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 system. These records serve as the official documentation of an individual's incarceration history and status within Philadelphia County's jurisdiction.
The Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP) maintains these records pursuant to Pennsylvania state law and local ordinances. Inmate records typically include:
- Booking information
- Demographic data
- Criminal charges
- Court case numbers
- Custody status
- Facility assignment
- Scheduled release dates (when applicable)
These records are maintained in electronic databases and physical files by the Philadelphia Department of Prisons, which operates under the authority of the City of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Department of Prisons 7901 State Road Philadelphia, PA 19136 Phone: (215) 685-8300 Philadelphia Department of Prisons
Are Inmate Records Public In Philadelphia County?
Inmate records in Philadelphia County are considered public records with certain limitations pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. §§ 67.101-67.3104) and applicable federal regulations. Members of the public may access basic inmate information through official channels.
The following information is generally available to the public:
- Inmate name
- Facility location
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Court case numbers
- Custody status
- Scheduled release date (when applicable)
However, certain information within inmate records is restricted from public access due to privacy concerns, security considerations, and legal protections. Restricted information may include:
- Medical and mental health records (protected under HIPAA)
- Social Security numbers
- Detailed disciplinary records
- Information that could compromise institutional security
- Records related to juvenile offenders (subject to additional protections)
Access to comprehensive inmate records typically requires proper authorization, such as a court order, or may be limited to law enforcement agencies, legal representatives, and authorized government officials. The Philadelphia Department of Prisons maintains compliance with federal and state privacy laws while facilitating appropriate public access to inmate information.
What's Included Inmate Records in Philadelphia County
Inmate records maintained by the Philadelphia Department of Prisons contain comprehensive information about individuals in custody. These records include several categories of information as required by Pennsylvania state law and departmental policies.
Personal identification information in these records typically includes:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
Case-related information contained in these records includes:
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Criminal charges
- Court docket numbers
- Bail/bond information
- Sentencing information
- Scheduled court appearances
- Projected release date
Custody management information is also documented, including:
- Current facility assignment
- Housing unit location
- Classification level
- Disciplinary incidents
- Visitation records
- Program participation
- Work assignments
The Philadelphia Department of Prisons maintains these records in accordance with Pennsylvania Record Retention Schedule requirements and departmental policies. Records may be accessed through the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania for court-related information.
First Judicial District of Pennsylvania City Hall, Room 336 Philadelphia, PA 19107 Phone: (215) 686-7000 Philadelphia Courts
Philadelphia County Prison System
The Philadelphia County Prison System, officially known as the Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP), operates as a unified correctional system serving Philadelphia County. This system functions under the authority of the City of Philadelphia and is responsible for the custody, care, and control of individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences of two years or less.
The Philadelphia Department of Prisons operates four main facilities:
- Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility (CFCF)
- Riverside Correctional Facility (RCF)
- Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center (PICC)
- Alternative and Special Detention (ASD)
The system has a total capacity of approximately 8,500 inmates and employs over 2,000 staff members, including correctional officers, administrative personnel, medical staff, and program facilitators. The PDP operates under a mission to provide secure custody and care for inmates while offering rehabilitative services and programs designed to reduce recidivism.
The Philadelphia Department of Prisons works in coordination with several other agencies, including:
Philadelphia Police Department Police Headquarters 750 Race Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 Phone: (215) 686-3000 Philadelphia Police Department
Office of the Sheriff, City of Philadelphia 100 S. Broad Street, 5th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19110 Phone: (215) 686-3530 Office of the Sheriff
Types of Correctional Facilities In Philadelphia County
Philadelphia County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves specific functions within the county's correctional system.
The Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility (CFCF) serves as the primary intake center for male inmates entering the Philadelphia prison system. This maximum-security facility houses:
- Pre-trial detainees
- Newly sentenced individuals
- High-risk inmates
- Those awaiting classification
The Riverside Correctional Facility (RCF) functions as the dedicated women's prison facility in Philadelphia County, housing:
- Female pre-trial detainees
- Sentenced female offenders
- Women requiring specialized medical care
- Female inmates in various classification levels
The Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center (PICC) operates as a medium-security facility primarily housing:
- Sentenced male inmates
- Pre-trial detainees
- Inmates participating in vocational training programs
- Those nearing release
Alternative and Special Detention (ASD) provides specialized housing for:
- Inmates requiring protective custody
- Those with special medical needs
- Individuals in work release programs
- Low-security inmates
In addition to these primary facilities, Philadelphia County utilizes alternative correctional options including:
- Electronic monitoring programs
- Day reporting centers
- Community-based treatment facilities
- Transitional housing programs
All facilities operate under the supervision of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons and adhere to standards established by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and relevant accrediting bodies.
Who's in Prison In Philadelphia County
The Philadelphia County prison population consists of diverse individuals held under various legal statuses. As of 2025, the Philadelphia Department of Prisons houses approximately 4,500-5,000 inmates across its facilities, representing a significant decrease from historical highs due to criminal justice reforms and alternative sentencing initiatives.
