Lehigh County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Lehigh County?
Inmate records in Lehigh County are official government documents maintained by correctional facilities and the Lehigh County Department of Corrections that document individuals in custody within the county's correctional system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of information pertaining to persons who are currently incarcerated or have previously been detained in Lehigh County correctional facilities. Pursuant to Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, these records serve both administrative and public information purposes.
Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects. While the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas maintains case files documenting legal proceedings, charges, and judicial decisions, correctional facilities maintain custody records that track an individual's physical location, behavior, and status within the correctional system. This distinction is codified under 61 Pa.C.S. § 4103, which establishes parameters for inmate record creation and maintenance.
The creation of an inmate record begins at the booking and intake process, when an individual is first taken into custody. During this initial phase, personal identifying information, photographs, fingerprints, and charge information are collected and documented. Throughout the period of incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect changes in custody status, disciplinary actions, program participation, and other relevant information. Upon the individual's release from custody, the record is closed but maintained according to Pennsylvania's record retention requirements.
Lehigh County Department of Corrections
38 North Fourth Street
Allentown, PA 18102
610-782-3270
Lehigh County Department of Corrections
Are Inmate Records Public In Lehigh County?
Inmate records in Lehigh County are generally considered public records under Pennsylvania law, with certain important limitations and exceptions. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to incarcerated individuals. Additionally, 61 Pa.C.S. § 4104 specifically addresses the public accessibility of correctional records.
Members of the public may access certain basic information about current and former inmates in Lehigh County, including:
- Current inmate roster and population information
- Booking and arrest records
- Charges filed against the inmate
- Mugshots (subject to certain restrictions)
- Bond and bail amounts
- Expected release dates for sentenced inmates
- Current housing facility location
However, not all information contained in inmate records is publicly accessible. Pennsylvania law restricts access to certain categories of information to protect individual privacy, institutional security, and ongoing investigations. Information that is typically exempt from public disclosure includes:
- Medical and mental health records
- Disciplinary records
- Victim information
- Records that would jeopardize facility security
- Information related to ongoing investigations
- Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
The Lehigh County Department of Corrections maintains a publicly accessible inmate locator system that provides basic information about currently incarcerated individuals. More detailed information may require submission of a formal Right-to-Know request to the designated agency records officer.
What's Included Inmate Records in Lehigh County
Inmate records maintained by the Lehigh County Department of Corrections contain comprehensive information about individuals in custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- State identification number (SID)
- Inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
- Current housing location
- Classification level
- Disciplinary history within the facility
- Program participation
- Visitation records
- Commissary account information
Charge Information:
- Current charges
- Case numbers
- Arresting agency
- Warrant information
- Criminal history information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond/bail amount
- Bond type
- Bond status (posted, denied, etc.)
- Conditions of release, if applicable
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned to case
- Attorney information
- Court dates
- Hearing outcomes
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date
- Good time/earned time credits
- Detainers or holds
Release Information:
- Release date
- Release type (bail, completion of sentence, transfer, etc.)
- Post-release supervision requirements
- Conditions of release
The specific content and organization of inmate records may vary based on the individual's status within the criminal justice system and the policies of the Lehigh County Department of Corrections.
Lehigh County Prison System
The Lehigh County prison system operates under the authority of the Lehigh County Department of Corrections, which is responsible for the secure custody and rehabilitation of individuals who are awaiting trial or serving sentences of up to 5 years. The system is designed to maintain public safety while providing appropriate housing, supervision, and programming for incarcerated individuals.
Lehigh County operates a county jail system that primarily houses pre-trial detainees and individuals serving shorter sentences. Under Pennsylvania law, county correctional facilities typically house individuals serving sentences of up to 2 years, though this may be extended to 5 years in certain circumstances as specified in 42 Pa.C.S. § 9762. Individuals sentenced to longer terms are generally transferred to state correctional institutions operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.
The distinction between county jail and state prison is significant in terms of facility operations, programming, and inmate population. County facilities like those in Lehigh County typically focus on short-term custody, pre-trial services, and community reintegration for those serving brief sentences. State prisons, by contrast, are designed for long-term incarceration and offer more extensive rehabilitation and vocational programming.
