Dauphin County Jail – Harrisburg, PA

Dauphin County Jail is located in Dauphin County, PA and is the primary correctional facility for the county. Are you looking for somebody incarcerated at Dauphin County Jail? This page will tell you about everything related to Dauphin County Jail,like the following: How to do a jail inmate search. How to view Dauphin County Jail mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures and booking. Court information and records. And everything else.

The chance of going to jail is a scary idea, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also their friends and family. This guide is designed to give you information that you’ll need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have a question, feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and also any tips or comments that could help other people in the same situation would be much appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member that is incarcerated and want to find out where they are?

Do you know a friend or family member who has been arrested and you want to find out what jail they’re in?

To look up who is in jail at Dauphin County Jail you will have to visit their website and perform an inmate lookup.

The Dauphin County Jail Inmate Locator has information on people who have been arrested and are in custody, including custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and times you can visit. Also, you can get info on anyone arrested and booked or released within the past 24-hour period. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to find the information quicker if you have your friend or family member’s first and last name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the person you’re searching for is locked up at a different jail you can check our guide to other Pennsylvania jails: List of all jails in Pennsylvania

A mugshot, also known as a booking picture, is a photo that the police take when you get processed at jail intake. They take one and a side photo. Your full name and jail booking number will appear on the pictures, and they’re kept on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested are on the Dauphin County Jail website, or you can see them at the Dauphin County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you have to put in their name, and the arrest date, if you have one.

Need to know how to get your mugshot taken off of the Dauphin County Jail website? This will be difficult, because the mugshot is a public record. You have to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. This means that your arrest record would be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

Return To Main Menu

Once you’re incarcerated, your main thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail amount will be determined either by bail schedule or magistrate. If no bail is set this may mean that you will either be released, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out you must promise to show up for court, and until then you are not allowed to leave town.

Typically, inmates in the Dauphin County Jail will be given time off for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and conduct themselves properly while locked up.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be allowed to do work release. You will either have to go back to the jail each day when you’re finished at your job, or you could be permitted to move into a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the courts to get out of jail until your court date. The amount of bail that is set is determined by what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You will have to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total that was set in order to be released from jail. If you fail to show up for your court appearance, whoever put up your bail money will lose that bail money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you have to call the jail. If you have all the person’s information, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know the bail amount. You can also check their bail amount and status on the Dauphin County Jail website.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but fortunately, its really easy if you have the money. First, find out if they have a Cash Only Bond situation. If this is the case, you will not be able to use a Bail Bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail can’t accept a check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the inmate will get released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get the bail money back.

If bail is set too high, of if you can’t pay it, you might need to use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen usually have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and in most cases with a minimum charge of $100. This will not be returned to you and is typically cash only. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bondsman will request to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To contact a bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a Bail Bondsman in Dauphin County

Have you ever hired a bail bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to tell about all about it

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

Return To Main Menu

The jail intake procedure includes each of the following steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• First, have to answer a number of questions, such as what your legal name is, home address, birth date and an emergency contact.
• They’ll also ask about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will then be allowed to use the phone to talk to a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be allowed to wear your own clothes, if not you will be given a jail uniform.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, you should tell us what happened. How long did it take to get processed? Were you treated fairly? Can you tell us tips that could help other people get through jail processing?

Click here to tell your story

Once bail has been posted, you will be discharged from jail. The discharge process can take from 15 minutes to quite a few hours. So, the quicker bail is posted, the faster you will get discharged. Also, it might depend on whether or not you’ve got a cash bond or if the judge still needs to decide on how much your bail will be. For a minor offense, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have completed your jail sentence and know the date of your release, plan to be released that morning.

issued for your arrest, or if you must begin your sentence in jail, you really should do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail intake area, and let them know that think that there is a warrant for your arrest. They will do a record check, and if they find one, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order lists. Make sure that you don’t show up late. Be sure to only bring required items when you turn yourself in, for example your driver’s license or photo ID, prescription medication, and a copy of the sentencing order.

Inmates have to provide each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance of any visit. This information will be put into the log for the inmate that requested the visitor. All visitors is required to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Visitors that gets to visitation or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures are always changing, so you should visit the jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Jail phone calls are generally more expensive than regular phone calls. There are certain restrictions about how often you can use the phone, but bear in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the jail rules, your ability to use the phone may be limited or eliminated altogether.

