Allegheny County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Allegheny County?
Inmate records in Allegheny County are official government documents maintained by the Allegheny County Jail and the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office that document the custody status, personal information, and case details of individuals who are or have been incarcerated within the county correctional system. These records constitute the official documentation of an individual's time in custody from initial booking through release.
Pursuant to Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, inmate records are distinct from court records. While the courts maintain case files documenting legal proceedings, the jail maintains custody records documenting the physical detention and management of inmates. This distinction is important for members of the public seeking specific information about incarcerated individuals.
The creation of inmate records follows a standardized process:
- Records are initiated during booking/intake when an individual enters custody
- Information is updated throughout the period of incarceration
- Records are completed upon the individual's release from custody
- Documentation is maintained according to county and state retention schedules
Under Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 61, correctional institutions are required to maintain accurate records of all persons committed to their custody. These records serve multiple purposes including ensuring proper identification, facilitating court appearances, and maintaining public safety.
Are Inmate Records Public In Allegheny County?
Yes, certain inmate records in Allegheny County are public under Pennsylvania law. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law § 67.101 establishes that records maintained by government agencies, including correctional facilities, are presumed to be public unless specifically exempted by law or court order.
However, access to inmate records is subject to specific limitations. According to 61 Pa.C.S. § 4103, certain information may be withheld if disclosure would jeopardize security, compromise investigations, or violate privacy rights protected by law.
Information typically available to the public includes:
- Current inmate roster (who is currently in custody)
- Basic booking information and intake date
- Charges filed against the inmate
- Mugshots (subject to certain restrictions)
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates
- Current housing facility
The Allegheny County Jail provides an online inmate lookup system that allows the public to access basic information about currently incarcerated individuals. More detailed records may require formal requests through the county's Right-to-Know process.
What's Included Inmate Records in Allegheny County
Inmate records in Allegheny County contain comprehensive information organized into several categories:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
- Housing assignment within facility
- Classification level (minimum, medium, maximum security)
- Disciplinary records while in custody
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Charge severity (misdemeanor, felony)
- Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
- Warrant information if applicable
- Case numbers associated with charges
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond/bail amount set by court
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, not posted)
- Bond conditions if applicable
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned to case
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court outcomes and dispositions
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Length of sentence
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date
- Good time/earned time credits
- Detainers or holds from other jurisdictions
Release Information:
- Scheduled release date
- Actual release date and time
- Type of release (time served, bond, transfer)
- Post-release supervision requirements
- Conditions of release
These records are maintained in compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Policy 1.1.1 regarding records management and retention.
Allegheny County Prison System
The Allegheny County prison system operates under the authority of the Allegheny County Bureau of Corrections, which is responsible for the safe and secure detention of individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences of up to two years less one day. Sentences exceeding this duration are typically served in state correctional institutions operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.
The county system primarily consists of the Allegheny County Jail, which serves as the main detention facility for the county. This facility houses both pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. Pre-trial detainees are individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial, while sentenced inmates are those who have been convicted and are serving their court-imposed sentences.
The Allegheny County Jail operates under the oversight of the Allegheny County Executive and is managed by a Warden appointed by the county. The facility provides various programs including educational services, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training aimed at reducing recidivism.
For information regarding the Allegheny County prison system, members of the public may contact:
Allegheny County Bureau of Corrections
950 Second Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-2000
Allegheny County Bureau of Corrections
Allegheny County Sheriff's Office
436 Grant Street, Room 111
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-4700
Allegheny County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Allegheny County
Allegheny County maintains several correctional facilities to accommodate different security levels and inmate populations:
Allegheny County Jail (Main Facility)
950 Second Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-2000
Allegheny County Jail
This is the primary detention facility in Allegheny County, housing both male and female inmates. The facility has a capacity of approximately 2,500 inmates and provides various levels of security from minimum to maximum. The main jail houses pre-trial detainees and inmates serving sentences of up to two years less one day.
Allegheny County Jail Alternative Housing
Various locations throughout Allegheny County
412-350-2000
Alternative Housing Programs
The county operates several alternative housing programs for low-risk offenders, including:
- Electronic Monitoring Program: Allows eligible inmates to serve their sentences at home while being monitored electronically
- Work Release Center: Permits inmates to maintain employment while serving their sentences
- Residential Treatment Facilities: Specialized housing for inmates requiring substance abuse or mental health treatment
Allegheny County Family Court Holding Facility
440 Ross Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-1430
This is a temporary holding facility located within the Family Court building for individuals appearing for family court matters who are in custody.
