In October the Department of Corrections began a video visiting program.
"We know traveling to some of our rural prisons can be a challenge for some due to weather conditions, visitors' physical limitations, trip lengths and financial issues," said Executive Deputy Secretary Shirley Moore Smeal. "Because of these challenges and because we understand the importance of an inmate's family support, the department now provides video visitation at all of its state prisons and at select community corrections centers free for approved inmates' families and friends."
Video Visitation, which began October 29, is not intended to replace in-person visits at state prisons but rather is to provide an additional way for family and friends to remain connected with their incarcerated loved ones.
For visitors to use the video visitation system, they must already be on an inmate's approved visitors list, and they must register with GTL online at https://padoc.gtlvisitme.com or by using the Android App: "GTL VisMobile." Once registered, individuals can schedule their visits through GTL. Visitors who have been restricted from visiting may not participate in the program.
Visits must be scheduled a minimum of 48 hours and a maximum of seven days in advance, and visitors must arrive at the video visitation site at least 15 minutes before the scheduled visit. Visits begin at the top of the hour for a duration of 50 minutes. Up to three approved individuals may visit at one time.
A row of video visitation booths, which are located in the main lobby of SCI Phoenix.
Once registered and a visit is scheduled, visitors may go to any state correctional institution or the specific location in Philadelphia to access the video visitation service. Video Visits take place according to each facility's existing visitation schedule, which can be referenced by the DOC's website at www.cor.pa.gov – click on "For Family and Friends" and then "Visit Days/Times" to obtain specific state prison visiting days/times.
Visitors must bring two forms of ID, one with a photo, with them to the video visitation site. No one will be admitted without proper ID.
Scotland Yard, which currently operates Virtual Visitation with 10 state prisons, will continue to offer visits at locations in Erie, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia until the end of December.