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jenpalmer71 · #1 10-07-2004, 07:31 PM

SCI-Rockview
Box A
Bellefonte, PA 16823-0820
(814)355-4874

SCI Rockview (Centre County, five miles from Bellefonte) was begun in 1912 and opened in 1915. Originally planned to replace Eastern and Western Penitentiaries, it became instead the branch prison for Western Penitentiary, housing lesser security risk prisoners, most of whom were employed in Rockview's extensive farm program outside the gates. It now is a medium-security institution for men

ant102 · #2 06-05-2005, 08:06 PM

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone has any information on SCI Rockview. My boyfriend is going to be transferred there. Any info will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

thickreds · #3 08-18-2007, 03:00 PM

He's not getting out for a few more years, but I was just curious if anyone has been present to greet their loved one when he was released from SCI Rockview. Do they come out of the same doors that we exit after visits? What happens when they're released? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks much!

bethbupp · #4 08-18-2007, 05:50 PM

I don't know about Rockview per se, but I imagine they are pretty much the same. When I got to Graterford to pick up my son for parole, his boxes of stuff (and several other guys who were also leaving) were lined up on the porch outside where visitors go in. My daughter & I went into the lobby -- Eli signed some paperwork, changed into the clothes we had brought him -- returned his DOC uniform to the guard, and we left. It was very pleasant.

thickreds · #5 10-23-2007, 07:49 PM

All I know is that when that day comes, if the Lord is as good to us as He has been, I plan to take at least a week's vacation from work and also plan on getting a babysitter. I'll be making reservations at the hotel nearest the facility and we'll be behind closed doors, phone off the hook, for at least the first two days. I figure we'll have to rejoin the rest of society at some point...lol. I just miss him so much it's unbelievable and most times unbearable.

shanrich · #6 11-20-2007, 02:08 PM

My husband just got out of Rockview on Nov. 14. I went to the visiting entrance and I didn't have to give my drivers licence or go through the metal dec. You just fill out the sheet like you do when visiting and don't forget you licence plate number. And then you have to pull your car up to the front of the entrance of the visiting room and wait for him to come out. You can pick him up after 7:00am. He was out in 15 minutes. If you are picking him up at 7am tell him not to go eat or you will wait longer for him to come out. I was very surprised how quit it was. Thanks everyone for this site. It got me through a lot of hard times. I wish everyone the best.

thickreds · #7 11-22-2007, 06:27 AM

Wow...you're so lucky. What a holiday gift to have your man back home. I have at least another four year's worth of visits to go before that day finally arrives. I'm on my way to see him for a late Turkey Day, early Bday and Xmas surprise visit. I won't be able to see him again for at least another two months. God bless to you and yours this holiday.

gipkim · #8 07-04-2008, 05:17 PM

If Anyone Knows Of Transportation To Rockview Please Let Me Know I've Been Trying To Get There Since March, The Prison Society Is Booked Until September, I Am Willing To Help With What Ever Is Needed. Thanks Much I LIVE IN DARBY, WHICH IS VERY CLOSE TO PHILLY, I CAN MEET ANYONE ANYWHERE. THANKS

SusieK · #9 09-29-2008, 12:31 PM

I see there aren't very many posts for this prison. My son is there on parole violation. Now they want him to do a SOP program. He is in there from an original drug charge. Violated for Domestic Violence. Nothing to do with sex offense. That was 10 years ago but they still bring it up. Prison wouldn't recommend reparole because he wouldn't attend a 2 year class. Bull if you ask me. I've tried everything I can think of but I agree he should not take this class. Anyone with advice please reply.

NEWJERSEYMOM · #10 09-29-2008, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SusieK

I see there aren't very many posts for this prison. My son is there on parole violation. Now they want him to do a SOP program. He is in there from an original drug charge. Violated for Domestic Violence. Nothing to do with sex offense. That was 10 years ago but they still bring it up. Prison wouldn't recommend reparole because he wouldn't attend a 2 year class. Bull if you ask me. I've tried everything I can think of but I agree he should not take this class. Anyone with advice please reply.

SusieK

As far as I know and have experienced, if they don't do the program, they don't get parole. Once in prison, prisoners (and their families) don't have any rights. My son had to finish a program or they would not parole him. His group had a problem with their counsellor (she had falsified her qualifications to the DOC and so she was terminated. Inspite of the fact that no one in the group was responsible for her behavior, they all suffered and were not paroled until recently.

If someone else knows any better, I wish they would speak up.

