How to Visit Smart Comm. SCI Pine Grove (PA)
SCI Pine Grove offers both in-person and video visits through the Pennsylvania DOC visitation system. A smooth visit comes down to scheduling early, showing up ready for security screening, and confirming details that can change.
SCI Pine Grove allows both in-person and video visitation through the Pennsylvania DOC system. If getting to the facility isn't realistic right now, video visits are a practical way to stay connected. Both options go through the same overall DOC visit process.
Visits are not walk-in. All in-person and video visits must be scheduled at least 3 days ahead of time, and you can book as far as 60 days out. That longer window helps if you need to arrange time off work, childcare, or travel.
Expect security screening when you arrive. Every visitor, regardless of age, will be searched and must pass through a metal detector. If you drive onto DOC property, keep your vehicle locked with windows closed. Visitor vehicles are also subject to search.
Note: For visit questions specific to SCI Pine Grove, contact the facility directly or email Central Office at ra-crdocinmatevss@pa.gov.
If you're also sending mail to someone at SCI Pine Grove, general correspondence (including photos) goes through Smart Communications. Mail is sent to Smart Communications/PA DOC, where it's opened and scanned, then printed for delivery by the facility mailroom. Photos are limited to 25 per mailing, and originals are not returned. Originals are securely destroyed after 45 days, so keep copies of anything you can't replace.
- Choose in-person or video - SCI Pine Grove supports both in-person visits and video visits through the Pennsylvania DOC visitation system.
- Schedule your visit early - Visits must be scheduled at least 3 days in advance, and you cannot schedule more than 60 days ahead.
- If you are doing a video visit, join close to start time - You may join a PA DOC video visit up to 5 minutes before the scheduled start time.
- ✓ Expect to be searched and to pass through a metal detector, no matter your age.
- ✓ If you bring a car onto prison property, lock it and keep the windows closed.
- ✓ Be prepared for your vehicle to be searched while on DOC facility property.
If you get stuck while scheduling or aren't sure which visit option to use, reach out before you make the trip. Contact SCI Pine Grove directly, or email the PA DOC Central Office at ra-crdocinmatevss@pa.gov for help with visitation questions.
What to Verify
- ✓ Confirm the current visit schedule and availability for SCI Pine Grove (times and days can vary).
- ✓ Confirm any rules that affect who can visit and how visits are approved.
- ✓ Confirm the exact steps you need to follow in the Pennsylvania DOC visitation system for the type of visit you want (in-person or video), even though the general scheduling window is 3 to 60 days in advance.
For video visits, DOC guidance says you can join up to 5 minutes before the scheduled start time. Still, confirm any device, app, or check-in expectations ahead of time so you're not scrambling at the last minute or trying to connect too early.
- ✓ Confirm the correct Smart Communications addressing format for SCI Pine Grove and that your mail is treated as general correspondence (opened, scanned, and printed for delivery).
- ✓ If you are sending pictures, stick to 25 photos per mailing.
- ✓ Do not send irreplaceable originals unless you are comfortable with them being destroyed after 45 days.
Note: If anything feels unclear, contact SCI Pine Grove directly or email ra-crdocinmatevss@pa.gov. This is especially worth doing before you travel or schedule time off.
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