Life Inside a Pennsylvania State Prison Facility

Life Inside a Pennsylvania State Prison Facility

Being locked up in prison is no picnic, that’s for sure. But if you find yourself serving time in Pennsylvania, you’ll be experiencing incarceration in one of the most high-tech, modern prison systems in the U.S. Pennsylvania has closed down most of its old, outdated prisons and replaced them with new “state-of-the-art” facilities like SCI Phoenix, SCI Benner Township, and SCI Fayette. These new prisons aim to provide a safer, more rehabilitative environment through their cutting-edge design and programming.

But make no mistake, doing time in a PA state prison is still doing hard time. You’ll face challenges and deprivations you’ve never imagined. However, understanding what daily life is like behind the walls can help you prepare mentally and emotionally.

The Prison Experience from Intake to Release

Once you’re sentenced to serve time in a state correctional institution (SCI), you’ll be transferred from county jail to the Diagnostic and Classification Center near Harrisburg. There you’ll undergo medical exams, mental health screening, and testing to determine your security level, program needs, and appropriate facility placement.

Next you’ll be bused to your “new home” SCI where you’ll go through intake processing. This involves getting state-issued clothes, linens, toiletries; having an ID photo taken; and receiving an inmate handbook on rules and regulations. You’ll also get a pin number for phone calls and commissary purchases.

The first week in general population is disorienting. The regimented schedule takes getting used to. The noise, smells, lack of privacy – it’s a shock to the system. Some tips: Keep your head down, don’t gawk, follow orders, be polite, and remember, it’s all temporary.

Housing Units

Most Pennsylvania prisons have several housing units with 100-300 inmates each. Units may be dorm-style open bays or cell blocks of two-man cells. You’ll likely share a small living space with another guy, who you didn’t get to choose. Getting along with your cellie makes doing time easier. Just use common courtesy and keep your area clean.

Cells typically have a bunk bed, desk, stool, toilet, and sink. Storage space is limited so property restrictions apply. Personal items allowed include: TV, tablet, radio, fan, hot pot, photos, books, and commissary food. Officers perform random searches to find contraband, so follow the rules.

Daily Schedule

The prison day starts early with breakfast as soon as 5am. Then it’s back to your cell for the stand-up count. The routine never changes. Standing count, meals, work or programs, rec time, more counts, lights out by 9pm. You’ll get used to the regimentation but the loss of freedom and privacy are tough.

Following the daily schedule is mandatory. Lateness, absence from work or programs, or failure to follow orders can result in write-ups or sanctions. Stay out of trouble and do your time quietly by being a model inmate.

Prison Jobs

All able-bodied inmates are required to work. Some common jobs include: janitorial, laundry, grounds keeping, food service, clerical, tutoring, barber, etc. Most jobs pay 19 to 42 cents per hour. While wages are low, any income to buy snacks, toiletries, or phone minutes helps.

Vocational programs like welding, carpentry, and computer repair provide marketable skills. Getting a prison job or enrolling in classes also looks good to the parole board. Working demonstrates responsibility and productivity.

Recreation and Programs

Recreation or “rec time” allows 2-3 hours of exercise and fresh air. Prisons have gyms, weight piles, basketball courts, and sometimes baseball or soccer fields for inmates to use. Organized sports leagues and exercise classes may be offered.

Some facilities have game rooms, music programs, and craft activities. Movie nights or bingo games provide entertainment too. Libraries give access to books, magazines, and computers. Taking advantage of programs helps pass the time positively.

Visitation Rules

Maintaining close family ties is key, so visitation matters. Each SCI has set visiting days and hours. Special rules apply for who, when, length and number of visits. Things like dress code, ID requirements, and security procedures must be followed.

Physical contact between inmates and visitors is limited. Any violation means loss of privileges. Phone calls and video visits also allow communication with loved ones.

Medical and Mental Health

All PA prisons provide medical, dental, and mental health services. Sick call slips are submitted for non-emergency health issues. Emergencies get immediate response. Health care providers dispense medications and provide treatments.

Mental health staff make rounds for check-ins with inmates who need counseling or therapy. Suicide watch means constant monitoring of at-risk individuals. Getting help when you need it makes doing time more bearable.

Food and Commissary

Food quality and variety have improved in PA prisons but are still not restaurant quality. Typical fare includes cereals, starches, meats, veggies, soups, sandwiches, and salads. Special meals are provided for religious, vegetarian, or medical diets.

Commissary lets you buy snacks, hygiene items, clothing, electronics, and food to supplement prison provisions. Purchases are deducted from your inmate account. Buy carefully as commissary food is expensive.

Religion

Practicing your faith in prison provides comfort and guidance. Pennsylvania SCIs allow religious services, ceremonies, diets, attire, and items. Full-time chaplains coordinate spiritual programs, counseling, study groups, and holiday observances.

Faith communities inside prison offer belonging and support. Spiritual life can foster rehabilitation, self-improvement, and readiness for re-entry.

Coping with Incarceration

Doing time is mentally and emotionally taxing. The loss of freedom and isolation from society can damage one’s self-esteem and stability. Support systems to help inmates cope and grow include:

• Family visits and communication
• Friendships with fellow inmates
• Participating in faith services
• Speaking with counselors
• Exercising and wellness
• Education, job training, and programs
• Positive attitude and optimism[1]

Maintaining a positive mindset and hope for the future are key to persevering through a prison sentence. Focusing on self-improvement and making the most of opportunities for growth can boost self-confidence and resilience[2][3].

Support groups provide understanding and encouragement. 12-step programs like AA and NA help inmates work through addictions and develop life skills[4]. Veteran and cultural groups unite those with shared backgrounds and experiences.

Creative activities allow self-expression. Music, writing, art, and craft programs help process emotions in a healthy way. Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices relieve stress and anxiety[5].

Remember your intrinsic worth as a human being. Don’t let your mistakes define you. Use this time to reflect, make amends, and prepare for a fresh start upon release. You have so much to offer the world.

Preparing for Release

As your release date approaches, start planning for reentry into the community…