Find Pennsylvania Inmate Records

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, inmate records refer to documents containing details of an individual's incarceration. These records include the crime committed, time of arrest, length of sentence, time spent so far, and personal information such as age, gender, and race, which are published on repositories to improve public safety. Pennsylvania inmate records are generated and maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.

Are Incarceration Records Public Information in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, incarceration records are public. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law grants members of the public access to public documents and allows them to make copies. Detention files are made available through an online database managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, where a search can be carried out using the convict's last name, first name, sex, inmate number, race, or date of birth.

What Information is Contained in a Pennsylvania Inmate Record?

Pennsylvania inmate records are compiled using information from arrest records, court records, and other personal information obtained from the inmate. In Pennsylvania, a detainee's record will contain the following;

• Full name
• Booking number
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Location of the correctional facility
• Height
• Parole number
• Race
• Inmate's citizenship

Where do I Look Up an Inmate in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections maintains a repository of inmates and parolees under its jurisdiction, which interested persons can access. However, some inmates whose records are confidential might not be found in this repository, and a standard right-to-know request must be submitted to the governmental body or agency in charge to get the necessary information about the inmate's location. Based on the policies guiding the right-to-know law, some requests can be refused or partly granted if the Department of Corrections has a valid reason for not releasing the whole record. Methods of checking inmates in Pennsylvania, either at the county, city, or state level, include;

• Through the Department of Corrections Inmate/Parolee Locator
• Through the inmate roster/listings maintained by some county jails
• By contacting the correctional facility to enquire about the individual.

How Do I Conduct an Inmate Search in Pennsylvania?

Interested persons may search for Pennsylvania inmates through;

Inmate/Parolee Locator

The Inmate/Parolee Locator is an online repository maintained and updated regularly by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. It displays information like the inmate's name, booking number, sex, race, or date of birth. Additionally, it shows the inmate's current location and the county where the crime was committed, as well as mugshots, aliases, and permanent residence. The inmate record can be printed from the database using this method.

Inmate rosters/Listings

Most Pennsylvania counties maintain a roster or listings of incarcerated inmates in their various city/county jails. Some of these rosters can be accessed through the County Sheriff's website or the county's official website. For counties without an online database or repository of inmates currently incarcerated in their detention facilities, a call may be put through to the facility to get the necessary information.

Written Requests Invoking the Right-to-Know Law

A written request for an inmate record search should be addressed to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections' Agency Open Records Officer (AORO), who should state the information needed with specifics to help the department ascertain the requested records. Also, the name and address of the Open Records Officer to whom the response should be provided should be provided. The request can be submitted in person, via mail, or via email. A standard right-to-know request form should also be completed and attached to the written request when submitting it. A fee of $.50 is charged for each copy of the inmate record. The address of the Department's Right-to-Know office is:

1920 Technology Parkway,
Mechanicsburg,
PA 17050.
Phone: (717) 728-7763
Fax: (717) 728-0312
Email: RA-docrighttoknow@pa.gov

How Can I Find an Inmate for Free in Pennsylvania?

Inmates incarcerated in the Pennsylvania jail can be found on the Inmate/Parolee Locator for free. To begin, enter the preferred search criteria; this can be for a parolee or an inmate. The search procedure requirements include first name, last name, inmate number, gender, race, date of birth, and nationality. Of all requirements, entering the committing county in Pennsylvania is imperative to help narrow the search. The search results may contain inmate information such as release date, booking date, charges, and offense type.

Specific categories of public records are also made available on privately managed websites. These online platforms often advertise faster or more convenient access to records, primarily because they do not restrict searches to a specific jurisdiction. Instead, they allow broader inquiries covering several states or counties at once. However, to use these search engines, individuals are generally required to supply specific identifying information: the name of the person connected to the record—excluding minors for confidentiality reasons—and the location where the record was issued or the individual resides. It is also critical to recognize that third-party databases are not overseen or verified by government authorities, so the extent and accuracy of records that appear in their systems can vary.

How to Find Old Inmate Records in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania stores both old and new inmate records through an online depository. Members of the public may also access convicts' files from the court, law enforcement agencies, and third-party organizations. One such third-party website is PennsylvaniaCourtRecords.us, where inmate records tailored to the counties in Pennsylvania can be found by entering the first name, last name, and city. Regarding law enforcement agencies, interested parties can obtain old records from the County Sheriff's Office archives. Records that have been archived can be collected by mail, by phone, or online.

Furthermore, the Department of Corrections employs a unique search tool for inmates in Pennsylvania, known as PA SAVIN—Pennsylvania Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification. This automated service provides information on an inmate's release, escape, or transfer.

Inmate Release Date Lookup In Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PADOC) provides an Inmate Locator Tool that allows the public to search for incarcerated individuals and view details such as sentencing information and projected release dates. Searches may be performed by using the inmate's full name, inmate number, or other identifying details.

For individuals who prefer to make inquiries offline, requests may be submitted directly to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections or by calling (717) 728-2573. Availability of release information may depend on parole board decisions, earned time credits, or other administrative changes. Certain records, such as those involving juveniles, remain confidential under state law.

How do I Find Inmate Death Records in Pennsylvania?

Details of deceased inmates in Pennsylvania can be obtained by querying the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections in person or by mail. The request letter should contain the inmate's standard information, such as full name, inmate number, and the facility incarcerated in (if known). The address of the Department of Correction is:

1920 Technology Parkway
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Phone Line: (717) 728-2573
Email: ra-contactdoc@pa.gov

How do I Conduct a Federal Prison Inmate Search?

For personal or official reasons, a federal prison inmate search can be processed online through the Federal Bureau of Prisons in two ways: by inmate name or inmate number. The Federal Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) number, the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) number, or the Department of Corrections' number is required to complete the search. To look up a federal inmate by name, enter details such as the first name, middle name, last name, race, sex, and age. The Federal Bureau of Prisons allows for a federal inmate search of inmates incarcerated from 1982 to the present. If any difficulty is experienced in locating a federal prison inmate, contact the Federal Bureau of Prisons at:

320 First St., NW
Washington, DC 20534
Phone: (202) 307-3178

How Long Does it Take For An Inmate's Information to Be Published in Pennsylvania Inmate Locator?

After completing an inmate's booking process, online registration comes next. However, the booking may take hours to complete, depending on the law enforcement agency in the county involved. Nevertheless, it takes about 2 hours after booking for a new inmate to appear on the Pennsylvania Inmate Locator. The Diagnostic and Classification Centre (DCC) in Camp Hill County manages male inmate booking, while the DCC at Lycoming County processes female inmates. Based on the inmate's security level, the classification process can go from weeks to months. After a thorough evaluation, the inmate is housed by the Department of Corrections in the male or female facilities.

Why Is An Inmate Not Showing Up In Search?

If an inmate does not appear in the PADOC system, it may be because they are held in a county jail rather than a state correctional facility, as the PADOC database does not include local detention records. Juvenile offenders, individuals under federal custody, and those recently transferred or released may also be excluded from the system. Database updates and technical delays can further cause temporary unavailability. Contact the PADOC or the specific county jail to confirm custody status.