State Correctional Institution Coal Township Overview

The State Correctional Institution Coal Township (SCI Coal Township) is a medium-security facility in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, primarily housing adult male inmates. Opened in 1993 as part of an initiative to address prison overcrowding, it was one of several facilities constructed during Governor Casey’s “Operation Jump Start” program. Today, SCI Coal Township holds over 2,300 inmates and employs around 525 staff members, making it one of the largest correctional facilities in the state.

Inmates here are held in various housing units, including both cell and dormitory-style accommodations. The prison offers educational opportunities such as GED programs and vocational training in areas like HVAC, barbering, and computer-aided drafting. The facility is also known for its community work programs, where select inmates contribute to local projects by performing tasks like cleaning up highways and maintaining public spaces.

State Correctional Institution Coal Township

Contact Information for State Correctional Institution Coal Township

Address:
State Correctional Institution Coal Township
1 Kelley Drive
Coal Township, PA 17866-1020

Phone: (570) 644-7890
Email: [email protected]

Visiting Information for SCI Coal Township

Inmates at SCI Coal Township are allowed visitation five days a week: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. To visit, all attendees must be on an approved visitor list, which can be arranged through the inmate. Visits typically last a few hours depending on the number of visitors and available space. A maximum of three adults can visit at one time, and minors must be accompanied by a guardian.

What to Bring:
Visitors must present valid government-issued identification, and you should review the facility’s dress code prior to arrival. Personal items such as bags, phones, and wallets are not allowed in the visiting area, though lockers are typically provided for storage.

How to Book a Visit to State Correctional Institution Coal Township

To book a visit at SCI Coal Township, visitors must be added to the inmate’s approved visitation list. To do this, the inmate must initiate the process, and once approved, visitors can schedule a visit by contacting the facility directly. It is advised to book visits early, especially for weekend slots, as they tend to fill up quickly.

Visitors will need to provide identification information and comply with the facility’s rules regarding attire and behavior. Approved visitors are encouraged to arrive early for security screening, which may include metal detectors and personal searches.

Directions and Parking at SCI Coal Township

The State Correctional Institution Coal Township is located in Coal Township, near the town of Shamokin, Pennsylvania. For visitors driving to the facility, ample parking is available on-site. From I-81, take Exit 116, follow Route 901 to Coal Township, and then turn onto Kelley Drive.

What is Life Like Inside State Correctional Institution Coal Township?

Life at SCI Coal Township for inmates is structured around strict schedules, including mandatory work assignments, educational programs, and recreation time. The facility offers various rehabilitation programs, including re-entry support to help prepare inmates for release. The prison also includes a Special Needs Unit designed to support inmates requiring mental health services. Recent reports from the prison note its efforts to maintain a balance between security and rehabilitation, though, like many correctional facilities, it faces ongoing challenges related to inmate behavior and overcrowding.

Famous Prisoners at State Correctional Institution Coal Township

Over the years, SCI Coal Township has housed some notable inmates, including:

  • Bryan Freeman, involved in the infamous Freeman family murders.
  • Harrison Graham, a serial killer responsible for the deaths of seven women.
  • Harlow Cuadra, convicted in the murder of a pornographic film director.

FAQs about State Correctional Institution Coal Township

  1. How do I contact an inmate at SCI Coal Township?
    Inmates cannot receive direct phone calls, but you can send letters to the facility at 1 Kelley Drive, Coal Township, PA. Additionally, inmates can make outgoing calls using a pre-paid system.

  2. What are the visiting hours at State Correctional Institution Coal Township?
    Visiting hours are Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

  3. How do I send money to an inmate at SCI Coal Township?
    Funds can be sent to inmates via the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections’ approved vendors, either online or by mail.

  4. How many inmates are held at SCI Coal Township?
    The facility houses around 2,300 inmates.

  5. What types of programs are available for inmates at SCI Coal Township?
    Inmates have access to GED programs, vocational training in various trades, and re-entry support programs.

  6. Can I visit multiple inmates during one visit?
    Generally, visits are restricted to one inmate per visit. Contact the facility for specific guidelines.

  7. What is the mailing address for inmates at SCI Coal Township?
    Mail should be addressed to:
    Inmate Name, Inmate ID Number
    SCI Coal Township
    1 Kelley Drive, Coal Township, PA 17866-1020

  8. What is the security level at SCI Coal Township?
    It is a medium-security facility.

  9. How do I get directions to SCI Coal Township?
    The facility is located off Route 901 near Shamokin, PA. Detailed directions are available through mapping services.

  10. What should I wear when visiting SCI Coal Township?
    Visitors must adhere to the facility’s dress code, which prohibits revealing or inappropriate clothing.

For more information, you can visit the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections website: SCI Coal Township DOC.

Sources

Visit State Correctional Institution Camp Hill