Allegheny County Juvenile Detention Center
280 East Waterfront Drive
Homestead, PA 15120
412-436-2000
Juvenile Detention Center
While not part of the adult correctional system, this facility houses juvenile offenders awaiting adjudication or placement.
Each facility operates under specific security protocols and visitation policies in accordance with Pennsylvania Code Title 37 governing county correctional institutions.
Who's in Prison In Allegheny County
The Allegheny County Jail houses several categories of individuals under various legal statuses:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted
- Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
- Persons awaiting arraignment, preliminary hearings, or trial
Sentenced Inmates:
- Individuals convicted of misdemeanors serving sentences up to two years less one day
- Persons convicted of felonies with shorter sentences (longer sentences are served in state prisons)
- Probation violators serving revocation sentences
Temporary Holds:
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison after sentencing
- Persons held on detainers or warrants from other jurisdictions
- Parole violators awaiting hearings
Special Populations:
- Individuals in specialized treatment programs (mental health, substance abuse)
- Work release participants who return to the facility when not working
- Weekend-only sentenced inmates who serve time on weekends
According to data from the Allegheny County Bureau of Corrections, the jail population typically consists of approximately:
- 80% male inmates and 20% female inmates
- 60-70% pre-trial detainees
- 30-40% sentenced inmates
- Varying percentages of individuals with mental health needs, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders
The average length of stay for pre-trial detainees is approximately 30-45 days, while sentenced inmates serve an average of 4-6 months, though this varies widely based on individual cases and circumstances.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Allegheny County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Allegheny County may utilize several methods to access this information:
Online Inmate Lookup:
- Visit the Allegheny County Jail Inmate Search portal
- Enter the inmate's first and last name or inmate ID number if known
- Review the search results showing basic information including:
- Current custody status
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Expected release date (if applicable)
In-Person Records Request:
- Visit the Allegheny County Jail Records Department during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Complete a records request form with the inmate's full name and date of birth
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay any applicable fees for copies of records
Written Records Request:
- Submit a formal Right-to-Know request to:
Allegheny County Right-to-Know Officer
County Office Building
542 Forbes Avenue, Room 206
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
- Include in your request:
- Inmate's full legal name
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate dates of incarceration
- Specific records being requested
- Your contact information
Telephone Inquiry:
- Call the Allegheny County Jail Records Department at 412-350-2900
- Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth
- Note that only basic information is available via telephone
All records requests are processed in accordance with the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law. Certain information may be redacted to protect privacy or security interests as permitted by law. Response times typically range from 5-10 business days for standard requests.
How To Find an Inmate in Allegheny County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Allegheny County without incurring costs is possible through several publicly available resources:
Allegheny County Jail Online Inmate Locator:
- Access the Allegheny County Jail Inmate Search website
- Enter the inmate's first and last name (no middle name required)
- Review results showing current inmates matching the search criteria
- Verify identity using additional information such as age or booking date
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal:
- Visit the PA UJS Portal
- Select "Participant Name Search" under the Criminal Court section
- Enter the individual's name and select Allegheny County
- Review case information which may indicate incarceration status
Telephone Verification:
- Call the Allegheny County Jail Information Line at 412-350-2000
- Request inmate verification from the operator
- Provide the full name and date of birth of the person you're seeking
- Receive basic custody status information
In-Person Inquiry:
- Visit the Allegheny County Jail public information desk during business hours:
Allegheny County Jail
950 Second Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday
- Provide the name of the person you're seeking information about
- Present your identification (required for security purposes)
- Receive basic information about the inmate's custody status
These free methods provide limited information in compliance with Pennsylvania's Criminal History Record Information Act, which governs the dissemination of criminal justice information. More detailed records may require formal requests and associated fees.