Lehigh County Department of Corrections
38 North Fourth Street
Allentown, PA 18102
610-782-3270
Lehigh County Department of Corrections
The department operates under the oversight of the Lehigh County Executive and Board of Commissioners, with day-to-day operations managed by the Director of Corrections.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Lehigh County
Lehigh County maintains several correctional facilities to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves a specific purpose within the county's correctional system:
Lehigh County Jail
38 North Fourth Street
Allentown, PA 18102
610-782-3270
Lehigh County Jail
The Lehigh County Jail is the primary detention facility in the county, housing both pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. This maximum-security facility has a capacity of approximately 1,100 inmates and provides various levels of security classification. The facility offers educational programs, substance abuse treatment, religious services, and other rehabilitative programming.
Lehigh County Community Corrections Center
1600 Riverside Drive
Bethlehem, PA 18016
610-782-3260
Lehigh County Community Corrections Center
The Community Corrections Center is a minimum-security facility that houses inmates who are nearing release or participating in work release programs. This facility focuses on reintegration into the community and provides transitional services, employment assistance, and life skills training. Inmates at this facility may be permitted to leave for employment, education, or treatment purposes.
Lehigh County Treatment Center
1501 Lehigh Street
Allentown, PA 18103
610-782-3200
Lehigh County Treatment Center
The Treatment Center specializes in providing substance abuse and mental health services to inmates with identified treatment needs. This facility offers structured therapeutic programming, counseling services, and specialized interventions designed to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior.
Lehigh County Juvenile Detention Center
201 North 7th Street
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3800
Lehigh County Juvenile Detention Center
While not part of the adult correctional system, the Juvenile Detention Center houses youth who are involved in the juvenile justice system. This facility provides secure detention for juveniles awaiting adjudication or placement, with an emphasis on education, counseling, and age-appropriate programming.
Each facility operates under specific security protocols and programming models appropriate to its mission and the population it serves.
Who's in Prison In Lehigh County
The Lehigh County correctional facilities house a diverse population of individuals who are in various stages of the criminal justice process. The inmate population generally falls into the following categories:
Pre-trial detainees constitute a significant portion of the Lehigh County jail population. These individuals have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted. They may be held in custody because they were denied bail, could not afford to post bail, or were deemed a flight risk or danger to the community. Pre-trial detention can last from a few days to several months, depending on the complexity of the case and court scheduling.
Sentenced inmates serving county time represent another major segment of the population. These individuals have been convicted of crimes and sentenced to terms of incarceration to be served in county facilities. Under Pennsylvania law, specifically 42 Pa.C.S. § 9762, individuals sentenced to maximum terms of less than 2 years are typically housed in county facilities rather than state prisons. Common offenses resulting in county sentences include:
- Misdemeanor offenses
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
- Simple assault
- Theft
- Drug possession
- Probation violations
Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison may be temporarily housed in Lehigh County facilities. After sentencing for more serious offenses carrying longer terms, inmates may remain in county custody until administrative processing and transportation to a state correctional institution can be arranged.
Parole and probation violators form another component of the county jail population. These individuals have violated the terms of their community supervision and may be held pending revocation hearings or serving sanctions for these violations.
Work release participants reside in the Community Corrections Center while maintaining employment in the community. This program allows qualifying inmates to work at approved jobs during the day while returning to secure custody during non-working hours.
The demographic composition of the Lehigh County inmate population generally reflects broader patterns in the criminal justice system, with overrepresentation of certain socioeconomic and demographic groups. The average daily population fluctuates based on arrest rates, court processing times, and sentencing practices.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Lehigh County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Lehigh County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple systems for public access to inmate data, with varying levels of detail available depending on the search method employed.
The Lehigh County Department of Corrections maintains an online inmate locator system that provides basic information about currently incarcerated individuals. To utilize this resource, interested parties may:
- Visit the Lehigh County Department of Corrections website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Locator" section
- Enter search criteria such as the inmate's name or identification number
- Review the results, which typically include:
- Full name
- Inmate ID number
- Current housing location
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Expected release date (if applicable)
For individuals seeking more comprehensive inmate records, a formal Right-to-Know request may be submitted to the Lehigh County Records Officer. This process involves:
- Completing the standard Pennsylvania Right-to-Know request form
- Submitting the form to:
Lehigh County Right-to-Know Officer
17 South Seventh Street
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3009
Lehigh County Right-to-Know Office
- Specifying the records being requested with as much detail as possible
- Allowing up to 5 business days for an initial response (extensions may apply)
- Paying any applicable fees for record reproduction
In-person inquiries may be made at the Lehigh County Jail's public information desk during regular business hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
Visitors should bring valid government-issued identification and be prepared to provide specific information about the inmate they are inquiring about.
