Scheduling and rules for in-person visits: timing, check-in, dress, and searches
- Schedule ahead. Some Pennsylvania facilities require visits to be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance.
- Pick a time window based on the facility’s schedule. One Pennsylvania example (Allegheny County Jail) lists one-hour visitation sessions Monday through Saturday, with time windows of 8:00 am to 11:00 am, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm (on the half hour), and 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and it lists no visits on Sunday.
- Check in early. That same facility requires visitors to be checked in at least 15 minutes before the scheduled visit time.
Expect real security screening when you visit. Pennsylvania DOC warns that all visitors are subject to search before entering, which may include an Ion Scanner and/or K-9 search team. If you drive onto facility property, know that parking comes with conditions. Vehicles parked on the grounds may be subject to a K-9 search. Refuse consent, and you'll need to remove your vehicle from facility property. And don't show up after drinking: visitors who appear under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, or who smell of alcohol upon arrival, will not be permitted to enter.
Common Questions
Q
Can I record, upload, or share a video visit?
No. Pennsylvania DOC states that recording, uploading, sharing, or otherwise distributing a video visit is not authorized.
Q
How do I schedule a visit and when should I arrive?
One Pennsylvania example (Allegheny County) requires visits to be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance. It also requires visitors to be checked in at least 15 minutes before the scheduled visit time, so plan your drive and parking with that window in mind.
Q
What are typical video visit hours and costs I should plan for?
Hours and fees can vary by facility, but one Pennsylvania example (Allegheny County) lists video visitation hours as 9 am to 9 pm daily (pending operational status). That same example lists a cost of $0.25 per minute and a 30-minute time limit.
Q
Do Pennsylvania facilities use different vendors or systems than federal (BOP) facilities?
Yes. Federal facilities are operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the BOP uses the Trust Fund Network (TRUNET) to manage inmate funds and commissary operations, which BOP documents state is not connected to the internet. That is separate from the tools you might see listed by Pennsylvania DOC or county jails.
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