Search Lancaster County, PA Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Lancaster County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Lancaster County, PA
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Lancaster County
- Visitation Rules at Lancaster County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Lancaster County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Lancaster County
- Lancaster Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Lancaster County?
- Lancaster County Facility Directory
- Lancaster Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, you have several options. Online, visit the Lancaster County Prison’s official Inmate Lookup tool at the Lancaster County government website (co.lancaster.pa.us) under the Prison section, where you can search for current inmates by name. For more comprehensive background information or records of past inmates, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections also offers an online inmate locator. Offline, you can visit the Lancaster County Prison in person at 625 East King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602, or call their administration at (717) 299-7800 for assistance. Additionally, the Lancaster County Clerk of Courts, located at the Lancaster County Courthouse (50 N. Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17602), can provide court and criminal records related to inmates. Always bring valid identification and be aware that certain records may require a formal records request or fee.
How to Find an Inmate in Lancaster County, PA
Inmate records for Lancaster County, PA are accessible online, but the right search tool depends on whether the individual is held locally, in a Pennsylvania state facility, or in federal custody. Use the resources below to locate inmates based on their incarceration status.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lancaster County Prison / Sheriff | Individuals currently held in Lancaster County Prison | Inmate Lookup Tool | Address: 625 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602. Phone: (717) 299-7800. Website provides local inmate lookup. |
| Pennsylvania DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates across Pennsylvania | Inmate Locator | Search by name or DOC number for state-prison inmates. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Custody status for county and some state inmates | VINE Search | Free public service for updates on custody status or release. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal inmates in the U.S. Bureau of Prisons system | BOP Inmate Locator | Pennsylvania has one federal prison (Allenwood). Federal offenders from Lancaster County may be held elsewhere. |
| In-Person Records Request | County jail inmate records and related information | 625 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602; In person during business hours | Bring photo ID to the Prison’s Records Department for assistance. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Lancaster County
After arrest in Lancaster County, individuals are transported to the county facility, fingerprinted, photographed, medically screened, and assigned housing. The booking process typically takes between 4–8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | DUI, Driving with suspended license | High | 12–48 hours (until arraignment or bail set) |
| Drug Offenses | Possession, Distribution, Paraphernalia | High | 12–72 hours (until arraignment or bail set) |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple assault, harassment, threats | Moderate | 24–72 hours (often pending arraignment or bail) |
| Property Crimes | Theft, burglary, vandalism | Moderate | 24+ hours (varies; until bail or hearing) |
| Failure to Appear | Missed court dates | Moderate | Until court appearance or bail is posted |
| Outstanding Warrants | Prior warrant-based arrests | High | Until warrant is addressed or transferred to authority |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Robbery, aggravated assault | Moderate | Until trial or transfer (sentenced felons moved to state facility) |
Visitation Rules at Lancaster County Jail
Before visiting Lancaster County Jail, please verify the most current visitation rules with the facility and ensure your name appears on the inmate’s approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 am – 11:00 am, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm | In-Person & Video | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 8:00 am – 11:00 am, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm | In-Person & Video | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 8:00 am – 11:00 am, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm | In-Person & Video | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 8:00 am – 11:00 am, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm | In-Person & Video | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | 8:00 am – 11:00 am, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm | In-Person & Video | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 8:00 am – 11:00 am, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm | In-Person & Video | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 8:00 am – 11:00 am, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm | In-Person & Video | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo identification required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest, non-revealing clothing; no gang colors, hats, or offensive graphics. |
| Prohibited Items | No bags, cell phones, cameras, or contraband allowed beyond check-in. |
| Visitor Approval Process | Visitors must be pre-approved by the jail and listed on the inmate’s visitor list. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and listed as visitors. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Allowed by appointment; separate from standard visitation hours. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Lancaster County Jail