For court-related information about criminal cases, the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania's web portal provides access to docket sheets and case information for public court records.
How To Find an Inmate in Lehigh County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Lehigh County can be accomplished through several no-cost methods that provide basic information about individuals in custody. These free resources are designed to help family members, legal representatives, and other interested parties verify an individual's incarceration status and location.
The most direct method for finding an inmate at no cost is through the Lehigh County Inmate Locator system. This online database can be accessed by:
- Visiting the Lehigh County Department of Corrections website
- Selecting the "Inmate Locator" function
- Entering the inmate's name (last name, first name) or inmate ID number if known
- Reviewing the search results, which typically display:
- Inmate's full name
- Date of birth
- Booking date
- Current facility location
- Charges
- Bond information
- Projected release date (for sentenced inmates)
For individuals who may be in state custody rather than county facilities, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides a similar free search function for state prisoners.
The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania's web portal offers free access to court docket information, which can help determine if an individual has pending cases or has been sentenced to incarceration. While this system does not directly confirm current custody status, it provides valuable context about an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system.
Telephone inquiries represent another no-cost option for locating inmates. Interested parties may contact the Lehigh County Jail directly at 610-782-3270 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM). Basic information about an inmate's custody status can typically be provided over the phone, though staff may require verification of the caller's identity.
In-person inquiries can be made at the public information desk of the Lehigh County Jail, located at:
Lehigh County Jail
38 North Fourth Street
Allentown, PA 18102
Visitors should bring government-issued photo identification and be prepared to provide the name and, if possible, date of birth of the individual they are attempting to locate.
How To Visit an Inmate In Lehigh County
Visiting an inmate at a Lehigh County correctional facility requires adherence to established protocols designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. The following guidelines outline the current visitation procedures for Lehigh County correctional facilities:
Visit Rules and Procedures
All visitors must be approved and placed on the inmate's visitation list before being permitted to visit. Inmates may submit visitor applications for immediate family members and up to 5 additional approved visitors. Visitors must be 18 years of age or older, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification at each visit.
Visit Schedule
Visitation hours at the Lehigh County Jail are as follows:
- Monday - Friday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Saturday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Visits are scheduled according to housing unit assignments. Visitors should confirm the specific visitation days for their inmate's housing unit by calling 610-782-3270 or checking the Lehigh County Department of Corrections website.
What to Bring
Visitors must bring:
- Valid, government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID)
- Visitor pass obtained at check-in
- If visiting with children, birth certificates or legal documentation proving guardianship
What NOT to Bring
The following items are prohibited in the visitation area:
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Cameras or recording equipment
- Weapons of any kind
- Food or beverages
- Tobacco products
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $50 (for vending machines)
Dress Code
Visitors must adhere to the following dress code:
- No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts, or miniskirts)
- No see-through or tight-fitting clothing
- No gang-related attire or colors
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- Shoes must be worn at all times
- No hats, hoods, or head coverings (except religious headwear)
Visit Types
Lehigh County offers several types of visitation:
- Contact visits: Available for certain classification levels and special circumstances
- Non-contact visits: Standard visitation through glass partitions with telephone communication
- Professional visits: For attorneys, clergy, and other approved professional visitors
- Video visitation: Available at designated terminals within the facility
Visit Rules
During visits, the following rules apply:
- Brief embraces are permitted only at the beginning and end of contact visits
- Visitors must remain seated throughout the visit
- Children must be supervised at all times
- No passing of items between visitors and inmates
- Disruptive behavior will result in termination of the visit
- All visitors are subject to search
Visit Restrictions
Visitation privileges may be restricted or suspended under the following circumstances:
- Violation of visitation rules
- Security concerns
- Disciplinary action against the inmate
- Facility lockdown or emergency situations
These regulations are established pursuant to 61 Pa.C.S. § 1102, which authorizes correctional facilities to establish reasonable visitation policies.
