These vocational opportunities often provide hands-on experience that translates directly to employment skills upon release.
Counseling and support services generally encompass substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling, and various therapeutic communities addressing specific needs within the population. The facility may offer religious services, recreational activities, and family support programs including visitation services. Additionally, pre-release planning and reentry preparation programs typically help individuals develop the practical skills and connections necessary for successful community transition, building upon the institution's long-standing commitment to meaningful rehabilitation rather than mere confinement.
Daily Life & Visitation
The State Correctional Institution at Rockview operates on the rural 4,300-acre campus in Centre County that was originally envisioned to provide inmates with "useful employment in tilling the soil or otherwise." This agricultural foundation continues to influence the facility's approach to inmate programming and daily structure. Located between Bellefonte and State College, the institution typically maintains structured daily schedules that may include work assignments, educational programming, and recreational activities designed to prepare individuals for successful reintegration into their communities.
Inmates at SCI Rockview often have opportunities to participate in various work programs that may take advantage of the facility's rural setting and extensive grounds. The daily routine typically includes scheduled meal times, count procedures, and designated periods for programming activities. Educational opportunities may be available, along with vocational training programs that help develop practical skills. Recreation time is generally incorporated into the daily schedule, allowing inmates to engage in physical activities and maintain social connections within the facility's guidelines.
Family connections remain an important aspect of life at the facility, with visitation programs designed to help inmates maintain relationships with their loved ones. The institution typically offers various methods for families to stay in touch, including scheduled visiting hours and communication services. Those wishing to visit an inmate or send money can find specific procedures and requirements through the facility's established protocols, which help ensure the safety and security of all visitors, staff, and inmates while supporting the important family bonds that often contribute to successful rehabilitation outcomes.
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