Search Mercer County, PA Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Mercer County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Mercer County, PA
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Mercer County
- Visitation Rules at Mercer County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Mercer County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Mercer County
- Mercer Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Mercer County?
- Mercer County Facility Directory
- Mercer Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, you can utilize both online and offline resources. Online, start by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections’ Inmate Locator (https://inmatelocator.cor.pa.gov/), which provides statewide searches for incarcerated individuals. For county-specific records, the Mercer County Jail maintains an online roster on their official website (https://www.mercercountypa.gov/), where you can search for current inmates. For more detailed records or historical information, contact the Mercer County Jail directly at 55 Thompson Road, Mercer, PA 16137, or call (724) 662-2700. Additionally, the Mercer County Clerk of Courts (Mercer County Courthouse, 101 North Diamond Street, Mercer, PA 16137; phone: (724) 662-3800) can provide case information and court documents related to inmates. Be prepared to provide the inmate’s full name and, if possible, their date of birth for accurate results. In-person visits to these offices during business hours can often yield more comprehensive assistance.
How to Find an Inmate in Mercer County, PA
Inmate records for Mercer County, PA are accessible online, but the appropriate tool depends on whether the individual is held in the county jail, a Pennsylvania state prison, or in federal custody. Use the following resources to locate the correct facility and obtain inmate information:
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercer County Jail / Sheriff | County jail inmate roster | Call (724) 662-2700 or visit 205 S Erie St, Mercer, PA 16137 | Contact Mercer County Jail for information; no official public roster online—phone or in-person inquiry required. |
| Pennsylvania DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates | online search | Search by name or DOC number for individuals held in any Pennsylvania state correctional institution. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Victim notification and custody status (county and state) | online access | Free, confidential search for inmate status and location. Register for custody status alerts. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal prisoners | online search | No federal prisons in Pennsylvania’s western region (Mercer County). Federal inmates from Mercer are typically held at FCI Elkton (Ohio) or other regional BOP facilities. |
| In-Person Records Request | Local jail booking and custody | Visit 205 S Erie St, Mercer, PA 16137 | Requests for jail records or inmate verification can be made in person at Mercer County Jail during business hours. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Mercer County
After an arrest in Mercer County, individuals are transported to the jail, fingerprinted, photographed, medically screened, and assigned housing. The booking process usually takes about 4–8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | DUI, Driving with Suspended License | High | 8–48 hours, longer if unable to make bail |
| Drug Offenses | Possession, Distribution, Paraphernalia | High | 1–7 days, pretrial or until bond is posted |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple Assault, Domestic Battery | Moderate | 1–7 days, pretrial or until bond is posted |
| Property Crimes | Theft, Burglary, Criminal Mischief | Moderate | 2–14 days, pretrial or until bond is posted |
| Failure to Appear | Missed Court Dates | Moderate | Until court appearance or bond is posted |
| Outstanding Warrants | Bench Warrant, Probation Violation | Moderate | Until warrant cleared, bond posted, or transferred |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Major Drug Charges | Moderate | Held until trial or bail is posted; sentenced felons transferred to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Mercer County Jail
Before planning your visit, always verify the current visitation rules with Mercer County Jail and ensure you are listed on the approved visitor list for the inmate you wish to see.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | No Visits | N/A | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | No Visits | N/A | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | No Visits | 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 over age 16. |
| Dress Code | No revealing or provocative clothing; no gang-related or offensive attire permitted. |
| Prohibited Items | No cell phones, cameras, bags, or contraband allowed in visitation area. |
| Visitor Approval Process | All visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list and may need to submit to screening. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and supervised at all times. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | These visits must be scheduled in advance; special rules and hours may apply. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Mercer County Jail
Inmates at Mercer County Jail can be reached by phone calls, physical mail, and digital messaging; all communications are subject to monitoring and recording for safety and security. Below are the ways you can contact an inmate and important rules you need to know.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Mercer County Jail
205 S Erie St, Mercer, PA 16137
