Overview of State Correctional Institution Huntingdon
State Correctional Institution Huntingdon (SCI Huntingdon) is Pennsylvania’s longest-operating prison, first opened in 1889. Initially established as a reformatory for young male offenders, it has since evolved into a close-security prison housing adult male inmates. This facility focuses on rehabilitation, offering programs in vocational training, education, and mental health treatment. Inmates are employed in various industries, including garment manufacturing and road maintenance. SCI Huntingdon has a capacity to hold approximately 2,100 inmates, and it operates under the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.
Contact Information for State Correctional Institution Huntingdon
- Address: 1100 Pike Street, Huntingdon, PA 16654-1112
- Telephone Number: (814) 643-2400
- Mailing Address for Inmates:
Inmate Name, ID Number
SCI Huntingdon
P.O. Box 33028
St. Petersburg, FL 33733
Visiting Information for SCI Huntingdon
Visitation is an essential part of inmate rehabilitation at SCI Huntingdon. Visitors can maintain connections with loved ones through in-person visits. The facility allows up to four visits per month, and visits can last a minimum of one hour. Inmates housed in different units may have varying schedules for visits, which occur from Monday to Sunday between 8:15 AM and 3:30 PM.
What to bring for a visit:
- Visitors are allowed to bring up to $50 in small bills for vending machines.
- A valid photo ID is required.
- Personal items such as purses and cell phones are prohibited.
The dress code is strictly enforced: no revealing clothing, and items resembling inmate or staff uniforms are prohibited.
How to Book a Visit to State Correctional Institution Huntingdon
Visits must be scheduled in advance through the prison’s online visitation system or by phone. You will need the inmate’s ID number, and only up to four visitors, including minors, are allowed per visit. Be prepared to show government-issued ID upon arrival, and plan ahead for security checks, including metal detector screening. All visitors must adhere to the facility’s dress code and other rules to ensure safety.
Directions and Parking Information for SCI Huntingdon
SCI Huntingdon is located in central Pennsylvania, approximately 120 miles east of Pittsburgh and 200 miles west of Philadelphia. The prison is situated on Pike Street in the town of Huntingdon, PA. There is parking available near the facility for visitors. Public transportation options are limited, so visitors are advised to arrange personal transportation well in advance.
What is Life Like Inside SCI Huntingdon?
SCI Huntingdon offers inmates a range of educational and vocational programs aimed at rehabilitation. Inmates can gain skills in trades such as automotive repair, electrical wiring, carpentry, and more. The facility also provides mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and reentry programs. While SCI Huntingdon has a close-security designation, it houses both general population inmates and those requiring restricted housing due to behavior or special needs. Inmates are employed in industries like garment and detergent manufacturing through the correctional industries program, offering them the opportunity to develop valuable skills.
Famous Prisoners at State Correctional Institution Huntingdon
Several notorious figures have been housed at SCI Huntingdon over the years, including:
- George Feigley: The leader of a sex cult who served part of his sentence here.
- Kermit Gosnell: A physician convicted of murder following an abortion clinic scandal.
- William Dean Christensen: A serial killer known as “America’s Jack the Ripper.”
- Cosmo Dinardo: Convicted for the murders of four men in 2017.
FAQs About State Correctional Institution Huntingdon
1. What type of prison is State Correctional Institution Huntingdon?
SCI Huntingdon is a close-security prison for adult male inmates. It offers various programs aimed at rehabilitation and reentry into society.
2. How do I contact an inmate at State Correctional Institution Huntingdon?
You can send mail to inmates at SCI Huntingdon through the address: P.O. Box 33028, St. Petersburg, FL 33733. Phone calls from inmates are allowed, but they must use pre-approved methods such as calling cards or collect calls.
3. Can I send gifts to inmates at SCI Huntingdon?
No, personal gifts are not allowed. However, you can deposit money into an inmate’s account for commissary purchases.
4. What are the visiting hours at SCI Huntingdon?
Visits are held Monday through Sunday between 8:15 AM and 3:30 PM, depending on the inmate’s unit. Scheduling visits in advance is required.
5. How do I book a visit to SCI Huntingdon?
Visits can be booked through the online visitation system or by calling the facility. You will need the inmate’s ID number and must adhere to the prison’s visitation rules.
6. What is the security level at State Correctional Institution Huntingdon?
SCI Huntingdon is a close-security facility, which means it houses inmates requiring a higher level of supervision.
7. Can inmates work while incarcerated at SCI Huntingdon?
Yes, inmates can work in various industries, including garment and detergent manufacturing, as part of the correctional industries program.
8. What types of programs are available to inmates at SCI Huntingdon?
SCI Huntingdon offers vocational training in automotive repair, electrical wiring, and carpentry, as well as educational programs like GED classes.
9. Is there parking available for visitors at SCI Huntingdon?
Yes, visitor parking is available at the facility. Public transportation options may be limited.
10. Who are some notable inmates that have been held at SCI Huntingdon?
Notable inmates include George Feigley, Kermit Gosnell, and William Dean Christensen.
For more details about SCI Huntingdon, you can visit the official