Search Lehigh County, PA Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Lehigh County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Lehigh County, PA
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Lehigh County
- Visitation Rules at Lehigh County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Lehigh County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Lehigh County
- Lehigh Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Lehigh County?
- Lehigh County Facility Directory
- Lehigh Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, you can utilize both online and offline resources. Online, the Lehigh County Department of Corrections maintains a searchable inmate locator tool on their official website (https://www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/Corrections), where you can search for current inmates by name or other identifiers. If you can’t find the information you need online, you may contact the Lehigh County Jail directly by phone at (610) 782-3270 or visit in person at 38 North 4th Street, Allentown, PA 18102. Additionally, court records related to jail inmates may be available through the Lehigh County Clerk of Judicial Records, which you can visit at the Lehigh County Courthouse or access online at their official site. For more detailed or archived information, consider submitting a formal Right-to-Know request to the county under Pennsylvania’s open records law. Always check the specific requirements, as there may be identification or fee requirements for certain records.
How to Find an Inmate in Lehigh County, PA
Inmate records for Lehigh County, PA are accessible online, but the correct search tool depends on whether the individual is held in the county jail, a Pennsylvania state prison, or in federal custody. Use the following resources depending on the facility or jurisdiction:
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lehigh County Jail Inmate Search/Sheriff | Current inmates in the Lehigh County Jail | Online: Lehigh County Jail Inmate Lookup Phone: (610) 782-3270 | Facility: 38 N 4th St, Allentown, PA 18102. Search recent bookings, active inmates, or call for assistance. |
| Pennsylvania DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates | Online: PA DOC Inmate Locator | Provides information on inmates held in Pennsylvania state correctional institutions after sentencing. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Victim notification & custody status | Online: VINE PA | Register for updates on custody status or location changes for offenders in PA. Search by name or Offender ID. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal prisoners (post-conviction) | Online: BOP Inmate Locator | Pennsylvania currently has one federal prison: FCI Allenwood (White Deer, PA). Federal offenders may be held elsewhere pending sentencing/trial. |
| In-Person Records Request | All local inmate & arrest records | In-person: Lehigh County Department of Corrections, 38 N 4th St, Allentown, PA 18102 | Requests can also be submitted during public records hours; call (610) 782-3270 for details. Photo ID required for in-person requests. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Lehigh County
In Lehigh County, after an arrest, individuals are transported to the county booking facility where they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, a medical screening, and are assigned to housing. The entire booking process typically takes between 4–8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | Driving Under Influence, License Issues | High | 1–3 days or until bail is posted |
| Drug Offenses | Possession, Distribution | High | 1–7 days (pending bail or preliminary hearing) |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple assault, Aggravated assault | High | 1–5 days or until court appearance |
| Property Crimes | Theft, Burglary, Vandalism | Moderate | 2–7 days or until bail/court |
| Failure to Appear | Missed court dates | Moderate | 1–3 days or until new court date |
| Outstanding Warrants | Bench warrants, Probation violations | High | Typically held until warrant cleared or court appears |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Robbery, Weapon offenses | Moderate | Until trial or bail; sentenced offenders sent to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Lehigh County Jail
Before visiting an inmate at Lehigh County Jail, always verify the most current visitation rules with the facility and ensure you are on the inmate’s approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | No visitation | N/A | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 9:00 am – 11:00 am | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | No visitation | N/A | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 9:00 am – 11:00 am | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest attire; no revealing or offensive clothing. |
| Prohibited Items | No cell phones, cameras, weapons, or bags allowed. |
| Visitor Approval Process | Must be on inmate's approved visitors list before entry. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Permitted; must schedule in advance through proper channels. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Lehigh County Jail
Inmates at Lehigh County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, digital messaging, and video calls. All communications are subject to monitoring and should follow facility guidelines for security.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Lehigh County Jail
38 N 4th Street, Allentown, PA 18102
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates make outbound collect or prepaid calls via [Provider]. | Friends/family set up accounts with [Provider]. | Calls are recorded; no incoming calls allowed; time limits apply. |
