Dauphin Public Records /Dauphin County Inmate Search

Dauphin County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Dauphin County?

Inmate records in Dauphin County are official government documents maintained by the Dauphin County Prison and other correctional facilities that document the custody, care, and control of individuals who have been arrested, detained, or incarcerated within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that tracks individuals from their initial booking through their release from custody.

Pursuant to Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law § 67.101, inmate records are distinct from court records, which are maintained by the judicial system and document legal proceedings. While court records focus on case proceedings, judgments, and legal determinations, inmate records specifically document an individual's physical custody status and institutional history.

The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process, where demographic information, photographs, fingerprints, and initial charge information are collected. These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect:

Housing assignments
Disciplinary actions
Medical information
Visitation logs
Program participation
Release planning

As defined under Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 61 § 1154, correctional institutions are required to maintain accurate records of all persons committed to their custody. The Dauphin County Prison system maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and county policies.

Are Inmate Records Public In Dauphin County?

Inmate records in Dauphin County are partially accessible to the public under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, which governs access to public records throughout the Commonwealth. According to 65 P.S. § 67.301, government records are presumed to be public unless specifically exempted by law, privileged, or protected by security concerns.

For inmate records specifically, certain information is readily available to the public, while other information is restricted due to privacy concerns and security considerations. The following information is typically accessible to the public:

Inmate's full name
Inmate identification number
Current location/facility
Booking date
Charges filed
Bail/bond amount
Expected release date (if determined)
Custody status

However, several categories of information are exempt from public disclosure under 65 P.S. § 67.708, including:

Medical, psychiatric, or psychological information
Personal identification information (Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers)
Information that would jeopardize institutional security
Records that would disclose the identity of confidential informants
Victim information

The Dauphin County Prison maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides basic custody information to the public while protecting sensitive information in accordance with state law.

What's Included Inmate Records in Dauphin County

Inmate records in Dauphin County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the correctional system. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
Booking photograph ("mugshot")
Fingerprints
Last known address

Custody Information:

Booking date and time
Arresting agency
Facility location and housing assignment
Custody classification level
Disciplinary records
Institutional movement history

Charge Information:

Current charges
Case numbers
Arresting agency
Warrant information
Criminal history (if relevant to current custody)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond/bail amount
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Bond conditions

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Judge assigned
Attorney information
Upcoming court dates
Court orders related to custody

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction details
Sentence length
Sentence start date
Projected release date
Parole eligibility date
Good time/earned time credits
Detainers or holds

Release Information:

Release date and time
Type of release (bail, completion of sentence, transfer)
Post-release supervision requirements
Conditions of release

These records are maintained in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Policy 1.1.4 regarding inmate records management and retention.

Dauphin County Prison System

The Dauphin County Prison system operates under the authority of the Dauphin County Board of Commissioners and is administered by the Dauphin County Prison Board. This correctional system primarily serves to detain individuals who are awaiting trial, serving sentences of less than two years, or awaiting transfer to state facilities.

Unlike state prisons, which house individuals convicted of more serious offenses with sentences exceeding two years, the Dauphin County Prison system focuses on short-term incarceration, pre-trial detention, and rehabilitation services for county-level offenses. This distinction is established under Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 42 § 9762, which determines where sentences are served based on length.

The Dauphin County Prison system emphasizes:

Pre-trial services
Work release programs
Substance abuse treatment
Mental health services
Educational opportunities
Community reintegration

For inquiries regarding the Dauphin County Prison system, members of the public may contact:

Dauphin County Prison
501 Mall Road
Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 780-6800
Dauphin County Prison

Types of Correctional Facilities In Dauphin County

Dauphin County maintains several correctional facilities designed to accommodate different security levels and inmate populations:

Dauphin County Prison (Main Facility)
501 Mall Road
Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 780-6800
Dauphin County Prison

This medium-security facility serves as the primary detention center for Dauphin County, housing both male and female inmates. The facility accommodates pre-trial detainees and sentenced individuals serving terms of less than two years. The main facility includes specialized housing units for various classification levels and needs.

Dauphin County Work Release Center
919 Gibson Boulevard
Harrisburg, PA 17113
(717) 780-6850

This minimum-security facility houses eligible inmates who maintain employment in the community while serving their sentences. Participants return to the facility when not at work, allowing them to maintain employment, support dependents, and prepare for reintegration into society.

