In-Person Visitation Returns for Inmates at Dauphin County Prison, Starting June 18

In-person visitation is reopening for inmates at Dauphin County Prison, starting June 18 with Phase One of a progressive visitation plan.

Inmates and visitors must be vaccinated – and provide documentation – to have in-person visitation.

Video visitation will be available to inmates (and visitors) who are not vaccinated.

“We realize visitation goes a long way in improving wellness for the inmates,” Dauphin County Commissioner and Prison Board Chair Mike Pries said. “So, we are opening visitation with initial restrictions to keep inmates, visitors, and staff safe.”

Inmates have been offered vaccination in recent clinics at the prison.

In addition to vaccination documentation, masks must be worn at all times.

The visitation rooms will be cleaned between each session.

On July 9, prison staff and prison board will review the initial visitation sessions and make adjustments accordingly.

“We want to be sure this is done responsibly and with everyone’s safety as top priority,” County Commissioner Chad Saylor said.

Inmates are responsible for notifying their visitors of the schedule and have them added to a visitors list.

“We hope the return of visitation strengthens the familial bonds between inmates and their loved ones,” County Commissioner George P. Hartwick III said. “The pandemic has interrupted that process and we certainly recognize that.”

Visitors are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to the visit. No more than two visitors per inmate are allowed in the visitation room.

Children are not required to be vaccinated but must wear masks.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brett Hambright, Press Secretary, 717-780-6311; bhambright@dauphinc.org.