SCI Camp Hill is a state correctional institution located in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. It is the state’s diagnostic and classification center for men entering the state prison system. The facility opened in 1941 as the Industrial School at White Hill for Young Offenders and received Huntingdon Reformatory’s juvenile population en masse. In 1975, it was ruled that SCI Camp Hill was not an appropriate place to house juvenile offenders, and in 1977, the institution began housing adult male inmates.
The classification process at SCI Camp Hill is different for every inmate and can take up to four months to complete. After the classification process, inmates could be located in another part of SCI Camp Hill to serve their sentence. Female inmates will either remain at SCI-Muncy or will be transferred to SCI-Cambridge Springs to begin serving their sentence. The institution offers a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for reentry into society, including educational and vocational training, counseling, and drug and alcohol treatment programs.
In-person visitation is permitted for the permanent prison population only, while video visitation remains available for incarcerated individuals awaiting classification. Visitors are reminded that visits must be scheduled online at least three days in advance. The institution has been in the news recently for its decision to resume in-person visitation at SCI Camp Hill and Fayette State Correctional Institution after a suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 4,194 |
| Physical Address | 2500 Lisburn Road Camp Hill, PA 17011 |
| Mailing Address | Smart Communications/PADOC Inmate Name/Inmate Number Institution PO Box 33028 St Petersburg, FL 33733 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (717) 737-4531 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview
SCI Camp Hill is a state prison located in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. It serves as the state’s diagnostic and classification center for men entering the state prison system. The facility is operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and has a capacity of approximately 4,100 inmates.
History
SCI Camp Hill opened in 1941 as the Industrial School at White Hill for Young Offenders and received Huntingdon Reformatory’s juvenile population en masse. In 1975, it was converted to a state prison for adult male offenders. The facility has a rich history, including a major riot in 1989 that resulted in the death of several inmates and staff members.
Location and Capacity
SCI Camp Hill is located in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and covers an area of approximately 50 acres. The facility has a capacity of 4,194 inmates and employs over 1,000 staff members.
Security Level
SCI Camp Hill is a mixed-security facility that houses inmates of various security levels, including maximum, close, medium, and minimum. Inmates are classified based on their individual needs and risks and are placed in appropriate housing units accordingly.
Overall, SCI Camp Hill is an important facility in the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections system. It plays a critical role in the classification and placement of inmates and provides a secure environment for both inmates and staff members.
Inmate Information
Inmate Programs
SCI Camp Hill offers several programs to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. These programs include GED preparation, adult basic education, special education, graphic arts, barber training, state intermediate punishment, sex offender treatment, violence prevention, and parenting classes. Inmates can also participate in stress reduction programs to help them cope with the challenges of incarceration.
Mail and Visitation
Inmates at SCI Camp Hill are allowed to receive mail from family and friends. General incoming correspondence includes but is not limited to letters, greeting cards, pictures, children’s drawings, etc. It’s nearly all correspondence which is NOT legal or privileged correspondence.
Inmates are also allowed to have visits from approved visitors during designated visiting hours. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list, and all visits are subject to search and monitoring.
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at SCI Camp Hill can receive mail at the following address:
- Smart Communications/PADOC
- Inmate Name/Inmate Number
- Institution
- PO Box 33028
- St Petersburg, FL 33733
Classification Process
When an inmate is first admitted to SCI Camp Hill, they undergo a classification process to determine their housing unit and level of supervision. The classification process takes into account factors such as the inmate’s criminal history, behavior in prison, and risk of escape. Once an inmate is classified, they are assigned to a housing unit and given an ID number.
Overall, SCI Camp Hill provides a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. While incarcerated, inmates can participate in educational programs, receive mail from family and friends, and have visits from approved visitors. The classification process ensures that inmates are housed in a unit that is appropriate for their level of risk and supervision.
Visiting Rules and Regulations
Visiting an inmate at SCI Camp Hill requires following specific rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of all individuals involved. The following sub-sections outline the key rules and regulations for inmate records, visitation, telephone, and JPay services.
Inmate Records
Inmate records at SCI Camp Hill are confidential and can only be accessed by authorized personnel. Inmates are assigned an identification number upon arrival, which is used to track their records and communication. Visitors are not allowed to access inmate records and should not attempt to do so.
Inmate Visitation
In-person visitation is permitted for the permanent prison population only. SCI Camp Hill serves as the DOC’s diagnostic and classification center, and the classification process can take up to 4 months to complete.
