How to Send Money to an Inmate in a Prison or Jail
Table of Contents
What is Pennsylvania Inmate Search?
A Pennsylvania inmate search allows the public to access information on individuals who are currently incarcerated in the state or local correctional institution. Information obtained through the search tool typically includes the inmate's name, prison location, and criminal charges.
To maintain transparency and public safety, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections provides an Inmate and Parolee Locator, allowing residents and researchers to access information about incarcerated individuals. Interested persons can use the search tool to track the status of inmates in state prisons. They can contact county sheriffs for information on incarcerated persons in county jails.
Are Inmate Search Records Open to the Public in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law allows anyone to request copies of jail records or view inmate information online through the DOC's website. However, the state prohibits public access to the following inmate search records:
- Records involving ongoing investigations
- Records that may jeopardize the safety or security of a correctional facility
- Inmate record of juveniles
- Information concerning inmates in protective custody or those with restricted access due to specific security concerns
How To Perform Pennsylvania Inmate Lookup
Anyone may conduct a Pennsylvania inmate lookup provided they have search criteria such as the inmate's name, number, gender, citizenship, or date of birth. The inmate lookup tool typically returns a list of potential matches, displaying key details such as inmate numbers, full names, committing county, and current location.
How To Search for an Inmate in Pennsylvania
You can visit the DOC's Inmate and Parolee Locator to conduct a jail inmate search in Pennsylvania. Next, click "Access the Inmate and Parolee Locator" and enter the inmate's name, number, or other available search criteria in the relevant boxes. Click on the preferred inmate's number from the search results to view details such as parole number, current facility, and inmate's mugshot.
Another way to access Pennsylvania jail records is by submitting written requests to the DOC's Agency Open Records Officer (AORO) at:
Department of Corrections, Right-to-Know Law Office
Office of Chief Counsel
1920 Technology Parkway
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Phone: (717) 728-7763
Email: RA-docrighttoknow@pa.gov
Records of inmates confined in county jails may not be accessible on the DOC Inmate and Parolee Locator. You can contact the local sheriff's office to obtain information about individuals incarcerated in county jails. Many county sheriff's offices maintain inmate databases, which can provide booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and expected release dates.
How To Conduct a Free Inmate Search in Pennsylvania
Interested persons can visit RecordsFinder or other similar reliable third-party platforms to conduct Pennsylvania inmate searches free of charge. Private search platforms like RecordsFinder allow requesters to perform basic searches on Pennsylvania inmates in state and local correctional facilities. These databases also offer additional services, such as background checks and criminal history reports, to only paid subscribers. It is important to verify the information obtained through third-party platforms with official sources.
How To Find a Federal Inmate in Pennsylvania
The Inmate Locator, maintained by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), provides access to information on federal inmates transferred to the following federal correctional facilities in Pennsylvania:
- Allenwood FCC
- Canaan USP
- Lewisburg FCI
- Loretto FCI
- McKean FCI
- Northeast RO
- Philadelphia FDC
- Philadelphia RRM
- Pittsburgh RRM
- Schuylkill FCI
This database includes details such as an inmate's current location, registration number, sentencing information, projected release date, and other custody-related data. Anyone can conduct a federal inmate search in Pennsylvania using the inmate's full name or unique registration number. The registration number may be assigned by the BOP or other agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the District of Columbia Department of Corrections (DCDC), or the Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS).
Requesters can narrow their search by providing details like the inmate's age, sex, and race. Once the necessary information is entered, the system generates a list of potential matches, allowing users to review relevant records and locate specific inmates. Note that records of federal inmates confined before 1982 are available at the National Archives Records Administration (NARA).
What Can You Find with State of Pennsylvania Inmate Search
The following information is accessible on the Pennsylvania's inmate search system:
- Inmate's true name and other names
- Inmate's image
- Inmate number
- Parole number
- Date of Birth
- Age
- Gender
- Height
- Complexion
- Citizenship
- Current Facility/Location
- Committing County
Jail and Inmate Search in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's DOC recorded around 39,000 state prison inmates in December 2024, while county jails held more than 24,000, per the Office of County Inspections and Services. The state's detention centers hold about 1,176 juveniles.
The inmate population in Pennsylvania prisons consists of 44% Whites, 46% Blacks, and 9% Hispanics. The other 1% represents groups like Native Americans, Asians, and others. In 2022, Pennsylvania has over 92,000 probationers, more than 75,000 parolees, and an incarceration rate of 292 per 100,000 residents.