How To Send Money to a Lehigh County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in Lehigh County correctional facilities have several approved methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds enable inmates to purchase commissary items, make phone calls, and access various services within the facility.
Approved Money Transfer Methods:
-
Online Deposits The Lehigh County Department of Corrections contracts with a third-party service provider for electronic deposits. Funds can be deposited online through:
To complete an online deposit, visitors will need:
- Inmate's full name
- Inmate ID number
- Valid credit or debit card
-
Lobby Kiosk Self-service kiosks are available in the lobby of the Lehigh County Jail for cash deposits. These kiosks are accessible during regular lobby hours:
- Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Saturday - Sunday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
The kiosks accept cash only and provide a receipt for the transaction.
-
Money Order by Mail Money orders may be sent to inmates at:
Inmate's Full Name and ID Number
Lehigh County Department of Corrections
38 North Fourth Street
Allentown, PA 18102Money orders must be:
- Made payable to the inmate's full name
- Include the sender's full name and return address
- Not exceed the maximum deposit limit
Amount Limits:
- Single transaction limit: $300
- Weekly deposit limit: $500
- Monthly deposit limit: $1,500
These limits apply across all deposit methods combined.
Transaction Fees:
- Online deposits: $2.50 - $7.95 (fee varies based on deposit amount)
- Lobby kiosk: $2.00 per transaction
- Money orders: No fee charged by the facility (postal fees may apply)
Prohibited Items:
The following forms of payment are not accepted:
- Personal checks
- Cash sent through mail
- Cashier's checks
- Third-party checks
- Traveler's checks
Fund Usage Guidelines:
Inmates may use funds in their accounts for:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing, etc.)
- Telephone calls
- Electronic messaging (where available)
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Educational materials
Funds may not be used for:
- Contraband items
- Payments to other inmates
- Staff gratuities
- Outside purchases beyond approved vendors
All deposits are subject to a 48-72 hour processing period before funds become available in the inmate's account. Upon release, any remaining balance will be returned to the inmate via debit card or check.
How To Send Jail Mail In Lehigh County
Correspondence with inmates housed in Lehigh County correctional facilities must follow specific guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery. The following procedures outline the current mail policies for sending letters, cards, and approved items to individuals in custody.
Mailing Address Format:
All mail must be addressed as follows:
Inmate's Full Name and ID Number
Lehigh County Department of Corrections
38 North Fourth Street
Allentown, PA 18102
The sender's full name and complete return address must appear in the upper left corner of the envelope. Mail without a return address will not be delivered.
Approved Mail Items:
The following items may be sent through regular mail:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (non-musical, no glitter, no padding)
- Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
- Money orders (following financial deposit guidelines)
- Legal documents (clearly marked as legal mail)
- Religious materials (subject to review)
- Newspaper clippings (maximum of 5 per envelope)
Prohibited Mail Items:
The following items are prohibited and will be rejected:
- Packages of any kind
- Books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
- Stickers or adhesive labels
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Polaroid photographs
- Perfumed or scented items
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes
- Blank paper, cards, or stationery
- Food items or candy
- Clothing or accessories
- Artwork using glue, glitter, or paint
- Any items containing illicit substances
Mail Inspection Procedures:
All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband and compliance with facility rules. Mail may be read to ensure it does not contain information that could compromise security or facilitate criminal activity. Legal mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies is opened in the presence of the inmate.
Publication Guidelines:
Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble. These items are subject to content review and may be rejected if they contain material that:
- Depicts or describes procedures for manufacturing weapons or drugs
- Contains explicit sexual content
- Advocates violence, gang activity, or racial hatred
- Presents a security threat to the facility
Electronic Messaging:
Lehigh County offers a secure electronic messaging system through GTL for approved correspondents. To use this service:
- Create an account on the GTL website
- Add the inmate to your contacts using their ID number
- Purchase messaging credits
- Compose and send messages through the secure platform
Electronic messages are subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail.
These mail regulations are established in accordance with 37 Pa. Code § 93.2, which authorizes correctional facilities to implement reasonable mail policies to maintain security and order.
Lookup Inmate Records in Lehigh County
Pennsylvania Inmate Locator System
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Inmate and Parolee Locator
Pennsylvania Courts Case Search Portal