Dauphin County Jail Inmate Lookup

The Dauphin County Jail, PA, is a secure detention center, serving as the primary correctional facility for Dauphin County. This jail houses individuals who are awaiting trial or serving sentences for various criminal offenses. The facility promotes safety, rehabilitation, and community integration.

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Inmate Search and Prison Roster

Access to inmate information is crucial for maintaining connections with incarcerated individuals and tracking their progress. You can find an inmate's information through the Dauphin County Jail's roster. It provides crucial details like booking number, first name, last name, date of birth, release date, and criminal charges.

Steps for Searching an Inmate

To locate an inmate in this detention facility, follow these steps:

Navigate to the Dauphin County Inmate Lookup website.
In the search box, enter the inmate's first and last name, or the booking number if available.
Click the 'Search' button.
The results will display a list of inmates matching the search parameters.

Remember, entering more accurate and specific information will lead to more precise search results.

Information Available on the Jail Roster

The prison roster provides comprehensive information about each inmate, including:

Booking Number: This unique identifier is assigned to each inmate upon intake into the jail. It is essential for locating specific inmate records and can expedite the search process.
First and Last Name: The inmate's legal first and last name. In case the booking number is not available, you can use the inmate's full name to conduct the search.
Date of Birth (DOB): The inmate's date of birth can help differentiate between inmates with similar names.
Release Date: This projected date indicates when the inmate is scheduled to be released from the correction facility. Please note that this date can change due to various factors, such as behavior or court decisions.
Criminal Charges: The list of charges against the inmate is available for public view. This information includes both the charges the inmate was booked under and any additional charges incurred during their incarceration.

Tips for Inmate Search

Ensure spelling accuracy: Spelling mistakes can yield inaccurate or no results. Double-check the inmate's name and booking number (if available).
Use complete names: Using the inmate's complete name will yield more accurate results, especially for common names.
Patience: The database is updated regularly, but there can be delays. If you do not find the inmate's information, try again later.
Legal Assistance: If the search proves difficult or the required information is not found, consider seeking legal counsel to assist in the process.

Visitation Guidelines and Hours

Maintaining communication between inmates and their loved ones is a crucial part of rehabilitation. However, due to security reasons, all visits to the Dauphin County Jail, PA, must adhere to specific guidelines and are limited to set hours.

Procedure for Arranging a Visit

Navigate to the Dauphin County Visitation Scheduling website.
Identify the inmate you wish to visit and check their visitation eligibility.
Schedule your visit based on the available slots. Remember, these slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Confirm your visit and take note of the date and time.

Rules and Regulations for Visits

Visitors must adhere to the following guidelines:

All visitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Appropriate attire is required.
All visitors are subject to search.
No contraband is allowed in the facility.

Failure to comply with these rules may result in termination of the visit or potential bans from future visits.

Visitation Hours

Visitation hours are typically divided into sessions throughout the day and may vary depending on the housing unit of the inmate. It is advisable to check the official Dauphin County Jail Visitation Hours for the most accurate schedule.

Inmate Communications

Communication with the outside world is vital for inmates. The Dauphin County Jail facilitates this through a monitored call system.

Inmate Call System and Associated Regulations

Inmates have access to telephones during specified hours, but they can only make collect calls or use a prepaid account established through the jail's phone service provider. All calls are subject to monitoring and recording, with the exception of legal counsel communications.

Here are some regulations associated with inmate phone use:

Inmates cannot receive incoming calls.
Use of the phone system is a privilege and can be revoked due to disciplinary issues.
Harassment or inappropriate use of the phone system may result in loss of phone privileges.
Calls are limited in duration to manage fair access for all inmates.

Jail Phone Number and Guidelines for Use

The main phone number for Dauphin County Jail, PA, is (717) 780-6800. This number can be used for general queries about an inmate but not for direct communication with inmates.

For setting up prepaid calling accounts, you can follow these steps:

Visit the jail's phone service provider's website.
Follow the prompts to set up an account. You will need the inmate's name and booking number.
Deposit funds into the account.

Remember, any attempt to circumvent the call monitoring system can result in disciplinary action against the inmate, including loss of phone privileges.

Inmate Mail

Sending mail to inmates is a straightforward process, but it must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure safety and security.

Process of Sending Mail to an Inmate

To send mail to an inmate in Dauphin County Jail, follow these steps:

Write your letter, ensuring it does not contain anything against the mail guidelines.
On the envelope, write the inmate's full name and booking number.
Address the envelope as follows:

Inmate's Full Name, Booking Number
Dauphin County Jail
501 Mall Road
Harrisburg, PA 17111
Mail the letter via the United States Postal Service (USPS).

