SCI Dallas is a state correctional institution located in Dallas, Pennsylvania. The correctional facility was originally opened in 1960 as an institution for defective delinquents but became an adult institution after the state Supreme Court decision of 1966 voided the concept of “defective delinquents.” Today, SCI Dallas houses adult male inmates.
The facility has two Correctional Industries, the Mattress Factory and the Garment Factory, which employ 82 inmates and 6 staff. The Mattress Factory is responsible for the production of mattresses for all of Pennsylvania DOC and state hospitals, while the Garment Factory manufactures T-shirts, pajamas, sweatshirts, polo shirts, and robes for the DOC and state hospitals. Additionally, SCI Dallas has implemented various programs to help inmates develop skills and prepare for their eventual reentry into society. These programs include educational courses, vocational training, and counseling services.
Despite the efforts to provide inmates with opportunities for rehabilitation, SCI Dallas has faced challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The facility began COVID with 2,177 inmates in March and currently houses 1,708, which is 469 inmates fewer than what they had in March and represents a 22 percent inmate reduction. The gym area was initially converted into temporary medical isolation housing units.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 1,750 |
| Physical Address | 1000 Follies Road Dallas, PA 18612-0286 |
| 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 | (570) 675-1101 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview of SCI Dallas
SCI Dallas is a state correctional institution located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Today, this facility houses adult male inmates.
SCI Dallas has a current capacity of 1,750 inmates and is responsible for the production of mattresses for all of Pennsylvania DOC and state hospitals. It also has two Correctional Industries: Mattress Factory and Garment Factory, which employs 82 inmates and 6 staff. The Garment Factory manufactures T-shirts, pajamas, sweatshirts, polo shirts, and robes for the DOC and state hospitals.
As of March 2023, SCI Dallas houses 1,708 inmates, a significant reduction from its original population of 2,177 inmates due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the institution’s population reduction strategy. The cohort group size at Dallas remains at one cell, or a maximum of two men, to ensure social distancing can be maintained.
SCI Dallas has been audited for compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and has received a final PREA report, dated July 7, 2015. According to the report, SCI Dallas had a total of 6,783 hours of community work in 2012 for estimated savings to the community of $169,575. The institution has one Community Work Program (CWP) crew that goes into the community to perform work.
Inmate Life at SCI Dallas
Housing Units
Inmates at SCI Dallas are housed in one of six housing units, each with a capacity of approximately 500 inmates. The housing units are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates while also promoting rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Inmates are assigned to a housing unit based on factors such as age, security level, and medical needs.
Education Programs
SCI Dallas offers a variety of educational programs to help inmates improve their skills and increase their chances of success upon release. These programs include GED classes, adult basic education, and vocational education in fields such as accounting, barbering, horticulture, and welding. Inmates can also participate in college courses through partnerships with local universities.
Vocational Training
In addition to educational programs, SCI Dallas also offers vocational training to help inmates develop marketable skills. These programs include vocational education as well as work opportunities through Correctional Industries, which provides job training and work experience in areas such as manufacturing, textiles, and food service.
Mental Health Programs
SCI Dallas offers a range of mental health programs to help inmates cope with the stresses of incarceration and improve their overall well-being. These programs include individual and group therapy, as well as specialized programs for inmates with specific mental health needs.
Special Needs Unit
SCI Dallas has a Special Needs Unit that provides specialized housing and programming for inmates with physical or mental disabilities. The unit is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for these inmates, while also helping them develop skills and prepare for reentry into the community.
Veterans Affairs Unit
SCI Dallas also has a Veterans Affairs Unit that provides specialized services and programming for incarcerated veterans. Inmates in the unit can participate in group therapy, vocational training, and other programs designed to help them address the unique challenges they face as veterans.
Overall, SCI Dallas provides a range of programs and services designed to help inmates improve their skills, cope with the stresses of incarceration, and prepare for successful reentry into the community.
Educational and Vocational Programs
SCI Dallas offers various educational and vocational programs to help inmates gain skills and knowledge that will aid them in their future lives. These programs are designed to help inmates acquire skills that will enable them to secure employment after their release.
Academic and Vocational Education
SCI Dallas offers academic and vocational education programs to help inmates acquire knowledge and skills that will be useful in the job market. These programs include Adult Basic Education, GED, and vocational training. The vocational training programs include courses in building trades, business occupations, and welding school.
Building Trades
The Building Trades program at SCI Dallas provides inmates with the skills and knowledge required to work in the construction industry. The program includes courses in carpentry, masonry, plumbing, and electrical work. Inmates who complete this program can find employment in the construction industry after their release.
Business Occupation
The Business Occupation program at SCI Dallas provides inmates with the skills and knowledge required to work in various business settings. The program includes courses in bookkeeping, accounting, and computer applications. Inmates who complete this program can find employment in office settings after their release.
Welding School
The Welding School program at SCI Dallas provides inmates with the skills and knowledge required to work in the welding industry. The program includes courses in welding theory, welding safety, and welding techniques. Inmates who complete this program can find employment in the welding industry after their release.
Overall, the educational and vocational programs at SCI Dallas are designed to help inmates acquire skills and knowledge that will be useful in the job market. These programs are an essential part of the rehabilitation process, as they provide inmates with the tools they need to succeed after their release.
Rules and Regulations
SCI Dallas has certain rules and regulations that must be followed by all visitors and inmates. These rules are in place to ensure the safety and security of everyone inside the facility.
Visiting Hours
Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the end of the visiting hours. Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal items inside the facility. Only a government-issued ID is allowed. Visitors must also follow the dress code, which includes no revealing clothing, no shorts, and no sleeveless shirts. Visit this site in order to schedule a visitation.
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at SCI Dallas can receive mail from family, friends, and legal representatives. The mailing address for inmates is as follows:
- Smart Communications/PADOC
- Inmate Name/Inmate Number
- Institution
- PO Box 33028
- St Petersburg, FL 33733
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.
All general incoming correspondence sent to an inmate must contain a full return address with the first and last name of the sender. It must also contain the full and correct inmate name and inmate number.
Disciplinary Custody
Inmates who violate the rules and regulations of SCI Dallas may be placed in disciplinary custody. Disciplinary custody is a form of punishment that can last up to 90 days. Inmates in disciplinary custody are housed separately from the general population and have limited privileges.
Smart Communications/PADOC
SCI Dallas uses Smart Communications, a secure messaging system, for inmates to communicate with their friends and family. The system is monitored by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PADOC). Inmates must follow the rules and regulations of the PADOC when using Smart Communications.
Inmate Number
Each inmate at SCI Dallas is assigned a unique inmate number. This number is used to identify the inmate and should be used in all correspondence with the inmate. Visitors should have the inmate number when visiting SCI Dallas.
Overall, it is important to follow the rules and regulations of SCI Dallas to ensure the safety and security of everyone inside the facility.
Contact Information
If you need to get in touch with SCI Dallas, you can find their contact information below.
Physical Address
SCI Dallas is located at:
1000 Follies Road Dallas, PA 18612
Telephone
You can reach SCI Dallas by phone at:
Main Phone: (570) 675-1101