SCI Chester

Visiting

Most state prisons require visitors to apply and be approved before the first visit, often after the person adds you to their visiting list. Approval can take several weeks. Visits usually happen on set days, and many prisons also offer video visits.

• Bring a valid government photo ID; minors need a parent or legal guardian.
• Expect a dress code and a search.
• New arrivals often cannot have visits until intake and classification are complete.

We have not verified these details for SCI Chester. Before you go or send anything, call (610) 490-5412 or check the facility website.

Phone calls

You cannot call someone in SCI Chester. They call out, and calls are paid collect, from their own account, or from a prepaid account you set up with the facility's phone provider. Ask the facility which provider it uses; each facility works with only one.

All calls are recorded. Do not discuss the case on the phone.

We have not verified these details for SCI Chester. Before you go or send anything, call (610) 490-5412 or check the facility website.

Sending money

Money goes into the person's account (often called a trust or commissary account) using their booking or inmate number. Facilities usually accept deposits through an approved online vendor, by phone, or at a lobby kiosk, and some accept money orders by mail. We do not yet know which vendor SCI Chester uses. Never send cash in the mail.

We have not verified these details for SCI Chester. Before you go or send anything, call (610) 490-5412 or check the facility website.

Sending mail

Address every letter with the person's full legal name and booking or inmate number, and put your full name and return address on the envelope.

The street address we have on file is 500 East Fourth St, Chester, PA, 19013. Many facilities use a different address or an outside mail-scanning service for inmate mail, so confirm the correct mailing address before you send anything.

• Many jails accept only postcards or plain white paper, and scan mail instead of delivering the original.
• No staples, stickers, glitter, perfume, lipstick or tape.
• Books and magazines usually must come directly from a publisher or approved retailer.
• Photos are often limited in number and size, and cannot be Polaroids.

We have not verified these details for SCI Chester. Before you go or send anything, call (610) 490-5412 or check the facility website.

Commissary

Commissary is the store inside the facility where people buy snacks, hygiene items, writing supplies and phone time using money in their account. Most facilities have a weekly spending limit and a set order day. Some also allow family to order approved care packages through an outside vendor; ask SCI Chester whether it does.

We have not verified these details for SCI Chester. Before you go or send anything, call (610) 490-5412 or check the facility website.

Bail and release

People in state prison are usually serving a sentence, so bail does not apply. Questions about release dates, parole or transfers go to Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.

We have not verified these details for SCI Chester. Before you go or send anything, call (610) 490-5412 or check the facility website.