Guidelines for Sending Mail to Inmates

Here are some regulations to follow when sending mail to inmates:

All mail, with the exception of legal mail, is opened and inspected for contraband.
Do not include any staples, paper clips, or anything that can be altered or used in a dangerous manner.
Do not send explicit or offensive material.
Mail should not contain any plans for illegal activities.
Polaroid photos, packages, or money in the form of cash, personal checks, or money orders are not allowed.

Sending Money to Inmates

Funds can be transferred to an inmate's account to be used for commissary purchases and phone calls.

Approved Methods for Sending Money

You can send money to an inmate in Dauphin County Jail, PA, via the following methods:

Online: Navigate to the jail's approved online money transfer service and follow the prompts to deposit funds into the inmate's account.
By Phone: Call the money transfer service's toll-free number and follow the instructions provided.
In Person: Deposit funds at the kiosk located in the jail lobby.

Regulations and Limitations for Sending Money

There may be a maximum limit on the amount of money you can send at one time or in total.
There may be transaction fees associated with money transfers.
The sender's name and address may need to match an approved visitors' list.
Money cannot be sent directly to the inmate via mail.

Always check the Dauphin County Jail's Guidelines for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding mail and money transfers.

Inmate Commissary

The commissary is a store within the correction facility where inmates can purchase products that are not issued by the jail, but are allowed within the facility.

The inmate commissary serves as an internal store where inmates can buy items such as toiletries, stationery, snacks, and approved recreational materials. This service provides a sense of normalcy and aids in the inmates' wellbeing while they are incarcerated.

How Inmates Can Use the Commissary

Inmates can use funds from their personal jail account, funded by money transfers from friends or family, to purchase items from the commissary. Orders are typically placed once a week and delivered to the inmate's housing unit.

Restrictions on the Commissary Use

There are several restrictions on the use of the commissary:

There may be a spending limit per week.
Not all items are available to all inmates, as certain privileges may be restricted due to security classification or disciplinary status.
Items purchased from the commissary are for personal use only and may not be traded or sold to other inmates.

Incarceration Records and Mugshots

Incarceration records and mugshots are crucial parts of an inmate's criminal record and are publicly accessible under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Process of Obtaining Incarceration Records

Incarceration records can be obtained by:

Submitting a request to the Dauphin County Prison Records Department.
Providing specific information about the inmate such as full name and date of birth or booking number.
Following the procedure laid out by the facility which may include a nominal fee for the processing of the request.

Please note that certain sensitive or protected information may be redacted from the released records.

Explanation of Mugshots and Their Availability

A mugshot is a photographic portrait taken after a person is arrested. The purpose of a mugshot is to allow law enforcement to have a photographic record of the arrested individual to allow for identification by victims and investigators.

In Dauphin County Jail, mugshots are part of an inmate's booking record, and like other incarceration records, they can be obtained by the public. The mugshot, along with other basic information, is also often included in the inmate search feature on the jail's website. As with all requests for public records, there may be a processing fee associated with obtaining a physical copy of a mugshot.

Security Level

The Dauphin County Jail, PA, is equipped with high-level security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates, staff, and visitors.

The security measures at the detention center include:

Physical barriers such as walls, fences, and secured entry points.
Electronic systems including surveillance cameras, motion detectors, and controlled access systems.
Continuous patrol and supervision by trained correctional officers.
Regular inmate counts and inspections.

Categories of Offenders Housed

The Dauphin County Jail houses a wide range of offenders, including:

Pretrial detainees awaiting court proceedings.
Inmates serving short-term sentences.
Inmates awaiting transfer to other correctional facilities.
Individuals held for probation or parole violations.

Role of Correctional Officers

Correctional officers play a vital role in maintaining the security of the jail. They supervise inmate activities, enforce rules, prevent disturbances, and ensure the overall safety of the facility. Officers are also involved in inmate check-ins, searches, and transportation. Their presence is crucial to maintaining order and discipline within the correction facility.

Location and Contact Details

For any queries or communications regarding Dauphin County Jail, PA, you can use the following official contact details:

Official Mailing Address

Dauphin County Prison
501 Mall Road
Harrisburg, PA 17111

Official Phone Number

(717) 780-6800

Official Website

Dauphin County Jail, PA

Frequently Asked Questions

Inmate Search and Arrests Lookup

1. How can I find an inmate in a specific jail or prison?

You can find an inmate in a specific jail or prison by using an inmate locator, many of which are available online. Most states and the Federal Bureau of Prisons provide online search tools:

Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
VINELink, a multi-state tool that provides information about inmates in many state and county facilities.

2. How can I access arrest records online?

Arrest records can often be accessed online through public records databases or local law enforcement websites. However, availability and access may vary by jurisdiction:

Check with the local police department or sheriff's office.
Use a public records search service, like Public Records Directory.