Good luck...it's not easy having your family in prison.

BlueEyedEllie · #11 10-10-2008, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NEWJERSEYMOM

SusieK

As far as I know and have experienced, if they don't do the program, they don't get parole. Once in prison, prisoners (and their families) don't have any rights. My son had to finish a program or they would not parole him. His group had a problem with their counsellor (she had falsified her qualifications to the DOC and so she was terminated. Inspite of the fact that no one in the group was responsible for her behavior, they all suffered and were not paroled until recently.

If someone else knows any better, I wish they would speak up.

Good luck...it's not easy having your family in prison.

she's right, marc had 2 classes he has to take before he can get parole and he's taking 2 classes voluntarily. if your son really wants his freedom he should just take the class and be done with it. it may be bull but he's fighting a losing battle.

NEWJERSEYMOM · #12 10-10-2008, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcsbeth

she's right, marc had 2 classes he has to take before he can get parole and he's taking 2 classes voluntarily. if your son really wants his freedom he should just take the class and be done with it. it may be bull but he's fighting a losing battle.

Right now every prison who is scheduled or in the process of being paroled is in limbo. Gov. Rendell has mandated that NO ONE is to be paroled. He attributes his mandate to the fact that a parolee or parolees were responsible for killing a Philly police officer and wounding his partner. Gov. Rendell wants to change the legislation regarding sentencing of anyone who kills a police officer.

While I can certainly understand the loss of anyone's life, I cannot understand why every inmate in the State of Pennsyl***ia who is up for parole or has already been paroled and is in the process of being released must remain in prison. If I have misunderstood this information, please, someone correct me.

Again, who will speak out for all of these inmates and their families? I think we should petition the Governor, at least. Any ideas?

BlueEyedEllie · #13 10-11-2008, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NEWJERSEYMOM

Right now every prison who is scheduled or in the process of being paroled is in limbo. Gov. Rendell has mandated that NO ONE is to be paroled. He attributes his mandate to the fact that a parolee or parolees were responsible for killing a Philly police officer and wounding his partner. Gov. Rendell wants to change the legislation regarding sentencing of anyone who kills a police officer.

While I can certainly understand the loss of anyone's life, I cannot understand why every inmate in the State of Pennsyl***ia who is up for parole or has already been paroled and is in the process of being released must remain in prison. If I have misunderstood this information, please, someone correct me.

Again, who will speak out for all of these inmates and their families? I think we should petition the Governor, at least. Any ideas?

really?? thanks so much for telling me!! how long is this supposed to last?? he(marc) just wrote and told me he got his transfer referral forms which stated what region he is going to.he doesn't get out till april, but i'll have to ask him about this. that really sucks. he' a non-violent offender and everything. i could understand the gov. putting a hold on very violent offender's paroles, but on everyone's that doesn't seem very fair!!

NEWJERSEYMOM · #14 11-16-2008, 06:18 PM

Thanks, Jen,

I just made a visit to SCI Rockview on November 15, 2008, which I wanted to update everyone on.

Since I was there last, they built an outside area which is windowed and covers the waiting area. They also installed benches so Visitors can sit down while waiting. Quite an improvement, to say the least.

The seats came in quite handily, because we had to wait more than a half hour to go thru Security. Once inside, we were treated curtly by the Guard at the desk because my daughter in law's first name did not match her driver's license which contains her Baptismal first name. She told him that only her mother and father and the priest know her Baptismal name; she is known by her nickname at business and elsewhere. Once the guard admonished her that the institution records should not be in her nickname and that he was going to tell someone he continued agitatedly to tell her that her address did not match their records, at which time she asked him to turn her license over, which he finally did, and there was her old address which had just recently changed. After he stamped our hands he told us to go over to a curtained enclosure where we were subjected to "drug testing" by the guard who first took us thru Security. He wore rubber gloves and had a wand which he pressed over the tops of our hands and other places looking for drug residue, which we both objected to.

As I turned around to sit down, I realized that the seating which was inadequate at times had now been cut in half to accomodate this new area for the drug testing of Visitors! Additionally, it appeared to me that employees were being "Securitized" to the left of the room and the guards were now not only taking care of VISITORS, but also prison personnel.

Now that we were seated, others who were outside were coming in and pretty soon there was no seating for all of them. Some were standing up against the walls, sitting on the floor, etc. After an hour and a half with no one of the Visitor(s) being admitted to see their loved one, we went up to the desk and asked the guards why this was happening. The agitated one replied they are doing a count after lunch (12-1) and it will be another half hour or more before it is completed. We then told the group of Visitors what was going on.