The majority of individuals in Philadelphia County prisons fall into the following categories:
- Pre-trial detainees (approximately 60-65% of the population)
- Individuals serving county sentences of two years or less (approximately 25-30%)
- State inmates temporarily housed in county facilities (approximately 5-10%)
- Technical parole or probation violators (approximately 5-10%)
Demographic analysis of the Philadelphia County prison population indicates:
- Approximately 90% male and 10% female inmates
- Racial composition reflecting approximately 65% African American, 20% Hispanic/Latino, 12% White, and 3% other racial/ethnic backgrounds
- Average age range of 25-45 years
- Significant percentage with substance abuse disorders and/or mental health conditions
Common offenses resulting in Philadelphia County incarceration include:
- Drug-related offenses
- Property crimes
- Assault and violent offenses
- Weapons violations
- Probation/parole violations
The Philadelphia Department of Prisons collaborates with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections for inmates requiring state-level incarceration for sentences exceeding two years.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Philadelphia County in 2025
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Philadelphia County may utilize several official methods to locate this information. The Philadelphia Department of Prisons provides multiple channels for accessing inmate records in accordance with public information laws.
The primary method for searching inmate records is through the online inmate locator tool:
- Visit the Philadelphia Department of Prisons inmate locator
- Enter the inmate's first and last name or PPN (Philadelphia Prison Number)
- Review the search results for basic information including current facility, booking date, and custody status
For in-person inquiries, individuals may visit: Philadelphia Department of Prisons Administration 7901 State Road Philadelphia, PA 19136 Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Phone: (215) 685-8300
For state inmates who may be housed in Philadelphia County facilities, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections maintains a separate inmate locator system accessible at Inmate and Parolee Locator.
When searching for inmate records, the following information is helpful:
- Inmate's full legal name (including any known aliases)
- Date of birth
- Philadelphia Prison Number (PPN) if known
- State Inmate Number (if applicable)
Pursuant to Pennsylvania law, certain information may be redacted or restricted based on privacy regulations and security considerations.
How To Find an Inmate in Philadelphia County for Free?
Philadelphia County provides several no-cost options for locating inmates within its correctional system. These free resources are available to the public in accordance with Pennsylvania's public information laws.
The most accessible free method is the online inmate locator tool:
- Visit the Philadelphia Department of Prisons inmate locator
- No registration or fees are required
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Provides basic custody information including facility location
For individuals without internet access, free telephone inquiries are available:
- Call the Philadelphia Department of Prisons at (215) 685-8300
- Automated system available 24/7
- Live assistance available Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth if known
The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania also maintains court records that may contain inmate information:
- Visit the Criminal Records Department at the Criminal Justice Center
- 1301 Filbert Street, Room 310
- Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Phone: (215) 683-7000
For state inmates who may be housed in Philadelphia County facilities, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator provides free access to custody information.
How To Visit an Inmate In Philadelphia County
Visitation with inmates in Philadelphia County correctional facilities follows established procedures designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. All visits must comply with Philadelphia Department of Prisons policies.
General visitation requirements include:
- Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
- Valid government-issued photo identification is required
- Minors must be accompanied by an authorized adult
- Appropriate dress code must be followed
- All visitors are subject to security screening
Visitation schedules vary by facility:
- Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Riverside Correctional Facility: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Alternative and Special Detention: Thursday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Visitors should note the following important information:
- Visits are typically limited to 60 minutes
- The number of visitors allowed per visit is limited (typically 3 persons, including children)
- Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visit time
- Personal belongings are restricted (lockers are available)
- Physical contact is limited according to facility policies
To schedule a visit, contact the specific facility housing the inmate: Philadelphia Department of Prisons 7901 State Road Philadelphia, PA 19136 Phone: (215) 685-8300
Video visitation options are also available through the Philadelphia Department of Prisons website.
How To Send Money to a Philadelphia County Inmate
The Philadelphia Department of Prisons provides several approved methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These funds may be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and other approved expenses.
Electronic deposit options include:
- Online deposits through the Philadelphia Department of Prisons website
- Kiosks located in the lobby of each facility
- Mobile applications approved by the Philadelphia Department of Prisons
- Telephone deposits via approved third-party vendors
In-person cash deposits can be made at: Philadelphia Department of Prisons 7901 State Road Philadelphia, PA 19136 Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Money order deposits may be sent by mail to: Inmate's Full Name and PPN Number Philadelphia Department of Prisons 7901 State Road Philadelphia, PA 19136
Important deposit guidelines include:
- All deposits must include the inmate's full name and PPN (Philadelphia Prison Number)
- Maximum deposit amounts may apply depending on the method used
- Processing fees may apply for certain deposit methods
- Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 24-48 hours
- Cash sent through the mail will not be accepted
The Philadelphia Department of Prisons maintains strict financial controls to ensure proper handling of inmate funds in accordance with departmental policies and Pennsylvania state regulations.
How To Send Jail Mail In Philadelphia County
Correspondence with inmates in Philadelphia County facilities must follow established mail procedures to ensure security and proper delivery. The Philadelphia Department of Prisons processes all incoming and outgoing mail according to departmental policies.
All mail must be addressed as follows: Inmate's Full Name and PPN Number Name of Facility 7901 State Road Philadelphia, PA 19136
Acceptable mail items include:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages)
- Greeting cards (non-musical, no glitter)
- Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, no Polaroids)
- Money orders (must be separate from letters)
- Legal documents
Prohibited items include:
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Stickers or adhesive labels
- Crayon or marker writings
- Perfumed or stained paper
- Cash or personal checks
- Contraband of any kind
All incoming mail is subject to inspection and may be opened and examined for contraband or prohibited content. Legal mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies will be opened in the presence of the inmate.
Electronic messaging options may be available through approved third-party vendors. For more information on electronic messaging, visit the Philadelphia Department of Prisons website.
Mail that does not comply with these guidelines may be returned to sender or held in accordance with departmental policies.
Lookup Inmate Records in Philadelphia County
Pennsylvania Inmate and Parolee Locator
Philadelphia Department of Prisons Inmate Locator
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator