What to Expect When You Arrive for an In-Person Visit at SCI Pine Grove
Your first in-person visit can feel stressful—mostly because you don't know what to expect at the door. At SCI Pine Grove, that means vehicle checks, screening for everyone entering, and a strict no-waiting-area rule on facility grounds.
Vehicles Search Secure
- ✓ Expect your vehicle to be searched after you arrive on prison property.
- ✓ Lock your vehicle while you’re on prison property.
- ✓ Roll windows up/closed.
- ✓ Secure any equipment on or in the vehicle (for example, ladders or toolboxes) before you park.
Vehicle searches are standard at SCI Pine Grove. Assume your car may be inspected. Have everything secured and your vehicle properly closed up before you reach the entrance - it keeps things moving and avoids surprises.
Everyone in your group will go through screening. Every visitor - regardless of age - must pass through a metal detector and is subject to search when entering the facility grounds.
Tip: Before you step up to the metal detector, take a moment to remove metal items so you’re less likely to set it off and get delayed.
SCI Pine Grove enforces a no-waiting-area rule. Don't bring someone who can't visit and have them "wait in the car" or hang around on the property. Anyone not visiting must leave the facility grounds.
- ✓ Arrange drop-off and pick-up so your driver doesn’t need to wait on facility property.
- ✓ Set up childcare off-site if your child isn’t going in as a visitor.
- ✓ Don’t bring extra family or friends “just to come along” if they aren’t entering for the visit.
- ✓ If you’re carpooling, confirm that everyone in the vehicle is actually visiting before you arrive.
Warning: Violating visiting regulations can lead to a suspension of visiting privileges, so it’s worth planning ahead and following staff instructions closely.
Have questions about visitation? Contact the facility directly. For Inmate Visitation System questions, you can also email Central Office at ra-crdocinmatevss@pa.gov.
Don't show up without a scheduled visit. Both in-person and video visits must be scheduled in advance through the Inmate Visitation System - at least 3 days ahead, and no more than 60 days ahead.
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