The state of Pennsylvania has a reputation built around the fact that it hides within itself some of the worst prisons known to man-kind. Pennsylvania’s prisons have a long history, and some were known as the toughest places to be locked up.
History
Back in the 1800s, a prison called Eastern State Penitentiary was one of the first big ones. It was strict, with prisoners kept all alone most of the time. Over the years, other prisons in Pennsylvania also gained a tough reputation for being overcrowded and having rough conditions. This made them known as some of the worst prisons around.
List of Worst Prisons in Pennsylvania
Here is a list of 10 most dangerous prisons in Pennsylvania. From their histories to present day challenges, these correctional institutions are known to be the ones you absolutely do not want to experience!
1. SCI Phoenix
SCI Phoenix, a new prison in Skippack Township, Pennsylvania, replaced the old SCI Graterford in 2018. Despite its modern facilities and focus on rehabilitation, it has made its way onto the worst prisons list due to reports of gang activity and violence among inmates. Moreover, the facility struggles with understaffing, giving a rise to further challenges to its operations.
2. SCI Chester
SCI Chester in Chester, Pennsylvania, is a large maximum-security prison housing over 2,000 inmates. Built in the 1980s, it introduced a unique “pod” system to increase security. Despite this, the facility has faced violence and overcrowding, operating at over 100% capacity and experiencing more than 100 assaults on staff in 2021 alone.
3. SCI Greene
Sci Greene, a prison in Pennsylvania, has a bad reputation because it’s often overcrowded, leading to tension and strain on resources. Violence among inmates and towards staff is a problem, making it unsafe.
Living conditions are poor, with issues like cleanliness and medical care. Staff shortages also make it hard to keep control. There are reports of mistreatment of prisoners by staff, adding to the negative image of the prison.
4. SCI Mahanoy
SCI Mahanoy, located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, along Interstate 81, is a medium-security prison for male convicts, established in 1993 with a capacity of 1,000 cells. Operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, it houses individuals convicted of serious crimes like drug trafficking, assault, and robbery.
Rather than its classification, SCI-Mahanoy has faced criticism for poor conditions, including low lighting, inadequate ventilation, and overcrowding, making it one of the most dangerous state prisons.
5. SCI Smithfield
Sci Smithfield, a Pennsylvania prison, is considered one of the worst due to overcrowding, violence, poor living conditions, staff shortages, and allegations of mistreatment. These problems create a dangerous and unsafe environment that needs urgent attention.
6. SCI Mercer
SCI Mercer, located in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, in Findlay Township, is a prison with minimal security despite being under the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. The facility offers different job opportunities for inmates and prioritizes safety with 24/7 security personnel and security measures such as CCTV cameras, electronic access controls, and metal detectors. While considered dangerous, SCI Mercer is regarded as less severe than SCI Phoenix.
7. SCI Dallas
SCI Dallas, located in Dallas, Pennsylvania, is a shelter to 1,200 inmates and has faced long standing issues with hygiene, lighting, and ventilation, as noted by the Pennsylvania Institution Society. Originally intended for troubled youth, it became an adult facility in 1966 after a court ruling. Even with the recent improvements, problems persist, including overcrowding, mistreatment of prisoners, poor medical care, and staffing shortages, making it unsafe.
8. SCI Fayette
Sci Fayette is known as one of the worst prisons in Pennsylvania due to its aging facilities, frequent lockdowns, and underfunded programs. The old buildings create safety threats, and lockdowns disrupt daily life for inmates and staff. The lack of funding for programs means convicts have limited access to education, job training, and mental health support, hence less are the chances of rehabilitation. These factors contribute to the prison’s reputation for harsh conditions.
9. SCI Waymart
SCI Waymart, a medium-security jail in Waymart, Pennsylvania, has a bad reputation for its high rate of released individuals returning to prison, regardless of having a capacity of over 1,400 inmates. It began admitting more dangerous criminals in the 1970s, leading to overcrowding and understaffing. This lack of resources contributed to inmates receiving insufficient support to change their behavior, increasing the likelihood of habitual relapse into crimes soon after release.
10. SCI Benner Township
Sci Benner Township has earned its reputation as one of the most dangerous prisons due to a range of issues. Overcrowding leads to cramped conditions, poor ventilation, and increased tension among prisoners. Complaints about the quality of food are common, with many reporting bad nutrition and unappetizing meals. Additionally, allegations of abuse by staff members further contribute to the prison’s negative reputation, resulting in an environment of fear and distrust.
Conclusion
These top 10 worst Pennsylvania State Prisons have serious problems like overcrowding, violence, and lack of rehabilitation. Improving conditions is important for inmate well-being, staff safety, and community security. By recognizing these issues and taking action, Pennsylvania can create a better and more effective correctional system.
FAQs
- Are there any notable federal prisons in Pennsylvania?
Yes, there are ten federal prisons in Pennsylvania, including the United States Penitentiary (USP) Allenwood, which is a maximum-security prison, and the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Schuylkill, which is a medium-security prison
- Are smoking activities allowed in Pennsylvania prisons?
No, smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas of Pennsylvania prisons, including cells, common rooms, and dining halls, in line with management regulations aimed at promoting a healthier environment.
- Does Pennsylvania have private prisons?
Yes, Pennsylvania does have private prisons, with two notable facilities being the Cambria County Correctional Facility and the Pike County Correctional Facility, which operate under private management within the state’s correctional system.
- How many female state prisons are there in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania houses three female state prisons, namely Muncy State Correctional Institution, SCI Cambridge Springs, and SCI Laurel Highlands, providing specialized facilities for female inmates within the state’s correctional system.
