The Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP) operates a secure and comprehensive correctional system designed to house individuals accused or convicted of crimes within Philadelphia. The system includes four main facilities located in Northeast Philadelphia, each serving specialized functions ranging from intake and housing to medical care and rehabilitation. Here is a detailed listing of all Philadelphia prison facilities including addresses, phone numbers, descriptions, and information for inmates and visitors.
Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility (CFCF)
Address: 7901 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136
Phone: (215) 685-7843
Description: Opened in 1995, Curran-Fromhold is the largest correctional facility in Philadelphia, housing approximately 1,400 male inmates of all custody levels. It honors Warden Patrick N. Curran and Deputy Warden Robert F. Fromhold, the only PDP staff killed in the line of duty. The facility consists of four housing buildings each with multiple housing units offering access to indoor and outdoor recreation, medical triage, law libraries, and program areas. CFCF is the primary intake center for adult males with nearly 30,000 processing annually.
Visitor Info: Visiting hours and procedures can be found on the official PDP website. Visitors must schedule visits ahead, provide valid ID, and follow facility rules.
Detention Center (DC)
Address: 8201 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136
Phone: (215) 685-8436
Description: The Detention Center, opened in 1963, houses approximately 550 medium custody male inmates. It includes the PDP’s Medical Unit and inpatient behavioral health services. This facility was formerly the main intake center for males before that function moved to CFCF. It features four dormitories, three cellblocks, and a health services wing with 99 beds.
Visitor Info: Visitation guidelines and schedules are provided online. The facility focuses on special needs inmates requiring medical or psychiatric care.
Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center (PICC)
Address: 8301 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136
Phone: (215) 685-7100
Description: Opened in 1986, PICC houses about 640 medium custody male inmates and 240 female inmates. It was the first PDP facility to use a unit management system that breaks the population into smaller groups. The center features 13 housing units with yards, medical triage, counseling rooms, laundry facilities, classrooms, vocational training, chapels, and law libraries. Two housing units serve as behavioral health transition centers.
Visitor Info: Visitors must comply with regulations including security screening and ID requirements. Programs and tours are sometimes available for educational groups.
Riverside Correctional Facility (RCF)
Address: 8151 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136
Phone: (215) 685-6911
Description: Opened in 2004, Riverside was designed for female inmates but now houses about 350 women and approximately 640 males, including minimum and community custody populations. The facility has three floors, each with recreational areas, medical treatment rooms, classrooms, a gymnasium, and social services offices. RCF also houses intake and discharge, law and leisure libraries, and offers programs such as GED preparation and vocational training. It incorporates work-release programs to assist with inmate reintegration.
Visitor Info: Visitors must preregister and follow strict security protocols. Contact the facility for visiting hours and program details.
Additional Information
- Inmate Location and Records: The Philadelphia Department of Prisons offers online resources to locate inmates, view visitation schedules, and access general information on their custody status.
- Visitation Rules: For all facilities, visitors must bring valid government-issued photo ID, adhere to dress codes, and comply with facility security checks.
- Programs: All facilities provide educational, vocational, substance abuse, parenting, and behavioral health programs aimed at rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.
- Operational Challenges: Despite long-term efforts at reform, facilities face challenges with staffing shortages and overcrowding but continue to implement improvements for safety and care.
Resources and Contact
The Philadelphia Department of Prisons maintains a central website with detailed information on facilities, visitation, inmate services, and reform initiatives: Philadelphia Department of Prisons
Inquiries related to inmate visitation, locating incarcerated persons, or programming can be directed to the main contacts listed for each facility. It is advisable to check online or call ahead for the most current hours, rules, and visitor policies, especially in evolving pandemic conditions or security situations.
Have any thoughts?
Share your reaction or leave a quick response — we’d love to hear what you think!