Pennsylvania Jails & Prisons
Pennsylvania operates 185 correctional facilities, including 76 state prisons and 93 county jails.
Pennsylvania operates 185 correctional facilities through the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PA DOC), including 76 State Correctional Institutions (SCIs) and 93 county jails. The state system houses approximately 38,000 inmates. SCI Phoenix in Montgomery County — which replaced the older Graterford facility — is among the largest and most modern state prisons in the Northeast. Other major facilities include SCI Dallas, SCI Rockview, SCI Coal Township, and SCI Muncy (the primary women's facility).
Pennsylvania's county jails are operated by county governments and hold pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates serving terms under two years. Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center and Allegheny County Jail are among the largest county facilities.
Pennsylvania Inmate Search
To locate a state inmate in Pennsylvania, use the PA DOC Inmate Locator. For county jail inmates, contact the county facility directly — many Pennsylvania counties maintain public inmate rosters online.
Visitation & Phone Calls
Visitation at PA DOC facilities requires advance registration and approval. County jails have independent visitation and phone policies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I find an inmate in a Pennsylvania prison?
- Use the PA DOC Inmate Locator at inmatelocator.cor.pa.gov. For county jail inmates, contact the county jail directly or check the county sheriff's website for an inmate roster.
- What is an SCI in Pennsylvania?
- SCI stands for State Correctional Institution — the official name for Pennsylvania state prisons operated by the PA DOC. Pennsylvania operates over 20 SCIs across the state.
- How do I send money to a Pennsylvania state inmate?
- Pennsylvania state inmates receive funds through JPay. Contact the specific SCI or check the PA DOC website for current deposit instructions.