3. What details are needed for an accurate inmate search?

For an accurate inmate search, you typically need the following details:

The inmate's full legal name.
The inmate's date of birth or age.
The inmate's identification number (if known), such as Social Security number or Inmate ID number.

4. Are arrest records public in all states?

Arrest records are generally considered public information. However, the extent of information provided, its availability, and the process to obtain these records can vary greatly from state to state due to differing local and state laws.

5. Why can't I find a specific inmate using the search tool?

If you can't find a specific inmate using the search tool, it might be due to:

The inmate was recently incarcerated and their information hasn't been updated in the system yet.
The inmate is in a facility not included in the database you're using.
Incorrect or incomplete information entered into the search tool.
The inmate was released or transferred to another facility.

Jail Bookings

6. How can I find information about recent jail bookings?

Most counties and municipalities make recent jail booking information available through their Sheriff's Office or Police Department websites. For instance, the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department has an online search tool.

7. Is there a delay in updating information about new jail bookings online?

Yes, there can be a delay in updating information about new jail bookings online. The timing varies by jurisdiction and the specific processes of the correctional facility.

8. What details are usually included in a jail booking record?

A typical jail booking record may include:

Inmate's full name and any known aliases.
Inmate's birth date and age.
Booking date and release date, if applicable.
Charges against the inmate.
Bail or bond amount, if applicable.

9. Why might a recent booking not be listed online?

Reasons a recent booking might not be listed online include:

Delays in updating the system.
Privacy laws or regulations preventing certain information from being public.
The booking record was expunged or sealed.

Inmate Calls and Mail

10. Can I make a call to an inmate? If so, how?

In general, you cannot directly call an inmate. However, inmates can make outgoing calls, and arrangements can be made through phone service providers contracted by the correctional facility. Securus Technologies and Global Tel Link are examples of such providers.

11. How can I send mail to an inmate?

To send mail to an inmate, you typically need to:

Get the correct mailing address of the facility.
Write the inmate's full name and identification number on the envelope.
Adhere to the facility's rules for sending mail, which may restrict the type of items you can send.

For example, the Federal Bureau of Prisons has a guide on how to send mail to federal inmates.

12. What items are not allowed in mail sent to inmates?

Items commonly prohibited in mail sent to inmates include:

Weapons or items that could be used as weapons.
Drugs or alcohol.
Pornographic material.
Polaroid photos.
Cash or personal checks (though money orders may be allowed).

These restrictions vary by facility, so it's essential to check the specific rules of the facility you're mailing to.

13. Are inmate calls monitored or recorded?

Yes, generally, inmate calls are monitored and recorded, with the exception of legally privileged communications, like those between an inmate and their attorney.

14. How much does it cost to call an inmate?

The cost to call an inmate varies depending on the facility and the contracted phone service provider. Prices can range from a few cents to over a dollar per minute. Additional fees, like service charges or account setup fees, may also apply.

Visitation

15. How can I arrange to visit an inmate?

Visiting an inmate usually involves the following steps:

Check the facility's visitation policy.
Schedule a visit, either online, over the phone, or in-person.
Adhere to the facility's visitation rules, such as identification requirements, dress code, and behavior rules.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons has a comprehensive guide on visiting federal inmates.

16. What are the general rules and regulations for visiting inmates?

Common rules and regulations for visiting inmates include:

All visitors must provide a valid ID.
Visitors may be searched.
There may be limits on what items can be brought into the facility.
Certain behavior, like physical contact, may be restricted.

17. Can children visit inmates? If so, what are the conditions?

Yes, children can generally visit inmates, but conditions apply. They must be accompanied by an adult, and some facilities require proof of parentage or legal guardianship. The specific conditions vary by facility.

18. How frequently can an inmate be visited?

The frequency of visits can vary by facility and may be influenced by the inmate's behavior or custody level. Some facilities allow weekly visits, while others may allow visits only monthly.

19. Can visits be denied or canceled?

Yes, visits can be denied or cancelled for various reasons, such as the inmate's disciplinary status, security concerns, or failure to comply with visitation rules by the visitor.

Sending Money and Posting Bond

20. How can I send money to an inmate?

You can usually send money to an inmate through a postal money order, electronic transfer service, or through the facility's approved vendor. For example, the Federal Bureau of Prisons allows funds to be sent through MoneyGram, Western Union, and the U.S. Postal Service.

21. What are the accepted methods of sending money to inmates?

Common methods of sending money to inmates include:

Postal money orders
Electronic transfer services, like JPay, Western Union, or MoneyGram
The facility's approved vendor

Always check the facility's rules before sending funds.

Pennsylvania Inmate Search