Understanding SCI Pittsburgh: A Closer Look at Pittsburgh State Correctional Institution
In the vast landscape of Pennsylvania’s correctional facilities, one institution stands out – the Pittsburgh State Correctional Institution, commonly known as SCI Pittsburgh. This facility, nestled in Allegheny County, plays a crucial role in the state’s correctional system. In this article, we will delve into the details of SCI Pittsburgh, its history, functions, and the services it provides to its inmate population.
The Resilience of SCI Pittsburgh
SCI Pittsburgh has a remarkable history of resilience. Initially closed in 2005, it reopened its doors in 2007 in response to the growing offender population. Today, the institution stands as a mixed custody prison, catering to medium to minimum security male inmates. With approximately 1,950 adult male inmates under its care, SCI Pittsburgh plays a significant role in maintaining law and order in Allegheny County.
A Closer Look at the Infrastructure
The facility boasts an impressive array of structures, consisting of 42 buildings, with ten dedicated to housing units. These housing units are not uniform, reflecting the institution’s commitment to providing specialized care for different inmate needs. They include:
1. Secure Special Needs Unit
This unit caters to inmates with unique security requirements, ensuring their safety and the safety of others.
2. Normal Special Needs Unit
Similar to the secure special needs unit, this section is designed for inmates with specific needs that require special attention.
3. Restricted Housing Unit
For those who have violated institutional rules, the restricted housing unit serves as a place of reflection and isolation.
4. Reception Center Unit
Newly arrived inmates go through the reception center unit, where they are processed and assessed before being placed in the general population.
5. Oncology and Hemophilic Patient Unit
In recognition of the diverse health needs of inmates, this unit provides specialized care for those with oncology and hemophilic conditions.
6. General Population Units
The five general population units are the heart of SCI Pittsburgh, housing a majority of the inmate population in various security classifications.
Rehabilitation and Education Programs
SCI Pittsburgh is not merely a place of confinement; it also focuses on rehabilitating its inmates. One of its core areas of specialization is the treatment of alcohol and substance abuse problems. To achieve this, the institution employs therapeutic communities and out-patient programs to address offender addiction.
In addition to rehabilitation efforts, SCI Pittsburgh offers vocational courses to equip inmates with skills for a brighter future. These courses encompass custodial maintenance, electrical wiring, barber management, and business education. Moreover, inmates have the opportunity to pursue educational courses, including adult basic education and GED programs during their incarceration, opening doors to new possibilities upon their release.
Connecting Inmates with Loved Ones
Maintaining connections with loved ones is essential for inmates’ well-being and successful rehabilitation. SCI Pittsburgh recognizes this and offers visiting hours to facilitate these connections. Visitation occurs daily from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Visitors can purchase up to $50 in tokens before entering the visiting room, which can be used to buy food and drink items.
Contact Information
For those seeking to get in touch with SCI Pittsburgh, here are the essential contact details:
Physical Address: Pittsburgh State Correctional Institution 3001 Beaver Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15233
Telephone: (412)-761-1955
Inmate Mailing Address: Inmate Name, ID Number SCI Pittsburgh P.O. Box 99991 Pittsburgh, PA 15233
Conclusion
In conclusion, SCI Pittsburgh is more than just a correctional facility. It is a place where resilience meets rehabilitation. With a commitment to specialized care, vocational training, and education, this institution aims to transform the lives of its inmates. It serves as a vital part of Allegheny County’s law enforcement efforts while striving to reintegrate individuals into society as responsible citizens.
For more information about SCI Pittsburgh and its programs, don’t hesitate to reach out using the provided contact information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the history of SCI Pittsburgh? SCI Pittsburgh was initially closed in 2005 but reopened in 2007 due to the increasing offender population.
- What types of inmates does SCI Pittsburgh house? SCI Pittsburgh caters to medium to minimum security male inmates.
- What educational programs are available to inmates at SCI Pittsburgh? Inmates at SCI Pittsburgh can participate in vocational courses such as custodial maintenance, electrical wiring, barber management, and business education. They can also pursue adult basic education and GED programs.
- What are the visiting hours at SCI Pittsburgh? Visitation hours at SCI Pittsburgh are from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm daily.
- How can I get in touch with an inmate at SCI Pittsburgh? You can send mail to the inmate using the provided mailing address, including the inmate’s name and ID number. Additionally, you can contact the facility by phone at (412)-761-1955.
