SCI Greene: Maximum Security Rehabilitation in Pennsylvania

SCI Greene is a state correctional institution located in Greene County, Pennsylvania. The facility is designed to house adult male inmates and has a capacity of over 1,800 prisoners. SCI Greene is one of 25 state prisons operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.

The institution has a long and varied history, having served as a youth development center and a minimum-security facility for adult females before being converted to an adult male facility in 1992. SCI Greene has been the site of several high-profile incidents, including a 2010 riot that resulted in extensive damage to the facility. Despite these challenges, the prison has continued to operate and fulfill its mission of providing safe and secure housing for the state’s incarcerated population.

SCI Greene is an important part of Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system, and its operations and policies are closely monitored by state officials and advocacy groups. The institution’s staff and administrators work diligently to ensure that inmates receive appropriate care and treatment while also maintaining a safe and secure environment for all involved. As such, SCI Greene is a complex and multifaceted institution that merits close attention and scrutiny from all those interested in the state’s criminal justice system.

SecurityMaximum
Capacity1,853
Physical Address169 Progress Drive
Waynesburg, PA 15370
Mailing AddressSmart Communications/PADOC
Inmate Name/Inmate Number
Institution
PO Box 33028
St Petersburg, FL 33733
Can You Send a Gift?No
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number(724) 852-2902
JurisdictionState

Overview

SCI Greene is a state correctional institution located in Greene County, Pennsylvania, operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. The facility is designed to house adult male offenders and has a capacity of 1,800 inmates. The prison is situated on a 44-acre site and is surrounded by a 25-foot high wall with electronic detection systems and armed guard towers.

Location

SCI Greene is located in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, a small borough in the southwestern part of the state. The facility is situated near the intersection of Interstate 79 and Route 21, making it easily accessible for visitors and staff. The prison is approximately 60 miles south of Pittsburgh and 20 miles east of the Pennsylvania-West Virginia border.

History

SCI Greene was opened in 1993 as a maximum-security prison and was built to replace the outdated Western Penitentiary in Pittsburgh. The facility was designed to be a modern, state-of-the-art prison, with advanced security features and a focus on rehabilitation and education. Since its opening, SCI Greene has undergone several expansions and renovations, including the addition of a capital case unit and a step-down unit.

Facilities

SCI Greene is a multi-level prison that houses inmates in cell blocks and dormitory-style units. The facility has several specialized housing units, including a security threat group management unit and a restrictive housing unit. Inmates are also provided with access to educational and vocational programs, including adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training. The prison also offers medical and mental health services, including substance abuse treatment and counseling.

In conclusion, SCI Greene is a modern, high-security prison that provides a range of services and programs to help inmates prepare for reentry into society. While the facility has faced some criticism over the years, it remains an important part of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections’ efforts to ensure public safety and reduce recidivism rates.

Visitation and Family Services

Visitation Policies

Visitation is an essential part of the rehabilitation process for inmates at SCI Greene. The facility offers both in-person and video visitation options for family members and friends of inmates. To visit an inmate, visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list.

In-person visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance and are subject to availability. Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time to allow for processing. All visitors are subject to a search before entering the facility. For more information check this link.

Video visitation is available for all inmates and can be scheduled through the facility’s website. Video visits are monitored and recorded, and all visitors must follow the same rules as in-person visits.

Contacting Inmates

Family members and friends of inmates can stay in touch with their loved ones through phone calls, letters, and emails. Inmates are allowed to make phone calls during designated hours and must have funds in their accounts to do so.

Letters can be sent to the inmate’s mailing address, which can be found on the facility’s website.

Support for Family Members

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections recognizes the importance of family support in the rehabilitation process. The department offers a range of services and resources for family members of inmates, including support groups and counseling services.

Family members can also find information on the department’s website about visiting policies, sending money to inmates, and other frequently asked questions. The department also provides an inmate locator service, which allows family members to find an inmate’s location and inmate number.

Overall, SCI Greene is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for inmates and their families. By following the facility’s visitation policies and staying in touch with their loved ones, family members and friends can play an important role in the rehabilitation process.

