Allegheny County Jail – Pittsburgh, PA

Allegheny County Jail is located in Allegheny County, PA and is the jail for the county. Know somebody incarcerated at Allegheny County Jail? This page gives you info about anything a person needs to know about Allegheny County Jail,like the following: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures and booking. Allegheny County court information. And much, much more.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a daunting and scary prospect, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. The purpose of this guide is to give you all the info that you need to make going to jail a little less stressful. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask it, and also any comments or tips that could be beneficial to other people in the same situation is much appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is in jail and need to locate them?

Do you know somebody who has been arrested and you don’t know how to find them?

To look up who is in jail at Allegheny County Jail you will need to visit their website and do an inmate lookup.

The Allegheny County Jail Inmate Roster has information on people who have been arrested and are in custody, including current status, bail amount, and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you can get info for anybody processed or discharged in the last 24 hours. Prisoners are listed alphabetically by their last name. You can locate their arrest information fast if you’ve got the arrestee’s name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If your friend or family member may be at another county jail you will want to check our Pennsylvania county jail guide: Pennsylvania County Jails Directory

A mugshot, also known as a intake picture, is a picture taken by the police when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is actually one full face and a side picture. Your full name and intake number will appear on the pictures, and they’re stored.

Mugshots are online, or you can see them at the Allegheny County Jail. When viewing online you have to enter the person’s first and last name, and the booking date, if you have it.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to get your mugshot taken off of the Allegheny County Jail website? This can be tricky, as your mugshot is a matter of public record. You have to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records would be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot removed, the different mugshot sites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

Return To Main Menu

Naturally, if you are locked up, your main thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, bail will be set by a special judge called a magistrate. If there is no bail set this may mean that you will either be released, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you do bail out you are required to agree to show up for court, and until then you are not permitted to leave town.

Usually, inmates can earn time off for good behavior if they follow the rules and area a good inmate while they’re in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to do work release. You will be required to return to the jail each day when you’re finished with work, or you may be permitted to move to a halfway house instead of jail.

Your bail is money that you will be required to pay to be released from jail pending trial. The amount of bail that is set is dictated by the crime you are charged with. You will need to put up ten percent of the total that was set in order for you to be released. If you don’t show up for your court appearance, whoever put up your bail money won’t get the bail money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail must call the jail or the county courthouse. If you’ve got the person’s info, like name, address and date of birth, they will let you know what their bail is set at. You can also check their bail amount and status on the Allegheny County Jail site.

Bailing out of jail is never fun, but thankfully, it’s easy if you have the money. First, you need to know if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If it is, you can’t use the services of a Bail Bondsman. Cash only – the jail will not accept a check. When you’ve paid bail, the prisoner will be released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If their bail has been set too high, of if you can’t pay it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen generally charge a fee of 10-15% of the bail amount, and in most cases have a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bondsman will use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond.

To find a bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman at Allegheny County Jail

Have you ever used the services of bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Speak Your Mind

• Get Time Off For Good Behavior
• Work Release
• Get Out For Time Served
• Pre-Trial Release Programs
• Get Out on House Arrest
• Be Released on Your Own Recognizance

Return To Main Menu

The intake procedure is made up of each of these steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• You have to answer some simple questions, such as your full name, home address, birthdate and contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be given an inmate ID.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• Any personal property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• You will then be allowed to make a telephone call so you can talk to a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might be able to keep wearing street clothes, otherwise you will be given a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If so, please tell our readers about your experience. How long did it take to get through intake? Were you treated fairly? Can you share any tips that might help other people make it through the procedure?

Click here to comment

Once you are able to post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. This process will take anywhere between 10 minutes to all day long. In other words the faster you can pay your bail, the faster you will get out of jail. It also can depend on whether or not you have a bond amount or if the judge must decide on the amount of bail to be set. For a minor charge, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served your sentence and are given a discharge date, plan to be discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

If the sheriff has a, or if you have to begin your jail sentence, you should follow the rules and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, report to the jail, in the reception area, and tell the intake officer that you think they might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will do a record check, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order states. Make sure that you are not late. Just bring necessary items when you go, such as a driver’s license or photo ID, prescription medication, and the official sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to list information about each visitor to the jail. Your visitor’s information will go into a log of visitors as an approved visitor. All visitors have to provide a photo ID when visiting. Visitors showing up late or that is not on the visitation list will not be able to attend visitation.
The Allegheny County Jail visitation procedures change often, so it would be wise to check the official jail site before you visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Jail phone calls are much more expensive than phone calls made at home. There are certain restrictions about when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates must keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the jail rules, an inmate’s ability to use the phone may be limited or cut altogether.

