SCI Rockview is a state prison located in Centre County, Pennsylvania. It is one of the many state prisons operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. Construction of the prison began in 1912, and it opened in 1915. The original plan was to replace Eastern and Western Penitentiaries, but it became the branch prison for Western Penitentiary instead, housing lesser security risk prisoners, most of whom were employed in Rockview’s extensive farm program outside the gates.
Over the years, SCI Rockview has undergone several changes. Under Governor Gifford Pinchot, in the 1920s, the plans were changed to provide that Rockview would become a medium-security institution operated as a branch, or farm, prison by the Western Penitentiary. Later, the prison was authorized to carry out executions, and the execution complex was built on the prison grounds. Today, SCI Rockview is a medium-security prison that houses adult male inmates and provides a variety of programs and services to help them prepare for reentry into society.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 2,213 |
| Physical Address | 1 Rockview Place Bellefonte, PA 16823 |
| 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 | (814) 355-4874 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview
State Correctional Institution (SCI) Rockview is a medium-security prison in Centre County, Pennsylvania. It is operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and primarily houses adult male inmates. The prison is located in a rural area near the town of Bellefonte and has a perimeter of approximately 3.5 miles.
History
Construction of SCI Rockview began in 1912 and it opened in 1915. Originally planned to replace Eastern and Western Penitentiaries, it became instead the branch prison for Western Penitentiary, housing lesser security risk prisoners, most of whom were employed in Rockview’s extensive farm program outside the gates. Under Governor Robert P. Casey, in the 1980s, the prison was expanded to include housing units for maximum-security inmates.
Location
SCI Rockview is located in Centre County, near the town of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. The prison is approximately 12 miles from State College, home to Pennsylvania State University.
The prison is easily accessible from Interstate 99 and Route 322. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list and must follow the prison’s dress code and other regulations.
SCI Rockview is one of several prisons operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, including SCI Waymart in Wayne County and SCI Benner Township in Centre County. The department also oversees community work programs and Correctional Industries, which provides vocational training and employment opportunities for inmates.
Inmate Population and Programs
As of June 2023, SCI Rockview had an inmate population of approximately 2,000 and employed over 700 full-time employees. The prison offers a variety of educational and vocational programs, including a barber school, business education, electricity/residential wiring, pre-vocational skills class, money smart, ACT 143 victim awareness, family/relationship self, inside-out dad’s parenting program, sex offenders, peer tutor groups, reentry, alcohol and other drug (AOD) therapeutic community, outpatient therapy group, dual diagnosis, AA/NA/SOS support meetings, offense related thinking for a change, violence prevention, batterer’s intervention, impact of crimes, and mental health programs.
SCI Rockview also houses the state’s execution chamber, where inmates sentenced to death by lethal injection are executed. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has upheld the use of lethal injection as a method of execution, ruling that it does not constitute cruel and unusual punishment.
Facilities
SCI Rockview has several housing units, including maximum-security and medium-security units, as well as a field hospital. The prison also has a furniture factory and a metal fabrication shop, both operated by Correctional Industries.
The execution complex is located on the prison grounds and includes a witness area and holding cells. The execution chamber is equipped with a lethal injection table and a backup electric chair. The last execution by electrocution in Pennsylvania occurred at Rockview in 1962.
Overcrowding
Like many prisons in the United States, SCI Rockview has faced issues with overcrowding. In 2018, the prison was operating at 103% of its capacity, leading to concerns about safety and living conditions for inmates and staff. The Bureau of Correction has implemented several measures to address overcrowding, including transferring inmates to other facilities and reducing the number of admissions.
Visitation
SCI Rockview allows inmates to receive visitors during specific hours and under certain rules and regulations. Visitors can either visit in person or through video visitation.
Hours
Visitors must schedule their visitation time in advance through the Inmate Visitation System (IVS) on the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections website.
Rules and Regulations
Visitors must follow certain rules and regulations during their visitation at SCI Rockview. These rules are in place to ensure the safety and security of the facility, prison staff, and inmates. Some of the important rules and regulations are:
- Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list.
- Visitors must bring a valid photo ID.
- Visitors must dress appropriately and avoid wearing revealing clothing.
- Visitors must not bring any items for the inmate, except for legal documents.
- Visitors must not engage in any physical or sexual contact with the inmate.
- Visitors must not bring any weapons or illegal substances into the facility.
- Visitors must follow all staff instructions during their visitation.
It is essential to note that any violation of these rules and regulations may result in the termination of the visitation and/or legal action against the visitor.
Overall, visitation at SCI Rockview is an essential way for inmates to maintain contact with their loved ones and receive support during their incarceration. By following the rules and regulations, visitors can ensure a safe and positive visitation experience.
Facilities
SCI Rockview is a medium-security state correctional institution located in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. The facility houses adult male inmates and has a capacity of approximately 2,200 inmates. The institution’s facilities are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates.
Housing Units
SCI Rockview has 13 housing units, each with a capacity of approximately 168 inmates. The housing units are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates, with features such as secure doors, windows, and locks. Inmates are housed in cells that are designed to provide privacy and comfort.
Education and Vocational Programs
SCI Rockview offers a variety of education and vocational programs to help inmates prepare for reentry into society. Inmates can take courses in basic education, adult basic education, and GED preparation. Vocational classes are also available in areas such as HVAC, masonry, and construction. In addition, SCI Rockview has a wood furniture factory where inmates can gain valuable work experience.
Correctional Industries
SCI Rockview has a correctional industry program that provides inmates with work opportunities while also generating revenue for the institution. Inmates can work in areas such as metal fabrication, printing, and furniture production. The program is designed to teach inmates valuable skills that they can use upon release.
Healthcare
SCI Rockview has a comprehensive healthcare program that provides inmates with access to medical, dental, and mental health services. The facility has a medical unit staffed by healthcare professionals who provide routine and emergency care to inmates.
Execution Chamber
SCI Rockview has an execution chamber that is used to carry out the death penalty in Pennsylvania. The chamber is located on the grounds of the institution and is designed to provide a humane and dignified environment for the execution process.
Overall, SCI Rockview is a well-equipped and well-staffed rural penitentiary that provides a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates. The institution’s facilities and inmate programs are designed to help them prepare for reentry into society and to reduce the likelihood of reoffending. The institution is named after Governor John K. Tener and was opened in 1912 during the administration of Gifford Pinchot.
Security
SCI Rockview is a state prison located in Centre County, Pennsylvania, that houses prisoners with a range of security classifications. The prison is known for its high level of security and strict regulations to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff.
Perimeter
The prison has a secure perimeter that is monitored 24/7 by correctional officers and surveillance cameras. The perimeter includes multiple fences, razor wire, and electronic detection systems to prevent any unauthorized access or escape attempts. Additionally, the prison has a specialized Emergency Response Team (ERT) that is trained to respond to any security breaches or emergencies that may occur within the perimeter.
Maximum-Security
The prison has a maximum-security section that is designed to house the most dangerous and violent offenders. This section is heavily guarded and has additional security measures such as individual cells, restricted movement, and limited access to programs and activities. Inmates in this section are closely monitored by correctional officers to prevent any violent incidents.
Medium-Security
The prison also has a medium-security section that houses inmates who are considered less of a security risk but still require a secure environment. This section has more freedom of movement and access to programs and activities than the maximum-security section but still has strict regulations and monitoring to ensure safety.
Overall, SCI Rockview is a highly secure prison that prioritizes the safety of both inmates and staff. The prison’s strict security measures and specialized teams ensure that any security breaches or emergencies are quickly and effectively addressed.