SCI Somerset is one of the state prisons in Pennsylvania that houses male inmates. It is located in Somerset County and was opened in July 1996. The facility has a capacity of 2,223 inmates and is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff.
SCI Somerset offers a range of educational and vocational programs to help inmates prepare for their reentry into society. Inmates can participate in programs such as adult basic education, GED preparation, vocational training, and college courses. The facility also has a Correctional Industries laundry that processes over 10.5 million pounds of laundry per year for customers such as the Department of Corrections, Department of Public Welfare, veterans homes, and universities.
In-person visitation at SCI Somerset resumed on July 8, 2021, after being suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors are required to schedule their visits online at least three days in advance and must comply with all security procedures. SCI Somerset encourages families to attend inmate graduation from educational and vocational programs as part of their efforts to maintain family connections and support successful reentry into society.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 2,223 |
| Physical Address | 1590 Walters Mill Road Somerset, PA 15510-0001 |
| 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) 443-8100 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview of SCI Somerset
SCI Somerset is a state correctional institution located in Somerset, Pennsylvania, under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. The facility opened in 1993 and is a medium-security prison for adult males. It has a capacity of 2,223 inmates and employs approximately 580 staff members.
SCI Somerset offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their re-entry into society. These programs include academic education, vocational training, drug and alcohol treatment, and mental health services. Inmates can also participate in religious services, recreational activities, and community service projects.
The prison has several industries, including a laundry facility that processes over 10.5 million pounds of laundry per year. The laundry serves 18 customers, including the Department of Corrections, the Department of Public Welfare, veterans homes, and universities. The prison also has a greenhouse, which provides fresh produce to the prison’s kitchen and donates excess produce to local food banks.
SCI Somerset has a staff of approximately 580 employees, including correctional officers, administrative staff, and medical personnel. The prison also has a volunteer program, which allows community members to provide services and programs to inmates.
The institution is located in Somerset County, which is in the southwestern part of Pennsylvania. The town of Somerset is located approximately one mile from the prison. The area is known for its scenic beauty, including the Laurel Highlands and the Great Allegheny Passage trail.
Inmate Programs and Education
SCI Somerset offers a variety of programs and educational opportunities to help inmates develop skills and prepare for life after release. These programs are designed to help inmates become productive members of society and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.
Academic Education
SCI Somerset offers a range of academic education programs, including GED and Adult Basic Education classes. These classes are designed to help inmates earn their high school equivalency diplomas and improve their literacy and numeracy skills. Inmates can also take college-level courses through partnerships with local colleges and universities.
Vocational Education
SCI Somerset offers vocational education programs in a variety of fields, including welding, carpentry, and horticulture. These programs provide inmates with the skills and training they need to find employment in these fields after release.
Canine Partners for Life Dog Training Program
The Canine Partners for Life Dog Training Program is a unique program that allows inmates to train service dogs for people with disabilities. Inmates learn valuable skills in dog training and care, and the program provides a valuable service to the community.
Reentry Pre-Vocational Skills Class
The Reentry Pre-Vocational Skills Class is a program designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to find employment after release. The program covers topics such as resume writing, job search strategies, and interview skills.
Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Therapeutic Community
The Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Therapeutic Community is a program designed to help inmates overcome addiction and develop the skills they need to maintain sobriety after release. The program includes counseling, group therapy, and other support services.
ACT 143 Victim Awareness
The ACT 143 Victim Awareness program is a program designed to help inmates understand the impact of their crimes on their victims and the community. The program includes victim impact panels, community service projects, and other activities designed to promote empathy and accountability.
Overall, the programs and educational opportunities offered at SCI Somerset provide inmates with valuable skills and training to help them become productive members of society after release.
Visitation and Sending Money to Inmates
Visiting an inmate at SCI Somerset is an opportunity for family and friends to stay connected with their loved ones during their incarceration. The facility has specific guidelines for visitation, which are designed to ensure safety and security for all involved parties.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at SCI Somerset vary depending on the housing unit of the inmate. Visitors are encouraged to check the facility’s website or call ahead to confirm the visiting hours for their loved ones. Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the end of the visitation period to allow for processing time.
Virtual Visitation
SCI Somerset offers virtual visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. Virtual visitation allows families and friends to communicate with inmates via video conferencing technology. This option is especially useful for those who live far away from the facility or have difficulty traveling. Visitors must schedule virtual visits in advance and follow the same guidelines as in-person visits.
Send Money to Inmates
Family and friends of inmates can send money to their loved ones through the JPay system. JPay is a secure online platform that allows users to send money, purchase phone time, and send emails to inmates. To send money to an inmate, users must first create an account on the JPay website and add the inmate to their contact list. Once the inmate is added, users can make a payment using a debit or credit card. Funds are typically available within 24-48 hours.
It is important to note that inmates cannot receive cash or personal checks through the mail. Instead, all funds must be sent through the JPay system. Inmates can use the funds to purchase items from the commissary, pay for phone calls, or send emails.
Overall, SCI Somerset strives to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates and visitors alike. By following the facility’s guidelines for visitation and using the JPay system to send money, family and friends can stay connected with their loved ones during their incarceration.