To tell you the truth, we both felt like we were cattle! Why couldn't they have been courteous and told us before all that time? Why couldn't they be courteous, period? They seemed very cordial to the employees who were traversing the area.

Anyway, we eventually got to see our loved one and could only stay 1 hour because of all the delays. We live 4-1/2 hours away and now that time time has changed, the fog, the rain, etc., we were forced to leave after 1 hour. It was very difficult for us to leave so quickly, but we did so reluctantly.

Hope this helps to prepare you for your next visit to SCI ROCKVIEW. I understand that these "headcounts" are taken randomly. so be prepared to be drug tested and to wait.

egs · #15 11-16-2008, 08:00 PM

Drug testing and the ION-Scan process is pretty routine at all PA prisons but the conduct of the CO's and the unreasonable wait should be reported to the prison superintendent [Actually at some of the prisons, drug dogs are used to sniff out cars and visiting hall lockers!!!].

Recently my "ex-man" had a contact visit [at Rockview] and he and his visitor were not allowed the hello and goodbye hug and kiss. He complained and got a response from prison leadership [he sent a copy of his complaint and the written response to me] telling him he was right and that the situation would be rectified!!! You may want to discuss w/your son before complaining but I would be raising some hell if that had happened to me. This should not be tolerated - if visitors don't complain nothing will change.

Typically the CO's who process visitors in PA prisons are reasonable and decent. It is something Beard has instituted at all the prisons. That is another reason to complain.

bethbupp · #16 11-17-2008, 04:10 AM

As former staff, as well as later a visitor to my son, I can address some of this. Staff had to be ion scanned at least once a year, on a random schedule. They found drug residue on my hand from change at a donut shop when I was 8 months pregnant! We also got patted down every so often, just like the inmates. Be glad that visitors do not -- although it really wasn't traumatic or anything. Many years later, after 9-11, I got patted down randomly at an airport, and I was glad it was me, and not my mom or young teen daughter who got chosen, as they would have freaked.

Counts are not normally random. They happen at certain prescribed hours, one of which is normally mid-day. They usually take a half-hour or less, unless someone miscounts. For example (mine!), a teacher didn't notice that a student came to class late, so didn't put him on her attendance slip, and count was off. They have to re-count over and over until it comes out right. Staff cannot leave to go home, even if their shift is over (and no one will be there to meet the school bus, or day care is closing -- they have families, too!), and inmates cannot leave the area they are in at the time of count, such as to go for a visit. That must have been 10 years ago that I mis-counted, but I will apologize now to the folks whose visits got shortened because of my mistake.

Quite honestly, I think you were lucky to only wait a half-hour to go through security. I waited a couple hours at Graterford, several times when a bus was there. I do understand the non-matching name thing, as everyone in my family goes by middle names, while the government puts first names on all their ID. But, if I was going to drive 4 1/2 hours to visit, I would make sure the inmate had my info down right -- I always tell people to give the inmate the name on their driver's license, when I am asked what is needed for a visiting list. Make sure he gets it corrected before the next time you go!

Still, all of that is no excuse for the CO's being rude, or not announcing that things were being held up because of a problem with count. Normally, the most personable CO's get assigned to Visiting. It is a choice posting. They are human, though, and your objecting to the ion scan may have put his back up. Be glad that you didn't have to go cut your underwire out of your bra!

I know that our initial reaction is that we didn't do anything wrong but be related to or in love with someone who broke the law. Why should we be treated like that?! But, the things that visitors try to, or succeed in, smuggling in to the inmates is amazing. How would you feel if your loved one got stabbed by a weapon or overdosed on drugs that some other visitor brought in? Try looking at all the security from that viewpoint. It is keeping your loved one safe.

NEWJERSEYMOM · #17 11-17-2008, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by egs

Drug testing and the ION-Scan process is pretty routine at all PA prisons but the conduct of the CO's and the unreasonable wait should be reported to the prison superintendent [Actually at some of the prisons, drug dogs are used to sniff out cars and visiting hall lockers!!!].

Recently my "ex-man" had a contact visit [at Rockview] and he and his visitor were not allowed the hello and goodbye hug and kiss. He complained and got a response from prison leadership [he sent a copy of his complaint and the written response to me] telling him he was right and that the situation would be rectified!!! You may want to discuss w/your son before complaining but I would be raising some hell if that had happened to me. This should not be tolerated - if visitors don't complain nothing will change.