Video visitation remains available for incarcerated individuals awaiting classification. Visitors are reminded that visits must be scheduled online at least three days in advance. All visits, whether virtual or in-person, must be scheduled online three days in advance. Any violation of visiting regulations may result in the suspension of visiting privileges.
Telephone
Inmates are allowed to make phone calls during designated times. Phone numbers are not provided to the public, and inmates can only call approved phone numbers on their list. Visitors are not allowed to call inmates directly but can receive phone calls from inmates if their number is on the approved list.
JPay Services
JPay services allow visitors to send money to inmates, send messages, and schedule video visitation. Visitors can access JPay services online or by phone. Inmates can use JPay to purchase items from the commissary, pay for phone calls, and send messages.
Overall, visitors should familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations before visiting an inmate at SCI Camp Hill. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in the suspension of visiting privileges.
Education and Vocational Programs
SCI Camp Hill offers a variety of education and vocational programs to prepare inmates for successful reentry into society. These programs are designed to teach inmates new skills, improve their employability, and reduce their risk of recidivism.
Academic and Vocational Education
The Department of Corrections provides a detailed booklet for all educational programs it provides. Inmates are assessed during the classification process to determine what current skills they possess, what job interests they have, their educational background, and what education or vocational options are available. All state correctional institutions (SCIs) house education facilities that offer academic and vocational programs, including secondary diplomas and high school equivalency preparation programs.
Money Smart Program
The Money Smart Program is a financial education program designed to teach inmates about basic money management skills. The program covers topics such as budgeting, saving, credit, and debt management. Inmates who complete the program receive a certificate of completion.
Pre-vocational Program
The Pre-vocational Program is designed to teach inmates basic job skills in a variety of areas. Inmates can choose from a range of vocational training programs, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and welding.
Victim Awareness Education Program
The Victim Awareness Education Program is designed to help inmates understand the impact of their crimes on their victims and society as a whole. The program covers topics such as victimology, restorative justice, and victim impact statements.
English as a Second Language
The English as a Second Language Program is designed to help non-native English speakers improve their English language skills. The program covers topics such as grammar, vocabulary, and conversation.
Business Education
The Business Education Program is designed to teach inmates about basic business concepts, including marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. Inmates who complete the program receive a certificate of completion.
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning
The Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Program is designed to teach inmates about the installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems. Inmates who complete the program receive a certificate of completion.
Thinking for a Change
The Thinking for a Change Program is a cognitive-behavioral program designed to help inmates develop pro-social thinking and decision-making skills. The program covers topics such as problem-solving, social skills, and anger management.
In conclusion, SCI Camp Hill offers a range of education and vocational programs to prepare inmates for successful reentry into society. These programs are designed to teach inmates new skills, improve their employability, and reduce their risk of recidivism.
Mental Health Services
SCI Camp Hill offers a range of mental health services to its inmate population. These services are designed to help inmates manage their mental health needs while incarcerated and prepare them for successful reentry into society. The mental health services at SCI Camp Hill are divided into three main units: the Diversionary Treatment Unit, the Mental Health Unit, and the Residential Treatment Unit.
Diversionary Treatment Unit
The Diversionary Treatment Unit at SCI Camp Hill is designed to provide treatment to inmates who are experiencing a mental health crisis. This unit provides short-term care to inmates who may be experiencing acute symptoms of mental illness. The goal of this unit is to stabilize inmates and provide them with the necessary support to manage their symptoms.
Mental Health Unit
The Mental Health Unit at SCI Camp Hill provides ongoing mental health treatment to inmates who require longer-term care. This unit offers a range of services, including individual and group therapy, medication management, and crisis intervention. The mental health staff at SCI Camp Hill is made up of licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers who are trained to work with inmates who have a range of mental health needs.
Residential Treatment Unit
The Residential Treatment Unit at SCI Camp Hill is designed to provide intensive mental health treatment to inmates who require a higher level of care. This unit offers a structured environment where inmates can receive individualized treatment and support. The Residential Treatment Unit at SCI Camp Hill offers a range of services, including individual and group therapy, medication management, and life skills training.
In addition to these units, SCI Camp Hill also offers a range of inmate programs that are designed to promote mental health and wellness. These programs include educational classes, vocational training, and recreational activities. By providing these programs, SCI Camp Hill aims to support the mental health and well-being of its inmate population and prepare them for successful reentry into society.