Dauphin County Judicial Center Holding Facility
101 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 780-6600

This temporary holding facility located within the Dauphin County Courthouse temporarily houses inmates during court appearances. This is not a long-term housing facility but serves as a secure location for inmates attending court proceedings.

Dauphin County Central Booking Center
501 Mall Road
Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 780-6800

Located at the main prison facility, this processing center handles initial intake, fingerprinting, photographing, and preliminary arraignments for newly arrested individuals throughout Dauphin County.

Who's in Prison In Dauphin County

The Dauphin County Prison population consists of several distinct categories of individuals under correctional supervision:

Pre-trial Detainees: The largest segment of the Dauphin County Prison population consists of individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted. These individuals are either awaiting trial or have been unable to post bail. Under the presumption of innocence established in the U.S. Constitution, these individuals are legally considered innocent until proven guilty.

Sentenced Inmates: Individuals who have been convicted of crimes and sentenced to terms of incarceration of less than two years serve their sentences in the county facility rather than state prison. This includes:

Misdemeanor offenders
Non-violent felony offenders with short sentences
Probation violators serving revocation sentences

State Inmates Awaiting Transfer: Some individuals who have been sentenced to state prison terms may temporarily remain in county custody while awaiting transfer to a state correctional institution. This typically occurs during the classification process or due to space limitations in state facilities.

Weekend Confinement Inmates: Some offenders are sentenced to serve time only on weekends, allowing them to maintain employment and family responsibilities during the week while serving their sentence incrementally.

Work Release Participants: Eligible inmates may participate in work release programs that allow them to maintain employment in the community while returning to the facility during non-working hours.

Special Populations: The facility also houses specialized populations including:

Individuals with mental health needs
Substance abuse treatment participants
Veterans in specialized programming
Female inmates (housed in separate units)
Youthful offenders (under 18 but charged as adults)

According to the Dauphin County website, the average daily population fluctuates but typically ranges between 800-1,000 inmates.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Dauphin County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Dauphin County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains current systems that provide public access to basic inmate information while protecting confidential data.

Online Inmate Lookup:

Visit the Dauphin County website
Navigate to the "Government" section
Select "Support Services"
Click on "Prison"
Select "Inmate Lookup" from the available options
Enter the required search criteria (name, booking number, or date of birth)
Review the results, which typically include name, booking date, charges, and custody status

In-Person Records Request:

Visit the Dauphin County Prison Records Department during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
Complete a records request form, available at the facility
Provide proper identification
Specify the information being requested
Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction

Written Records Request:

Submit a written request under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law
Address the request to:

Dauphin County Prison Records Department
501 Mall Road
Harrisburg, PA 17111
Include specific information about the inmate (full name, date of birth)
Specify the records being requested
Provide contact information for response
Allow up to 5 business days for a response, as required by 65 P.S. § 67.901

Telephone Inquiry: For basic custody status information only, call the Dauphin County Prison at (717) 780-6800 during regular business hours. Staff can confirm if an individual is currently in custody but cannot provide detailed record information over the phone.

How To Find an Inmate in Dauphin County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Dauphin County can be accomplished through several no-cost methods provided by county and state agencies:

Dauphin County Online Inmate Locator: The most efficient method for locating an inmate in Dauphin County is through the county's online inmate lookup system:

Access the Dauphin County website
Navigate to the "Inmate Lookup" section
Enter the inmate's name (last name, first name)
Review the results, which include current custody status and facility location
No registration or fees are required to use this service

Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator: For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody:

Visit the Pennsylvania Inmate/Department Supervised Individual Locator
Enter the individual's name or Department of Corrections number
The system will display current location information for individuals in state custody
This service is provided free of charge to the public

Telephone Verification: For those without internet access, basic custody information can be obtained by calling:

Dauphin County Prison: (717) 780-6800
Request to speak with the records department or booking
Provide the full name and date of birth of the person you are trying to locate
Staff can confirm if the individual is currently in custody at a Dauphin County facility

In-Person Inquiry: Individuals may visit the Dauphin County Prison during regular business hours:

Go to the main entrance at 501 Mall Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111
Speak with the reception staff
Provide the name of the person you are trying to locate
Staff can verify if the individual is currently in custody

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Services: The state also provides a free inmate locator service that can help determine if an individual has been transferred to state custody.

