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How Do I?

Become a Volunteer

Do Business with the DOC

Check a Training Academy Class Schedule

Contact DOC Officials

Contact the PA Board of Probation and Parole

Contact the Office of Victim Advocate

File a Right-To-Know Request

Get a Job with the DOC

Locate Community Reentry Services

Obtain a Clearance Form

Obtain a Control Number (for attorneys only)

Obtain Genealogy Information on a Relative

Due to a records retention schedule, the DOC only keeps inactive inmate records for a certain period of time, after which they are archived.  After so long without any activity, inmate records are destroyed.  Very limited, general information is maintained, but records keeping was not centralized until the mid-1950s.  Better computerized records didn't come into existence until the mid- to late-1980s.  So there is very limited, if any, historical genealogical information available from the DOC.  DOC Records Office officials refer individuals to the State Archives, State Library and/or the State Museum if they are searching for such information.  Also, please note that most counties have a historical society. 

Obtain a Variety of DOC Statistical Information

Order Items from Pennsylvania Correctional Industries (must be non-profit)

Review Statistics Showing the Number of Individuals Released by County and by Year

 

The Department of Corrections is charged with protecting inmates from subjection to corporal or unusual punishment, or personal abuse or injury, and ensures that the correctional system is administered and operated in a safe secure manner. 
ABUSE is defined in DOC Policy, "DC-ADM 001, Inmate Abuse Allegation Monitoring" as:
1) the use of excessive force upon an inmate;
2) an occurrence of an unwarranted life-threatening act against an inmate; and
3) an articulated verbal or written threat to inflict physical injury directed toward an inmate.
Methods to Report Abuse:
·         Verbal or written report to any staff member
·         Submission of a grievance in accordance with Department policy DC-ADM 804, “Inmate Grievance System”
·         Report (verbal or written) to the Department’s Office of Special Investigations and Intelligence (OSII) - 1920 Technology Parkway, Harrisburg, PA  17055 / (717) 728-2033
·         OSII’s 24/7 voicemail messaging center 1-800-677-0330
Report Sexual Abuse or Sexual Harassment
The Department has zero tolerance for institutional sexual abuse and sexual harassment.
Anyone who engages in, fails to report, or knowingly condones sexual harassment or sexual abuse of an inmate shall be subject to disciplinary action and may be subject to criminal prosecution.   
What constitutes staff sexual misconduct with inmates?
·         Staff sexual misconduct with an inmate is generally defined as any behavior or act of a sexual nature by a staff member, contractor or volunteer that includes sexual contact or attempts, threats, requests for sexual contact, exhibitionism and/or voyeurism.  This can also include sexually harassing behavior to include verbal comments or gestures that are sexually suggestive or demeaning references to gender, sexuality and body.
What constitutes inmate-on-inmate sexual misconduct?
·         Inmate sexual misconduct is generally defined as any sexual contact or touching between inmates when the victim does not consent, is coerced or unable to consent.  This can also include sexually harassing behavior to include sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, verbal comments, gestures or actions of a sexually derogatory or offensive nature.
 
Methods for Inmates to Report Sexual Abuse or Sexual Harassment:
·       Verbal or written report to any staff member
·       Submission of a DC-135A, Inmate Request to Staff Member
·       Incidents of sexual abuse, sexual harassment and retaliation can be reported in writing by sending correspondence via U.S. mail to the BCI/PREA Coordinator at 1800 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110
·       Request more information from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, P.O. Box 400, Enola, PA 17025
Methods for Civilians to Report Sexual Abuse or Sexual Harassment:
·       Incidents of sexual abuse, sexual harassment and retaliation can be reported in writing by sending correspondence via U.S. mail to the BCI/PREA Coordinator at 1800 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110