Inmates at Lancaster County Jail can be reached by phone, through physical mail, or via digital messaging, with all forms of communication monitored by jail staff for security purposes.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
[Lancaster County Jail]
625 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates make outgoing calls using [Provider] phone services. | Create an account with [Provider] | Calls are monitored, time-limited, and may be recorded. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters to the inmate using the required address format. | No setup required | No contraband, photos, or inappropriate content allowed. |
| Digital Messaging | Send messages via [Provider]'s online platform or mobile app. | Register and fund an account with [Provider] | Messages are screened and may be delayed or rejected. |
| Video Calls | Schedule video visits through [Provider]'s online platform. | Register and schedule through [Provider] | May be recorded; dress codes and behavioral rules apply. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Lancaster County
The Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole oversees parole decisions and supervision for state-sentenced offenders, while a range of state and community-based programs in Lancaster County support successful reentry. Below are key resources for parole, sentence reduction, and post-release assistance.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Board of Parole | Reviews and makes decisions on parole eligibility and conditions for state inmates. | State-sentenced offenders | parole.pa.gov | (717) 772-4343 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Pennsylvania law allows for certain programs (e.g., Recidivism Risk Reduction Incentive - RRRI) that may reduce sentences; no general “good time.” | Eligible state inmates meeting criteria | RRRI info: DOC RRRI |
| Parole Supervision | Provides mandated parole monitoring, reporting, and support; local office in Lancaster. | State parolees residing in Lancaster County | Lancaster District Office: 150 N Queen St., Lancaster, PA 17603 | (717) 299-7784 |
| Reentry Housing | Assists with transitional housing and supports for returning citizens. | Returning citizens at risk of homelessness | Tabor Community Services: taphousing.org | (717) 397-5182 |
| Employment Assistance | Job placement services, resume help, and job readiness for formerly incarcerated individuals. | Returning citizens seeking employment | PA CareerLink Lancaster: www.jobgateway.pa.gov | (717) 509-5613 |
| Benefits Restoration | Helps individuals restore Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits after release. | Returning citizens regaining eligibility | COMPASS PA: www.compass.state.pa.us |
| VINE Victim Notification | Victim notification system for custody status and release of offenders. | Crime victims and concerned public | www.vinelink.com | PA VINE: 1-866-9PA-VINE |
Lancaster Incarceration Statistics
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, experiences overall crime rates in line with statewide averages, with property crime more prevalent than violent offenses. The county does not operate its own jail; instead, inmates are held at the Lancaster County Prison, which serves as the main detention facility for local offenders.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 727 | 270 | 11% | → Stable |
| — Assault | 590 | 219 | 9% | → Stable |
| — Robbery | 101 | 38 | 2% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Homicide | 4 | 1.5 | <1% | ↓ Decreasing |
| Property Crime (total) | 5,002 | 1,860 | 75% | → Stable |
| — Theft / Larceny | 3,700 | 1,375 | 55% | → Stable |
| — Burglary | 830 | 308 | 13% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 472 | 175 | 7% | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 638 | 237 | 10% | ↓ Decreasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 345 | 128 | 5% | ↓ Decreasing |
| Domestic Violence | 412 | 153 | 6% | ↑ Increasing |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 82% Male, 18% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18–24: 15%, 25–34: 32%, 35–44: 29%, 45+: 24% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | White: 47%, Black: 37%, Hispanic: 14%, Other: 2% | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug, Property, Violent Crimes | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 2.6 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 63% (3-year) | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Lancaster County?
As of the latest estimate, Lancaster County holds approximately 820 individuals in local custody. Offenders with sentences requiring longer terms may be transferred to a state facility, while others remain in county jurisdiction.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 460 | 56% | $85 | 92% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 210 | 26% | $82 | 88% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 80 | 10% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 15 | 2% | $90 | 30% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 55 | 6% | $210 | 58% |
| Total | 820 | 100% | — | — |
Lancaster County Facility Directory
Lancaster County operates 3 correctional facilities, including a county jail, a community jail, and a work release center. These serve a variety of inmate needs and security levels within the county.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancaster County Jail | County Jail | 3801 West O Street, Lincoln, NE | 750 | 600 | Medium/Maximum |
| Lancaster Community Corrections | Work Release | 605 South 10th Street, Lincoln, NE | 120 | 90 | Minimum |
| Lancaster Juvenile Detention Center | Youth Facility | 1200 Radcliff Street, Lincoln, NE | 60 | 35 | Secure Juvenile |
Lancaster County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search & Jail Information
- Visitation & Communication
- Bail & Release Information
- Prison Policies & Regulations
- Legal Aid & Rights
- Re-entry & Community Support
- Family & Support Services