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 State Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at State Correctional Institution 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 State Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about State Correctional Institution

1. 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 State Correctional Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to State Correctional Institution?

   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.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at State Correctional Institution?

   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 State Correctional Institution. 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 State Correctional Institution. 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.

4. What is the mailing address of State Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   State Correctional Institution
   6454 PA-405
   Muncy, PA 17756
   Phone: (570) 546-3171

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at State Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at State Correctional Institution 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 (570) 546-3171 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to State Correctional Institution?

   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 State Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at State Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at State Correctional Institution 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.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at State Correctional Institution?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At State Correctional Institution, 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.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at State Correctional Institution?

   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 State Correctional Institution for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at State Correctional Institution, 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.

Programs & Services

The State Correctional Institution at Muncy operates specialized housing units designed to address the diverse needs of its female population, including a Therapeutic Community Unit, Mental Health Unit, and Veterans Service Unit. These targeted programs reflect the facility’s comprehensive approach to rehabilitation and treatment. The Reentry Service Office plays a central role in preparing individuals for successful community reintegration, providing information and services to those within 18 months of their release date, while Reentry Parole Agents facilitate essential Life Skills workshops and coordinate transition planning.

Educational and vocational opportunities at SCI Muncy include the Pennsylvania Correctional Industries Garment Shop, which employs approximately many individuals in producing uniforms for correctional staff and other Department of Corrections employees. The Community Work Program extends learning beyond the facility walls, with crews completing meaningful projects at local community centers, churches, and cemeteries through services such as painting, power washing, and lawn care. These programs may be complemented by additional educational offerings that typically include adult basic education, GED preparation, and various vocational training opportunities designed to build marketable skills.

The facility’s specialized housing units address specific treatment needs through programs such as the Diversionary Treatment Unit, Intermediate Treatment Unit, and Residential Treatment Unit. Mental health services are likely integrated throughout these programs, with counseling and therapeutic interventions tailored to support recovery and personal development. Additional support services may include substance abuse treatment, parenting classes, and life skills training, all designed to address the comprehensive challenges faced by women in the correctional system and promote successful reentry into the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

Life Behind the Walls: Understanding Routine at SCI Muncy

Within the 30 acres enclosed by SCI Muncy’s perimeter, approximately 1,200 women navigate their days across 16 different housing units that range from traditional cells to dormitory-style accommodations. The facility’s diverse specialized units - including the Mental Health Unit, Therapeutic Community Unit, and Veterans Service Unit - often shape individual daily experiences, with residents participating in targeted programming based on their housing assignment and treatment needs.

For many residents, work provides structure and purpose to their days. The Pennsylvania Correctional Industries garment shop employs about 43 women who manufacture uniforms for inmates and correctional staff throughout the state system. Others may participate in the Community Work Program, where crews travel to local churches, community centers, and cemeteries to complete painting, power washing, and lawn maintenance projects. These work assignments typically begin early in the morning and provide both job skills and a sense of contribution to the broader community.

Family connections remain vital to daily life, with the visiting room serving as an important link to the outside world. The facility maintains specific dress codes for visitors, and families can also stay connected through the inmate phone system and by sending money to support their loved ones’ commissary needs. For those nearing release, the Reentry Service Office becomes increasingly important, offering workshops in life skills and other preparation programs for women within 18 months of their minimum or release date, helping bridge the gap between incarceration and community reintegration.