The State Correctional Institution at Camp Hill, usually abbreviated as SCI Camp Hill, maintains about 3,400 inmates. Located at 2500 Lisburn Road at Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, it is the primary facility serving Cumberland County.
Changing Roles
Initially, the prison opened in 1941 as a juvenile detention center. However, in 1977, it was converted from the industrial school into the current men’s institution. Here, inmates get diagnosed and classified to determine which cells stay the best fit. With 19 dedicated housing facilities, it remains an important job.
Ample Space
One reason prisons get created on agricultural land is the amount of space needed to build them. Even though SCI Camp Hill is not a large center, it still requires a considerable plot. Indoors, the inmates and guards use 52 acres of living space for cells, administrative offices, and commons areas. Outdoors, the property sprawls across 711 acres of land.
More Than Cells
Unlike many prisons, SCI Camp Hill acts as a treatment facility, as well as a classification system. Inmates getting entered into the database for the first time getting sent here, and those with health concerns can receive treatment.
In addition to diversion programs, inmates also have access to a mental health center, residential treatment plans, special observation staff, and other services. While maximum security centers often offer little more than cells, SCI Camp Hill remains interested in remediation.
Educational Programs
Some may question why inmates should receive educational opportunities, but others argue it only helps them to adjust back into society. Most detention centers today offer at least some courses, and SCI Camp Hill is no exception.
Inmates will find both academic and vocational course options, covering a broad range of topics. These programs include:
- GED Prep
- Adult Education
- Personal Finance
- Pre-Vocational Programs
- Victim Awareness Education
- ESL Courses
- Special Education
- Business Education
- HVAC
- Graphic Design/Arts
- Barber Services
- And more courses.
Inmate Programs
American prisons have learned the hard way that you can’t stick criminals together and expect reformation. As a result, many institutions turn towards social programs to combat repeat offenses.
- These programs reintroduce inmates into society later while instilling better behavior today. Those housed can join:
- State Intermediate Punishment
- Thinking for a Change
- Sex Offenders
- Domestic Violence
- Violence Prevention
- In-Cell Stress Reduction
- Parenting
- Outpatient Alcohol Treatment
- Substance Abuse
- Parole Violators Group
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Narcotics Anonymous
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy
- And more wellness programs.
