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Philadelphia County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Philadelphia County?

Inmate records in Philadelphia County are official documents maintained by the Philadelphia Department of Prisons that contain information about individuals who are or have been incarcerated within the county's correctional facilities. These records include personal information, criminal history, custody status, and other relevant details about inmates. The Philadelphia Department of Prisons manages these records as part of their responsibility to maintain accurate information about all persons in their custody.

Philadelphia Department of Prisons, 7901 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136

Are Inmate Records Public In Philadelphia County?

Yes, inmate records in Philadelphia County are considered public records under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law. However, access to these records may be limited to protect certain private information. The public can access basic information about inmates, such as their name, incarceration status, facility location, and scheduled release date. More sensitive information, including medical records and certain personal details, may be redacted or restricted to protect the privacy and security of the inmates.

What's Included Inmate Records in Philadelphia County

Philadelphia County inmate records typically include:

  • Full legal name and aliases
  • Booking date and time
  • Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
  • Mugshot/photograph
  • Current custody status
  • Facility location
  • Charges and case numbers
  • Court dates
  • Scheduled release date (if applicable)
  • Bail/bond information
  • Disciplinary records
  • Visitation eligibility

Some information may be restricted based on privacy laws and security concerns.

Philadelphia County Prison System

The Philadelphia County Prison System, officially known as the Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP), operates as a county-level correctional system responsible for the custody, safety, and rehabilitation of inmates awaiting trial or serving sentences of two years or less. The system is managed by the City of Philadelphia and operates multiple facilities throughout the county.

Philadelphia Department of Prisons, 7901 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136

The PDP's mission focuses on providing a secure correctional environment while offering rehabilitation programs and services designed to reduce recidivism and prepare inmates for successful reentry into society.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Philadelphia County

Philadelphia County operates several types of correctional facilities:

  1. Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility (CFCF) - The largest facility, primarily housing male inmates awaiting trial or serving short sentences. Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility, 7901 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136

  2. Riverside Correctional Facility (RCF) - Houses female inmates of all security levels. Riverside Correctional Facility, 8151 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136

  3. Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center (PICC) - Medium-security facility for male inmates. Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center, 8301 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136

  4. Detention Center (DC) - Houses male inmates and includes specialized units. Detention Center, 8201 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136

  5. Alternative and Special Detention (ASD) - Provides specialized housing and programs. Alternative and Special Detention, 8101 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136

  6. House of Correction (HOC) - Note: This facility was closed in 2018.

Who's in Prison In Philadelphia County

The Philadelphia County prison population primarily consists of:

  • Individuals awaiting trial (pre-trial detainees)
  • People serving sentences of two years or less for misdemeanors and some felonies
  • Individuals awaiting transfer to state facilities
  • Parole and probation violators

Demographics show that the majority of inmates are male, with a disproportionate representation of racial minorities, particularly African Americans and Hispanics. Many inmates come from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds and have histories of substance abuse, mental health issues, or both.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Philadelphia County in 2025

To search for inmate records in Philadelphia County in 2025:

  1. Online Inmate Locator: Use the Philadelphia Department of Prisons' Incarcerated Person Locator tool. Visit: https://incarceratedperson-locator.phila.gov/

  2. Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator: For inmates who may have been transferred to state facilities. Visit: https://inmatelocator.cor.pa.gov/

  3. Contact the Records Department: Call or visit the Philadelphia Department of Prisons Records Department. Philadelphia Department of Prisons Records Department, 7901 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136 Phone: (215) 685-7100

  4. Visit a Facility: Inquire in person at the facility where the inmate is believed to be housed.

  5. Court Records: Check Philadelphia County court records for case information. Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, 1301 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

How To Find an Inmate in Philadelphia County for Free?

Finding an inmate in Philadelphia County for free is straightforward:

  1. Philadelphia Incarcerated Person Locator: The official free online tool provided by the Philadelphia Department of Prisons. https://incarceratedperson-locator.phila.gov/

  2. Pennsylvania Inmate/Parolee Locator: The state's free database for finding inmates in state facilities. https://inmatelocator.cor.pa.gov/

  3. Phone Inquiry: Call the Philadelphia Department of Prisons information line at (215) 685-7100.

  4. In-Person Inquiry: Visit the administrative office of any Philadelphia Department of Prisons facility. Philadelphia Department of Prisons, 7901 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136

  5. Philadelphia County Clerk of Courts: Access court records related to criminal cases. Office of Judicial Records, Room 296, City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19107

How To Visit an Inmate In Philadelphia County

To visit an inmate in Philadelphia County:

  1. Check Visitation Eligibility: Ensure you're on the inmate's approved visitors list.

  2. Schedule a Visit: Most facilities require scheduling visits in advance through the online scheduling system or by phone. Online: https://www.phila.gov/departments/philadelphia-department-of-prisons/ Phone: (215) 685-7100

  3. Know the Schedule: Each facility has specific visitation days and hours based on inmates' housing units.

  4. Bring Proper Identification: A valid government-issued photo ID is required.

  5. Follow Dress Code: Wear appropriate attire (no revealing clothing, gang colors, or clothing resembling inmate uniforms).

  6. Know Facility Rules: Understand what items are permitted during visits (typically nothing except identification and car keys).

  7. Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled visit to complete processing.

How To Send Money to a Philadelphia County Inmate

To send money to an inmate in Philadelphia County:

  1. Online Deposits: Use the official money deposit service through GTL/ViaPath Technologies. https://deposits.gtlconnect.com/

  2. Kiosks: Use payment kiosks located in the lobbies of Philadelphia Department of Prisons facilities. Philadelphia Department of Prisons, 7901 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136

  3. Money Orders: Send money orders by mail to the specific facility where the inmate is housed. Make payable to the inmate with their PPN (Philadelphia Prison Number) included.

  4. Cash Deposits: Some local businesses offer cash deposit services for a fee through services like Western Union or MoneyGram.

  5. Commissary Packages: Purchase pre-approved commissary packages through approved vendors.

Note that all deposits are subject to fees and may take 1-3 business days to process.

How To Send Jail Mail In Philadelphia County

To send mail to an inmate in Philadelphia County:

  1. Proper Addressing: Address envelopes with: Inmate's full name and PPN (Philadelphia Prison Number) Facility name Facility address

  2. Letter Guidelines:

    • Use plain white paper and envelopes
    • Write in blue or black ink only
    • Do not use stickers, glitter, lipstick marks, or perfume
    • Do not send Polaroid photos

  3. Permitted Items:

    • Letters
    • Photos (maximum 4x6 inches, no Polaroids)
    • Money orders (in separate envelopes from regular mail)
    • Greeting cards (plain, no musical or pop-up features)

  4. Prohibited Items:

    • Cash or personal checks
    • Stamps or envelopes
    • Hardcover books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
    • Any contraband or unauthorized items

  5. Mail Inspection: All mail is inspected for contraband and compliance with facility rules.

  6. Legal Mail: Correspondence from attorneys should be clearly marked as "Legal Mail" and will be opened in the inmate's presence.

Lookup Inmate Records in Philadelphia County

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