Typically the CO's who process visitors in PA prisons are reasonable and decent. It is something Beard has instituted at all the prisons. That is another reason to complain.

Thanks once again, Elaine,

My job for today is to call the powers that be to advise them of the conditions we experienced at Rockview, with a follow up letter. This is not my first visit there and most times the guards were cordial cordial and decent. We have experienced the car searches before, but no one has ever been this rude or shall I say "crude".

After that mission, I will be contacting higher up authorities regarding the detaining of my son when he was already paroled to NJ via the Interstate Compact..... A first-time offender, no priors and a model prisoner.

Again, thanks so much for all your help. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and know that you will be mentioned in our familie's prayers this Thanksgiving Day.

stephme12 · #18 05-16-2009, 11:30 AM

thats mean why would they do that

kathykat · #19 07-13-2010, 03:14 AM

Good Morning- Our son recently completed classification at Camp Hill and has been transferred to Rockview. Does anyone here have any experience with Rockview or currently have a loved one there?

NEWJERSEYMOM · #20 07-13-2010, 04:27 PM

HI, kittykat
MY SON SPENT 4-1/2 YRS OF A 5 YEAR SENTENCE AT ROCKVIEW, AFTER A SHORT STOP AT CAMP HILL. EVEN THOUGH THE JUDGE SAID HE WAS LOOKING AT THE LOWER END OF THE SENTENCE….HE DID ALMOST THE FULL 5 YEARS

ANYWAY YOUR QUESTION WAS ABOUT ROCKVIEW AND THIS IS THE WAY IT IS.
CONSTRUCTED IN 1912 IT HAS NO AIR CONDITIONING AND IS AS HOT AS YOU KNOW WHAT /
MY SON WENT THRU AT LEAST 6 BATTERY OPERATED 12 IN FANS. OH, AND THE BATTERIES, YOU HAVE TO BUY THEM AT THE COMISARY WHERE EVERYTHING IS OVERPRICED.

INITIALLY I HAD TO SET UP A PHONE ACCOUNT WITH VERIZON HIDING UNDER A PHONEY NAME, AND THEN MY SON AND THE REST OF THE INMATES WERE ALLOWED TO PURCHASE PHONE CARDS…WHICH WERE ALSO COSTLY, BUT MORE RELIABLE (WE NEVER GOT CUTOFF BEFORE OUR CALLS WERE ENDED, BUT THERE WAS A LIMIT AS PHONES ARE LIMITED).

TY’S AND CABLE CAN BE HAD BUT THEY ALSO ARE VERY SMALL, BUT AT LEAST TO SEE WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN THE WORLD.

HE FORTUNATELY HAD A JOB WHICH HE LIKED AND HE GOT PAID A FEW SHACKLES, BUT ALL IN ALL I HAD TO SEND HIM QUITE A BIT OF MONEY…$100 WENT SWITFLY. FRIENDS AND FAMILY GAVE HIM MONEY ORDER GIFTS WHICH MONEY WAS PUT IN HIS ACCOUNT AT ROCKFORD AND HE WOULD DRAW FROM THAT. LIVING SUCH A DISTANCE AWAY, NJ TO ROCKFORD IS A 4 HR TRIP , GAS, EATING AND TOLLS WERE EXPENSIVE…SO WE DIDN’T SEE HIM AS OFTEN AS WE WOULD HAVE LIKED.

VISITING WAS ALSO A PROBLEM INITIALLY, THERE WAS NO PROTECTION FROM THE WEATHER, I.E, SNOW, ICE, SLEET, HAIL, BRUTALLY HOT SUN (I HAVE LUPUS SO THAT WAS A MAJOR PROBLEM) THEN THEY PUT UP AN ENCLOSED AREA AND SOME BENCHES, SO THAT WAS QUITE AN IMPROVEMENT FOR VISITORS.

IT WAS HEARBREAKING EACH TIME WE VISITED. ONCE WE WERE ALLOWED INSIDE, WE HAD TO BRING FORMAL ID, DRIVER’S LICENSE, PASSPORT; ONCE WE SUPPLIED THAT WE WERE STAMPED AND THEN THE WAIT BEGAN.. ONCE IN THE WINTER WE HAD COATS, ETC., BUT YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO WEAR THEM INSIDE FOR THE VISIT. THE RACK WAS FULL AND WE HAD TO THROW OUR COATS ON THE DIRTY FLOOR. WHAT ALWAYS AMAZED ME IS THEY HAD 52 LOCKERS THAT WERE THERE AND NEVER USED WHILE WE WERE THERE. I ONCE ASKED IF WE COULD USE ONE AND WAS TOLD “THEYARE FOR THE BUS PEOPLE. I WAS THERE MANY TIMES AND THE BUS PEOPLE NEVER WENT OVER TO THE LOCKERS.