Criminal Justice Quick Facts
Pennsylvania Imprisonment Rate * (per 100,000 population)
292
Probation Population
92,660
Parole Population
75,630
Racial Disparity in Incarceration Rate
Black: White Ratio: 7.7:1
Hispanic: White Ratio: 2.3:1
Juvenile Custody Rate (per 100,000 juveniles)
80
Disenfranchised Population
41,282 (0.41%)
Disenfranchised African Americans
19,131 (1.89%)
Corrections Expenditures (state/local)
$2.7 B / $1.6 B
Pennsylvania Parole Population
Pennsylvania had 80,640 individuals on parole at the start of 2022, with the number decreasing to 75,630 by year's end.
Paroles per 100,000 Population (2022)
Nationwide
267
Pennsylvania
732
Parole Total Population in Pennsylvania (2022)
Nationwide
698,820
Pennsylvania
75,630
Parole Entries and Exits (2022)
Entries
31,700
Exits
36,700
Change in 2022, in Percentage and Number
Percent
6.2%
Number
5,010
Number of Parole per 100,000 U.S. Adult Residents
Decreased by
267
Pennsylvania Prisons
There are 24 state prisons and 62 county jails in Pennsylvania. The state prisons, managed by the Department of Corrections, currently house more than 39,000 inmates. PA's DOC has over 16,000 employees and an annual budget of $2.7 billion. Meanwhile, about 24,000 individuals are incarcerated in the county jails run by county sheriffs. The DOC's Bureau of Community Corrections also oversees another 92,660 people on probation and 75,630 inmates on parole. Based on one hundred thousand residents, PA has a property crime rate of 1,483, a violent crime rate of 280, and an overall incarceration rate of 292. The state agency spends $67,275 to house and care for each inmate yearly.
| Prison Name | Prison Type |
|---|---|
| Allenwood Low FCI | Federal Prison |
| Allenwood Medium FCI | Federal Prison |
| Allenwood USP | Federal Prison |
| Canaan USP | Federal Prison |
| Federal Detention Center Philadelphia | Federal Prison |
| Huntingdon County Prison | State Prison |
| Lewisburg USP | Federal Prison |
| Loretto FCI | Federal Prison |
| McKean FCI | Federal Prison |
| Mercer County Jail | State Prison |
| Northeast RO | Federal Prison |
| Philadelphia Curran-Fromhold Correctional Center | Federal Prison |
| Philadelphia Detention Center | Federal Prison |
| Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center | Federal Prison |
| Philadelphia Riverside Correctional Facility | Federal Prison |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some key FAQs and answers related to Pennsylvania inmate searches:
Why Is an Inmate Not Showing Up in Search?
Not all inmate records are accessible through Pennsylvania's Inmate Locator, as the system only includes those currently housed in state-owned facilities. Requesters can search the BOP database or other online inmate search systems to find individuals incarcerated in federal prisons or county jails. Other common search issues include incorrect names, missing registration numbers, or delays in system updates due to inmate transfers. Ensuring accuracy in search details and selecting the correct database can improve results.
Some inmate records in Pennsylvania are restricted from online access due to confidentiality concerns, such as juvenile records or sensitive case details. Additionally, recently released inmate records may be removed from the system, and expunged or sealed records are typically unavailable to the public. Requesters may access confidential and sealed records by contacting the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.
How Can I Check If Someone Is in Jail in Pennsylvania?
Follow these steps below to find out if someone is incarcerated in Pennsylvania:
- Use the DOC Inmate and Parolee Locator to look up inmates using their names or registration numbers.
- Send written requests by mail to the DOC open record's officer
- Visit any of the state's correctional centers to inquire about jail records
- Check the county sheriff's website for jail rosters to locate inmates in county jails.
- Use the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator tool to find inmates in federal prisons in PA.
- Check Pennsylvania court records for recent arrests, charges, or sentencing details that may confirm incarceration status.
How Can I Conduct a Pennsylvania Prison Inmate Search?
You may conduct a Pennsylvania prison inmate search online through the Inmate and Parole Locator provided by the PA Department of Corrections. Alternatively, send written requests to the DOC's Agency Open Records Officer or visit the correctional facilities to make in-person requests. Reliable third-party inmate record search sites like RecordsFinder offer an easy way to conduct Pennsylvania inmate searches.