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates can make outbound calls using [Provider] phone services. | Create/Deposit funds to an account with [Provider]. | Calls are monitored; no incoming calls allowed; may have time or frequency limits. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters and approved items to the inmate’s mailing address. | Mail must be properly addressed as shown above. | No contraband; avoid staples, stickers, or prohibited items; all mail is inspected. |
| Digital Messaging | Send and receive messages through [Provider]'s messaging platform. | Register and set up an account with [Provider]. | Messages are screened; attachments may be restricted; costs may apply. |
| Video Calls | Schedule video visits using [Provider]'s video communication system. | Account creation with [Provider] required; schedule in advance. | Calls may be monitored; dress code and behavior rules apply; limited availability. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Mercer County
The Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole (PBPP) oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, with parole supervision and reentry support available through both state-run and local community programs. Mercer County residents returning from incarceration can access a variety of services to support successful reentry.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Board of Parole | Makes parole decisions and manages state parole supervision. | State-sentenced offenders | www.parole.pa.gov Main: (717) 772-4343 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Programs such as Recidivism Risk Reduction Incentive (RRRI) provide possible sentence reductions for eligible inmates. | Eligible state inmates | RRRI Info |
| Parole Supervision (Mercer County) | Local office supervises parolees and provides support during reentry. | State parolees residing in Mercer County | PA Parole Board – Mercer District Office 3010 East State St, Hermitage, PA (724) 346-4533 |
| Reentry Housing | Assists returning citizens in securing transitional and stable housing. | Recently released individuals | Mercer County Housing Authority (724) 342-4000 Reentry programs: PA Dept. of Corrections Reentry |
| Employment Assistance | Job readiness, training, and placement for returning citizens. | Formerly incarcerated individuals | PA CareerLink Mercer County 217 W State St, Sharon, PA (724) 656-3165 www.pacareerlink.pa.gov |
| Benefits Restoration | Assistance regaining access to Medicaid, SNAP, and other benefits after release. | Individuals reentering the community | PA Department of Human Services Mercer County Assistance Office (724) 983-5000 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated service for victims to receive custody status updates of offenders. | Crime victims and their families | www.vinelink.com PA VINE: (866) 972-7284 |
Mercer Incarceration Statistics
Mercer County, Pennsylvania exhibits crime and incarceration rates similar to statewide averages, with property crime being the most prevalent concern. The county does not have its own dedicated jail; inmates are primarily housed at the Mercer County Jail and, if required, regional correctional facilities.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 150 (statewide) | 284 (statewide) | 12% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Assault | 100 (statewide) | 189 (statewide) | 8% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Robbery | 32 (statewide) | 61 (statewide) | 2.5% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Homicide | 2 (statewide) | 3 (statewide) | <0.5% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 855 (statewide) | 1,652 (statewide) | 70% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 690 (statewide) | 1,332 (statewide) | 56% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 100 (statewide) | 193 (statewide) | 8% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 65 (statewide) | 127 (statewide) | 5% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 120 (statewide) | 232 (statewide) | 10% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 70 (statewide) | 135 (statewide) | 6% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | 55 (statewide) | 106 (statewide) | 4% (statewide) | → Stable |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 76% Male, 24% Female (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18-24: 14%; 25-34: 30%; 35-44: 29%; 45+: 27% (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | White: 63%; Black: 32%; Hispanic: 4%; Other: 1% (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug, Property, Assault (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 24–36 months (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 45% (statewide, 3-year rate) | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Mercer County?
Mercer County currently holds an estimated 210 individuals in local custody; offenders with longer sentences may be transferred to a state facility. The following table breaks down the inmate population by facility type.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 110 | 52% | $86 | 75% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 40 | 19% | $82 | 70% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 35 | 17% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 10 | 5% | $90 | 60% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 15 | 7% | $220 | 50% |
| Total | 210 | 100% | — | — |
Mercer County Facility Directory
Mercer County has two correctional facilities, including a county jail and a youth facility, serving local detention and rehabilitation needs.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercer County Jail | County Jail | 1501 W Main St, Princeton, WV | 220 | 180 | Medium |
| Sam Perdue Juvenile Center | Youth Facility | 843 Shelter Rd, Princeton, WV | 30 | 18 | Secure Juvenile |
Mercer County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Re-entry Programs
- Legal Aid & Rights
- Family & Community Support