How To Visit an Inmate In Dauphin County

Visitation at Dauphin County correctional facilities is governed by specific policies designed to maintain security while facilitating important family connections. All visitors must comply with these regulations to be permitted entry.

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
Inmates may update their visitation list once every 30 days
Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an approved adult visitor
All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visitors under 18 must present a birth certificate or school ID
Visitors must pass through security screening, including metal detectors
Visitors with outstanding warrants or who are on probation/parole must obtain prior approval

Visit Schedule:

General Population: Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Work Release: Wednesday and Thursday, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Special Housing Units: Schedule varies; contact the facility for specific times
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy): Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification
Vehicle keys (will be secured during visit)
Medications needed during visit (must be declared)
Up to $50 in cash for vending machines (in small bills)
Baby supplies if visiting with infant (limited to one diaper, one bottle)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons of any kind
Tools
Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, smartwatches)
Cameras or recording devices
Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
Food or beverages
Purses, backpacks, or large bags
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Controlled substances or alcohol

Dress Code:

Conservative attire required
No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts, mini skirts)
No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
No clothing with offensive language or images
No gang-related colors or symbols
No uniforms that resemble staff attire
Shoes must be worn at all times
No hats or head coverings (except religious items)

Visit Types:

Contact visits: Available for general population inmates
Non-contact visits: Through glass partition with telephone communication
Video visitation: Available for certain housing units

Visit Restrictions:

Former inmates must wait 6 months after release before visiting
Visitors who appear to be under the influence will be denied entry
Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
Visitors who attempt to introduce contraband may face criminal charges under 18 Pa.C.S. § 5123

For the most current visitation information, visitors should contact the Dauphin County Prison directly at (717) 780-6800.

How To Send Money to a Dauphin County Inmate

Dauphin County provides several secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow inmates to purchase approved items from the prison commissary, including hygiene products, snacks, clothing, and communication services.

Available Deposit Methods:

Online Deposits:
- Visit the Dauphin County Prison website
- Select "Commissary Information"
- Follow the link to the third-party payment processor
- Create an account or log in
- Enter the inmate's information and deposit amount
- Pay using credit/debit card or electronic check
- Service fees apply (typically 3-5% of deposit amount)
Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the Dauphin County Prison lobby during regular hours
- Use the self-service kiosk located in the lobby
- Follow on-screen instructions
- Insert cash or use credit/debit card
- Obtain receipt for your records
- Minimal service fees apply for card transactions
Money Order by Mail:
- Purchase a money order from a post office or authorized vendor
- Make payable to "Dauphin County Prison" with inmate's name and ID number
- Mail to:
  
  Dauphin County Prison
  Inmate Accounts
  501 Mall Road
  Harrisburg, PA 17111
- Include sender's full name and return address
- No personal checks or cash accepted
- No service fees for money orders

Deposit Limits:

Minimum deposit: $5.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
Maximum monthly deposit: $1,500.00

Processing Times:

Online deposits: Usually available within 24 hours
Kiosk deposits: Available immediately
Money orders: Processed within 3-5 business days

Prohibited Uses of Funds: Inmate funds cannot be used for:

Paying fines or court costs directly
Purchasing prohibited items
Transferring money to other inmates
Paying for services not approved by the facility

Approved Uses of Funds: Inmates may use commissary funds for:

Hygiene products and cosmetics
Snacks and food items
Clothing and footwear
Writing materials
Stamps and envelopes
Phone time and messaging services
Approved electronics (radios, headphones)

All deposits are subject to Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Policy DC-ADM 815 regarding inmate accounts and commissary operations.

How To Send Jail Mail In Dauphin County

Correspondence with inmates at Dauphin County correctional facilities is subject to specific guidelines designed to maintain security while facilitating communication with family, friends, and legal representatives.

General Mail Guidelines:

All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name
- Inmate ID number (if known)
- Facility name and address:
  
  Dauphin County Prison
  501 Mall Road
  Harrisburg, PA 17111
Sender's full name and complete return address must appear on the envelope
Mail without a return address will not be delivered
All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband
Mail is typically delivered to inmates within 24-48 hours after receipt and processing