Security

SCI Greene is a maximum-security prison that houses inmates with custody levels ranging from 2 through 5. The facility has a comprehensive security system to ensure the safety of both staff and inmates. This section will discuss security levels, screening procedures, and the restricted housing unit (RHU).

Security Levels

SCI Greene has a multi-level security system to ensure that inmates are housed in the appropriate custody level. The facility has general population housing, restrictive housing, secure residential treatment, diversionary treatment, a capital case unit, residential treatment, security threat group management, and a step-down unit. Inmates are housed according to their custody levels, which are determined by factors such as their criminal history, behavior, and risk of escape.

Screening Procedures

SCI Greene has strict screening procedures for visitors, staff, and inmates. Visitors are required to go through a metal detector and have their belongings searched before entering the facility. Staff members are also required to go through a metal detector and have their belongings searched before entering the prison. Inmates are subject to random searches of their cells and their person to prevent the smuggling of contraband into the prison.

Restricted Housing Unit

The restricted housing unit is a special unit within SCI Greene that houses inmates who have violated prison rules or who pose a threat to the safety and security of the facility. Inmates in the RHU are placed in single cells and have limited privileges. They are allowed out of their cells for only a few hours a day and are closely monitored by staff.

In conclusion, SCI Greene has a comprehensive security system to ensure the safety of staff and inmates. The facility has multiple security levels, strict screening procedures, and a restricted housing unit for inmates who pose a threat to the safety and security of the facility.

Inmate Services

SCI Greene offers a variety of inmate services to help prepare individuals for their eventual release and reentry into society. These services include mental health support, reentry programs, and job training and trades.

Mental Health Services

SCI Greene provides mental health services to inmates who require them. The facility has a team of psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals who work to provide inmates with the care they need. These professionals offer individual and group therapy sessions, medication management, crisis intervention, and more. They also work with inmates to develop coping skills and strategies for managing stress and anxiety.

Reentry Programs

SCI Greene offers several reentry programs to help inmates prepare for life outside of prison. These programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and more. Inmates can also participate in a pre-release program that helps them develop a plan for their transition back into society. This program includes assistance with finding housing, employment, and other resources.

Job Training and Trades

SCI Greene offers a variety of job training and trades programs to help inmates develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce. These programs include welding, electrical work, carpentry, and more. Inmates can also participate in apprenticeship programs that allow them to gain hands-on experience in a specific trade. These programs can help inmates develop the skills they need to secure employment and support themselves after their release.

Overall, SCI Greene’s inmate services are designed to help individuals prepare for their eventual release and reentry into society. These services can help inmates develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce and lead productive lives after their release.

Career Opportunities

SCI Greene, a state prison in Pennsylvania, offers a variety of career opportunities in corrections. The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) is always seeking qualified candidates to fill a range of positions at SCI Greene.

Becoming a Corrections Officer

One of the most common career opportunities at SCI Greene is becoming a corrections officer. The DOC is looking for individuals who are committed to public safety and have the ability to work in a high-stress environment. To become a corrections officer, candidates must meet certain requirements, including being a United States citizen, having a valid driver’s license, and passing a background check. The DOC provides training to all new corrections officers, including a 12-week training program at the DOC Training Academy.

Competitive Pay and Benefits

The DOC offers competitive pay and benefits to all employees, including corrections officers. The starting salary for a corrections officer trainee is $41,956 per year, with opportunities for advancement. The DOC also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance. Additionally, corrections officers are eligible for paid time off, including vacation, sick time, and personal days.

Total Rewards Benefits Package

The DOC’s Total Rewards Benefits Package is designed to attract and retain talented employees. The package includes a variety of benefits, including retirement benefits, life insurance, and disability insurance. The DOC also offers tuition assistance to employees who wish to further their education.

Interested candidates can visit cor.pa.gov/careers to learn more about career opportunities in corrections and to apply for open positions. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania also offers a comprehensive benefits package to all employees, which can be found at employment.pa.gov/benefits.

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