100 signatures reached
To: Secretary John E. Wetzel, Treatment Programs Manager Cheryl Scott of The PA Department of Corrections, PA Governor Tom Wolf
Keep Inmate Virtual Visitation Program Through Scotland Security Services in Pennsylvania
We want Scotland Security Services to still be able to host the Virtual Visit Program and not give the control over to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.
Why is this important?
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections is considering changing the way that Virtual Visitation occurs for ALL PRISONS in the State of Pennsylvania.
The following state prisons offer virtual visitation: Albion, Cambridge Springs, Coal Township, Dallas, Forest, Greene, Houtzdale, Mahanoy, Muncy and Pine Grove.
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections hosts the Virtual Visitation Program in cooperation with Scotland Yard Security Services. This program affords inmates, placed far from home, the chance to visit via video conferencing with their families.
These visits are an hour long with anyone on the visitors approved list being able to visit this includes children and infants. There is no limit as to how many visitors can enter the room, there are no security checks and the rooms are very comfortable; like a living room setting.
If the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections take over the Virtual Visitation Program that would then require all approved visitors to register online and schedule their own appointments via internet. Once the virtual visit appointment is set they would then have to drive to the closest state prison facility for the virtual visit to take place. For residents of Philadelphia with loved ones placed far away they would have to travel to either Graterford or Chester for this to occur.
This poses issues for many reasons.
1. Not everyone is computer literate/tech savvy or have access to the internet and everyone does not have a smart phone with internet access. Therefore, it would be very hard for them to schedule an appointment for a virtual visit.
2. Traveling to the closest state prison is not an option for some people as this may overcrowd the visiting rooms and some people may not have the required fare to travel or access to a vehicle to travel to the nearest state prison.
3. People do not like to be greeted by rude Correctional Officers and be searched for contraband which in most cases holds up the visit.
4. Parking in a prison lot may take time to travel to and from. The parking lot may also be filled depending on the day of the visit.
WE NEED TO KEEP VIRTUAL VISITATION THROUGH SCOTLAND SECURITY SERVICES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Currently, for Philadelphia residents the virtual visits take place at the Allegheny Business Center which is in North Philadelphia.
Here are some of the reasons why it should remain through Scotland Security Services and at this location!
1. It is a convenient location! Public transportation is an easy access to the building. The 33 bus stops a corner away from the building and the 60 bus drops passengers off right in front of the building! There is also a subway that is a few blocks away that serves as a connecting route as well.
2. For those who drive there is plenty of street parking! Parking spaces are free as they are not metered. So, no tickets! No worries!
3. The receptionist and customer service at this location is very well appreciated! That makes a world of difference for people who struggle with being away from their loved ones who they don't get to see or stay in touch with very often for one reason or another.
4. Having a receptionist makes for a smooth visit and you can also schedule virtual visits in advance while you are there either before or after your visit!
5. The rooms are big and comfortable and suitable for infants, children and adults! The rooms are equivalent to that of a living room and not a prison like environment.
6. There are no lines for searches, no waiting! Quick in and out process.
7. The cost of a virtual visit is $20.00 cheaper than a bus ticket and for some families this is very affordable and worth the one visit a month as this program here at this location makes it possible to see their loved ones who are housed far away!
Not only is this affordable and convenient but it allows for families to stay connected!
How it will be delivered
The signatures will be delivered via postal mail as well as in person if our voices are not being heard!