Phone Number: (717) 780-6590

All mail has to be sent via the US Postal Service. You can’t use any other type of mail or package delivery. You must write the prisoner’s name, prisoner number, and the address of the jail on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not mail a package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. Any mail is opened and inspected by the jail officers, and will be returned to the sender if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Dauphin County Jail:

Dauphin County Jail
101 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Dauphin County Jail
101 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101

The mail policy at Dauphin County Jail can change, so it would be best to visit the official website before send a letter to someone in jail there.

Return To Main Menu

If you get arrested, you have certain rights, the first of which is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so you would be wise to ask a friend or family member to find a lawyer for you. You might be asking yourself ‘do I really need an attorney?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal attorney can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and help you navigate through the complicated legal system in your county. The sooner you get an attorney working on your case, the better off you’ll be.

For more information on how to find a lawyer, visit: How to Find a Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford a lawyer, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as investigators, forensics experts and social workers. Public Defenders are bona-fide attorneys that are members of the State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

Dauphin County court records are public records and are available upon request. They have a case file containing a docket and every documents and motions that have been filed in your case. You, and anyone else, can access court records with the online service, or by going to the Dauphin County Clerk of Court.

The Clerk of Court is a member of the court that maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for all court participants, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All court records related to your court case are held at the Dauphin County Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are all costs from your case, which include filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you cannot afford these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may get out of having to pay them.

The Dauphin County court magistrate is the type of judge that presides on your court case. Magistrates are judges that do a number of different things, such as setting bail amounts, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over initial court appearances and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed to include background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life, which the magistrate will take into account when deciding on the sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the defendant, his or her family, and in some cases the victim of the crime. Remember you are allowed to request to have a copy of your pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, and correct any mistakes that it contains.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service to probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the severity of the crime, you might get taken into custody, right there in court, or given a date that you are supposed to turn yourself into jail to serve out your sentence.

Return To Main Menu

Do you need to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated, or has gone to jail in the past?

To find this out you need to access the Dauphin County jail website, and do a search using:

• Name.
• Birth date.
• Their approximate booking date.
• or inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can call the jail to find out.

If you believe you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the court records on the Dauphin County court website or you can call the court. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask them. You should know that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or find out online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and the information is freely available.

A Civil Process is when you get served with papers, like a court order. You can find these civil process orders by getting in touch with the Dauphin County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All convicted sex offenders are required to be listed and registered on a sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You can access this information on the website, but you should know that you won’t find the street address, but rather the address block that they live on.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. These records include a case file containing a court docket and all of the documents and filings filed in your case. You can access court records on their website, or at Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of a person’s criminal history. These online databases are all connected so you can track criminal histories from another state. You are able to go to the Dauphin County Courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It helps to know the county, and in the event that the crime was in a different state, you may have to pay for a more intensive search.

A criminal records search you are able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any of the following crimes:

• DUI.
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

During a criminal records search, you won’t be able to see if someone has had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this kind of information, you will have to do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? How easy was it? Did you search online or did you call the Dauphin County courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your story could help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to share your story

Most Wanted

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

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that being incarcerated in Dauphin County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, you will soon get accustomed to the daily routine. All inmates get an alarm to wake up each morning at 6:00am, and next you’ll have roll call. Then you will get breakfast. After breakfast, you will be required 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 Dauphin 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 Dauphin 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 someone in jail is likely to change, so we suggest that you double check the site when you send money to an inmate.


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 Dauphin County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Dauphin 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 Dauphin County Jail

Requirements:

• You must be over the age of 21.
• You must possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You must be a US Citizen.
• You must pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You must pass a drug test.
• You must have a good level of fitness.
• You must be in good health.
• You must 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 tell your story


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:

• You have the right to protection from the accused.
• You have the right to notification.
• You have the right to attend proceedings.
• You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• You have the right to restitution.
• You have the right to a speedy trial.
• You have 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 leave 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 an inmate in this jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited a prisoner at Dauphin County Jail?

If so, then please write your review about it. Write down your jail experience so that others can find out what to expect.

What to include in your review:

• Conditions in Dauphin County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Staff and guards
• Food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• Inmates.
• Safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate programs and activities


Write a Review of Dauphin County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has at least one story to tell about it. Why were you locked up? Were you fairly treated? What was your daily routine in jail? What were the other inmates like? How has this experience impacted your life?

Click here to post a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Do you want to say wassup to someone from jail? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Say Hello to someone at Dauphin County Jail


Return To Main Menu
2343