How To Visit an Inmate In Allegheny County
Visiting an inmate at the Allegheny County Jail requires adherence to specific procedures established to maintain security and order within the facility:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visits are non-contact (conducted through glass partitions with telephone communication)
- Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list
- Inmates may have up to 3 visitors per visit (including children)
- Visits are limited to 30 minutes
- Visitors must arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visit time for processing
Visit Schedule:
- Visitation hours: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM, seven days a week
- Specific pods have designated visitation days and times
- Schedule is subject to change during holidays or facility lockdowns
- Current schedule is available on the Allegheny County Jail Visitation Page
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Visitor's pass obtained from the visitation registration desk
- If visiting with children, birth certificates may be required to establish relationship
- Small clear plastic bag for essential items only (keys, ID, medications needed during visit)
What NOT to Bring:
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Weapons of any kind
- Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
- Food or beverages
- Purses, backpacks, or large bags
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $20
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire required
- No revealing clothing (no shorts above knee, tank tops, low-cut shirts)
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No uniforms that resemble staff attire
- Shoes and shirts required at all times
Visit Types:
- Regular visitation (family/friends)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, social workers)
- Special visits (may be approved for exceptional circumstances)
Visit Restrictions:
- Former inmates must wait 6 months after release before visiting
- Persons with active warrants will be denied entry
- Visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied
- Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
- Three visit rule violations may result in permanent visitation ban
All visitation policies are established in accordance with 37 Pa. Code § 95.233 regarding county prison visitation standards. For current information or to schedule a visit, contact:
Allegheny County Jail Visitation Office
950 Second Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-2400
Allegheny County Jail Visitation Information
How To Send Money to a Allegheny County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in the Allegheny County Jail have several approved methods for sending funds:
Online Deposits:
- Visit the GTL ConnectNetwork website
- Create an account or log in to an existing account
- Select "Allegheny County Jail" as the facility
- Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
- Select deposit amount and payment method
- Complete transaction using credit/debit card or electronic check
Lobby Kiosk:
- Visit the Allegheny County Jail lobby during business hours
- Locate the GTL payment kiosk
- Follow on-screen instructions to deposit funds
- Payment methods accepted: cash, credit/debit cards
- Obtain receipt for your records
Phone Deposits:
- Call GTL ConnectNetwork at 1-888-988-4768
- Follow automated prompts to make a deposit
- Have inmate name, ID number, and credit/debit card ready
- Service fee applies for phone transactions
Mail Money Order:
- Purchase a money order payable to "Allegheny County Jail"
- Write inmate's full name and ID number on money order
- Do not send cash, personal checks, or traveler's checks
- Mail to:
Allegheny County Jail
Inmate Accounts Department
950 Second Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Amount Limits and Fees:
- Minimum deposit: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
- Service fees vary by deposit method:
- Online/phone: $2.95-$9.95 depending on amount
- Lobby kiosk: $2.00-$7.00 depending on amount
- Mail money order: No fee
What Money Can Be Used For:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing)
- Phone calls
- Tablet rentals and services
- Medical co-pays
- Restitution payments (if court-ordered)
What Money Cannot Be Used For:
- Bail or bond payments
- Court fees (must be paid separately to the court)
- Purchases for other inmates
- Items prohibited by jail policy
All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with 61 Pa.C.S. § 1102 regarding inmate welfare funds. For questions regarding inmate accounts, contact:
Allegheny County Jail Inmate Accounts
950 Second Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-2283
How To Send Jail Mail In Allegheny County
Corresponding with inmates at the Allegheny County Jail requires adherence to specific guidelines to ensure delivery and maintain facility security:
Regular Mail Guidelines:
- All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name
- Inmate ID number (if known)
- Facility address:
Allegheny County Jail
Inmate Name, ID Number
950 Second Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
- Include your complete return address on the envelope
- Mail without a return address will not be delivered
- All incoming mail is opened, inspected, and screened before delivery
- Personal mail is limited to standard white envelopes and postcards
Permitted Items:
- Letters on plain white paper
- Greeting cards (no musical, padded, or oversized cards)
- Photographs (maximum 4"x6", limit 5 per envelope)
- Money orders (following procedures outlined in the money section)
- Legal documents (marked as "Legal Mail")
Prohibited Items:
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Colored paper or envelopes
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Perfumed or scented items
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writing
- Polaroid photos
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes for return mail
- Any items with adhesive backing
- Cards larger than 8"x10"
Legal Mail:
- Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
- Must come from an attorney, court, or legal agency with return address
- Will be opened in the presence of the inmate
- Send to the same address as regular mail
Publications and Books:
- Must be sent directly from the publisher or authorized retailer
- Paperback books only (no hardcover)
- Subject to content review for security concerns
- Limited to 3 books per mailing
E-Messages (if available):
- Create an account on the GTL ConnectNetwork
- Purchase message credits
- Compose and send messages to inmates
- Messages are subject to review before delivery
- Fees apply per message
All mail procedures comply with 37 Pa. Code § 95.234 regarding inmate mail privileges in county correctional facilities. Mail that violates these guidelines may be returned to sender, placed in the inmate's personal property, or destroyed if it presents a security concern.
For questions regarding mail policies, contact:
Allegheny County Jail Mail Room
950 Second Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-2259