| Physical Mail | Letters/photos sent through USPS are delivered to inmates. | Address mail using format above. | No prohibited items; mail inspected; limit on photos and pages. |
| Digital Messaging | Send and receive electronic messages via [Provider]. | Register with [Provider]'s website or app. | Messages are monitored; fees apply; attachments may be restricted. |
| Video Calls | Remote video visits scheduled through [Provider]. | Create account and schedule online. | Visits are monitored; must follow dress/code of conduct; scheduled times only. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Lehigh County
The Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole (PBPP) oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, while a variety of state and community-based programs in Lehigh County provide critical support for successful reentry and reintegration.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole (PBPP) | Oversees parole hearings, release, and supervision for state-sentenced inmates. | State-sentenced offenders | pbpp.pa.gov Phone: 717-787-5699 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Pennsylvania does not offer automatic "good time" credits but inmates may earn reductions through program participation and by petitioning for parole eligibility. | State inmates striving for early release | Contact institutional counselor or case manager for guidance |
| Parole Supervision (Lehigh County) | Local parole office monitors compliance and assists transition after release on parole. | Parolees in Lehigh County | PA Parole Board – Allentown District Office 555 Union Blvd, Allentown, PA 18109 Phone: 610-821-6774 |
| Reentry Housing | Offers transitional housing and support for formerly incarcerated individuals. | Recently released individuals in Lehigh County | Lehigh County Reentry Coalition lehighcounty.org Phone: 610-782-3064 |
| Employment Assistance | Programs provide job readiness, placement, and vocational training for reentrants. | Returning citizens seeking employment | PA CareerLink Lehigh Valley careerlinklehighvalley.org Phone: 610-437-5627 |
| Benefits Restoration | Guidance and assistance restoring Medicaid, SNAP, and other benefits post-incarceration. | Former inmates reapplying for benefits | PA Department of Human Services COMPASS County Assistance Office: 555 Union Blvd, Allentown, PA 18109 Phone: 610-821-6509 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated service to notify crime victims of inmate release/parole status. | Victims and concerned citizens | vinelink.com Phone: 1-866-9PA-VINE (1-866-972-8463) |
Lehigh Incarceration Statistics
Lehigh County experiences crime and incarceration rates similar to other urbanized regions of Pennsylvania, with fluctuations in certain offense categories in recent years. Lehigh County operates its own Lehigh County Jail located in Allentown, housing pretrial detainees and sentenced offenders.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 1,065 | 303.8 | 13% | → Stable |
| — Assault | 735 | 209.6 | 9% | → Stable |
| — Robbery | 251 | 71.7 | 3% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Homicide | 14 | 4.0 | <1% | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 6,980 | 1,991.4 | 83% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 5,195 | 1,480.1 | 62% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 1,192 | 339.6 | 14% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 593 | 169.6 | 7% | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 225 | 64.2 | 3% | → Stable |
| DUI / Traffic | 179 | 51.1 | 2% | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | 138 (statewide) | 39.4 (statewide) | 2% | ↑ Increasing |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | Male: 85%, Female: 15% | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18–24: 16%, 25–34: 31%, 35–44: 28%, 45+: 25% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | White: 49%, Black: 32%, Hispanic: 16%, Other: 3% | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug, Property, Violent, DUI | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 28 months | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 61% (within 3 years) | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Lehigh County?
Lehigh County currently holds an estimated 1,050 inmates in local custody, with sentenced offenders requiring longer incarceration often transferred to a state facility. The table below outlines the inmate population by facility type.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 620 | 59% | $95 | 85% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 270 | 26% | $95 | 82% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 120 | 11% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 25 | 2% | $98 | 60% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 15 | 1% | $300 | 45% |
| Total | 1,050 | 100% | — | — |
Lehigh County Facility Directory
Lehigh County operates four correctional facilities, including the county jail, a community corrections center (work release), a youth detention facility, and a specialized center for DUI offenders.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lehigh County Jail | County Jail | 38 N 4th St, Allentown, PA | 1,200 | ~850 | Medium |
| Lehigh County Community Corrections Center | Work Release Center | 1600 Riverside Dr, Allentown, PA | 320 | ~170 | Minimum |
| Lehigh County Juvenile Detention Center | Youth Facility | 1600 Riverside Dr, Allentown, PA | 36 | ~20 | Secure Youth |
| Lehigh County DUI/Drug Offender Center | Specialty | 1600 Riverside Dr, Allentown, PA | 45 | ~30 | Minimum |
Lehigh County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Legal Aid
- Family and Community Support
- Re-entry Programs
- Legal Rights and Advocacy