YOU ARE ALLOWED TO BRING IN $30 AND IT HAS TO BE IN A SEE THRU BAGGIE OR PURSE. THAT DOESN’T GO FAR, BUT IF MORE THAN ONE PERSON IS COMING, THAT MAKES $60. THERE IS A COMMUNITY BATHROOM IN THE VISITING AREA AND OUTSIDE IN THE WAITING AREA.

OUR LAST VISIT WE WERE INTRODUCED TO A WAND BODY SEARCH…THAT WAS INTERESTING.

SINCE COMING HOME MY SIGN HAS NIGHTMARES, IT TOOK HIM A LONG TIME TO SLEEP THRU THE NIGHT. HE WAS SO USED TO PEOPLE SCREAMING AND SOMETHING ELSE, ROCKVIEW WAS INVESTED WITH MICE AND ROACHES. HE SAID HE HAD TO BUY DUCT TAPE TO TAPE OFF AREAS WHERE THEY CONGREGATED. THE FIRST NIGHT HE WAS IN ROCKVIEW HE WAS TRYING TO FALL ASLEEP AND MICE WERE DROPPING FROM THE CEILING RIGHT ONTO HIS HEAD AND BODY.. HE FINALLY SAID TO ME ONE DAY, I CAN'T BELIEVE I FELL ASLEEP, IT IS SO PEACEFUL HERE, MOM. WE HELD EACH OTHER AND CRIED.

IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT ROCKFORD. I WILL BE HAPPY TO TRY TO HELP YOU.

REGARDS, GINNY

kathykat · #21 07-15-2010, 02:45 PM

Thank you so much for replying but wow-I am speechless (that never happens) Your description males Rockview sound worse than Camp Hill. How great it is that your son has completed his time there, hope he is doing well. My son reports that he is in a better situation at Rockview, has been classified as Level 2 and in a dorm instead of a cell. We cant wait for our visit Sunday,we live in Western,Pa near the Younstown, Ohio border, about 2 1/2 hours away.I really appreciate you taking the time to stay on this site and your willingness to "talk" This is our first (and hopefully our last) journey thru the DOC system. I will keep your son in my prayers for a happy successful future---------------Kathy

kathykat · #22 07-15-2010, 02:46 PM

Thank you so much for replying but wow-I am speechless (that never happens) Your description makes Rockview sound worse than Camp Hill. How great it is that your son has completed his time there, hope he is doing well. My son reports that he is in a better situation at Rockview, has been classified as Level 2 and in a dorm instead of a cell. We cant wait for our visit Sunday,we live in Western,Pa near the Younstown, Ohio border, about 2 1/2 hours away.I really appreciate you taking the time to stay on this site and your willingness to "talk" This is our first (and hopefully our last) journey thru the DOC system. I will keep your son in my prayers for a happy successful future---------------Kathy[/quote]

bethbupp · #23 07-15-2010, 03:22 PM

Kathy,
Just curious - where, near Youngstown, are you? I was raised in New Castle.

kathykat · #24 07-18-2010, 04:26 AM

Thank Your Marcsbeth for helping me feel a little less scared and anxious. My son has described his living situation also as being an air-conditioned honor hall so probably exactly where your guy was. He says hes doing "ok" (it is prison after all)
Your guy doing ok now? Can I be nosy enough to ask if you had any problems with residency on the home plan? We have a conversation going in the parole forum about housing restriction. Ok I am off for a visit to Rockview today-hurray!

BlueEyedEllie · #25 07-18-2010, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kathykat

Thank Your Marcsbeth for helping me feel a little less scared and anxious. My son has described his living situation also as being an air-conditioned honor hall so probably exactly where your guy was. He says hes doing "ok" (it is prison after all)
Your guy doing ok now? Can I be nosy enough to ask if you had any problems with residency on the home plan? We have a conversation going in the parole forum about housing restriction. Ok I am off for a visit to Rockview today-hurray!

Yes we are doing ok,but it's not always fun in the sun,that's for sure!!

I'm so blessed to have him in my life,though.He's enriched it so much.No problems at all with the homeplan.He is in an EXCELLENT christian HWH sponsored by a church.It's strict but he likes it there.Any other questions feel free to pm me and ask me!!