Phone Number: (412) 350-2000

All inmate mail has to be sent using the US Postal Service. You must not use any other type of mail delivery. You have to write the prisoner’s name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a package, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal inside. Any mail sent to inmates is opened and reviewed by the officers at the jail, and will get sent back if they decide it is inappropriate.

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Allegheny County Jail is:

Allegheny County Jail
950 Second Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Allegheny County Jail
950 Second Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

The Allegheny County Jail mail policy changes, so you should review the the Allegheny County Jail website before send a letter to someone in jail there.

Return To Main Menu

When you’ve been arrested, you have particular rights, one of these being the right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure to get a friend or relative to find an attorney when you talk to them. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘I don’t have to get a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a lawyer can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and show you the way through the criminal justice system. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better your chances.

For more info on this subject, visit: How to Find a Lawyer

If you cannot afford an attorney, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. Also, the Public Defender Office is staffed by independent investigators, experts in forensics and social case workers. Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys that are admitted to the Pennsylvania State Bar Association and are fully licensed to practice law.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? How did they do?

All court records are public records and are available upon request. They include a case file with a docket and all motions, documents, and evidence that have been filed. You have the ability to access your court case records using the online service, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is a member of the court who maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records and documents related to your case are held at Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the costs associated with your court case, such as filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you are low income and have a court appointed attorney, you can get a waiver for these fees.

The magistrate acts as the judge who presides over your court case. Magistrates are judges that do different functions, like determining how much your bail will be, issuing arrest warrants, and presiding over first court appearances and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is put together to include the defendant’s background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life, which the judge will review and take into account when determining the sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the person on trial, his or her family members, and in some cases the victim of the crime. Be sure to remember that you can ask to have a copy of your pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, and correct any mistakes that it contains.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, which include community service and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you may be taken into custody immediately, or you could get a date that you are supposed to turn yourself into jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

Return To Main Menu

Want to find out if someone is currently in jail, or has ever been in jail?

This is pretty easy to do, simply just access the Allegheny County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search using:

• Their name.
• Date of birth.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail or not, you can call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant, you are able to check the court records online or call the court. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask them. You should be clear that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the Allegheny County jail, by phone, go there in person, or check online. An arrest is in the public record and this is available to anyone.

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, like court orders. You can find these by going to the Allegheny County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders are listed and registered on either a national or state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to see this information on the website, but keep in mind that you can’t see the actual address, but only the address block that they live on.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. Court Records include a case file that includes a docket sheet and any filings and documents filed in your case. You are able to access court records on their website, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the county where the case was filed.

Every state keeps a record of their state citizen’s criminal past. These databases are all linked and you can track criminal histories from another state. Go to county courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and if the crime was in a totally different state, you might have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you will be able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any crimes, which can include:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

During a criminal records search, you will not see if they have had any moving violations, like:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for driving records, you will have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it easy? Was your search online or did you call the courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are lots of reasons that people look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your feedback may help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Allegheny County,The Sheriff’s Department has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of being incarcerated in Allegheny County Jail is no fun, eventually you will settle into the daily routine there. All inmates get an alarm for wake-up at 6am, and then you’ll have roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will have to work in the program that has been assigned to you. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Allegheny County Jail, your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

Dress Code

When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the Allegheny County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

The procedure to send money to inmates could change, so be sure to review the official website when send funds to someone in jail there.


Commissary

The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

Inmate Medications

If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

Meals

You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

Pods / The Yard

The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

Gangs

As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

Jobs

Types of Jobs at Allegheny County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Allegheny County Jail, overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

Apply for a Job at Allegheny County Jail

Requirements:

• You have to be over the age of 21.
• You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You have to be a US Citizen.
• You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You have to pass a drug test.
• You have to have a good level of fitness.
• You have to be in good health.
• You have to have a valid Driver’s License
• An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


Return To Main Menu

Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

Click here to comment


Return To Main Menu

Victim Resources

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• The right to protection from the accused.
• The right to notification.
• The right to attend proceedings.
• The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• The right to restitution.
• The right to a speedy trial.
• The right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

Click here to post a comment

Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


Return To Main Menu

Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been incarcerated in this jail? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner there?

If so, then we would like you to write a review about it. Tell us about your jail experience so other people will know what to expect.

Things you can write in your review:

• Conditions in Allegheny County Jail.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Commissary and food
• Having Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Prisoner activities and programs


Click here to write a review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. How’d you end up in jail? Were you fairly treated? What was your daily routine in jail? What about the other inmates? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Click here to post a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Want to send a message to somebody you met when you were locked up? Post a message to them below.

Send a message to someone at Allegheny County Jail


Return To Main Menu
2323