Elk County Prison – Ridgway, PA

Elk County Prison is located in Elk County and is the main jail for the region. Are you looking for somebody in Elk County Prison? This page gives you all about anything you might need to know about Elk County Prison,like: How to do a jail inmate search. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and how to get out of jail. Booking and intake procedures. Court information and records. And much, much more.

The thought of going to jail is a scary situation, not only for whoever is incarcerated, but also their family and friends. This guide is designed to offer information that you need to make the process a lot easier. If you have a question, feel free to ask it, and any tips or comments that might help other people in the same situation will be much appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that has gone to jail and want to locate them?

Has somebody who has been arrested and you don’t know how to locate them?

In order to look up who is in jail at Elk County Prison you need to go to their link and do an inmate lookup.

The Elk County Prison Inmate Search is a list of persons who have been arrested, which includes status, how much their bail is, and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you can find the same information about anyone who has been arrested or discharged in the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by last name. You’ll be able to locate their inmate information faster if you have the arrestee’s full name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you are looking for may be at a different jail you will want to check our guide to other Pennsylvania jails: Pennsylvania County Jails Listing

A mugshot, also called a intake picture, is the picture that the police take when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is actually one face photo and one profile photo. Your full name and jail booking number will appear on the pictures, and they’re on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Elk County Prison prisoners can be viewed online, or you can go in person to the Elk County Prison. When viewing online you will need to input the full name, and the arrest date, if you have it.

Are you trying to get your mugshot erased from the Elk County Prison website? This is difficult, as the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you must file a Petition to Expunge with the court. What this means is that the record of your arrest would be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For more information about getting your mugshot removed, the various websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: Mugshot Removal

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Of course, once you are incarcerated, your only thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve been booked, bail will be set either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If there is no bail set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you are required to promise to show up for court, and in the meantime you won’t be allowed to leave town.

Typically, inmates are given time off in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and area a good inmate while incarcerated.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to do work release. You will have to return to the jail each day when you’re finished with work, or you may get to live in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to the courts to get out of jail until you go to court. The amount you will be required to pay all depends on how serious your crime is. Someone you know will need to pay 10 percent of the total that was determined in order for you to bail out of jail. If you miss your court date, whoever put up your bail money will lose that bail money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you have to call the Elk County Prison or the County Courthouse. If you have all the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they will tell you how much their bail is. You can also check their bail amount and status on the Elk County Prison website.

Bailing out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but usually, it’s easy. First of all, you need to know if it is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you can’t use a bail bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they will not take checks. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the prisoner will be released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get the bail money back.

If bail is set too high, or you just don’t have the money, you might need to use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and in most cases charge a minimum fee of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bail bondsman will usually require that they use your assets as collateral.

If you need a bail bondsman click here: Bail bondsman

Have you ever had to use a bail bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how things turned out.

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

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The intake process takes you through each of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• Firstly, you have to answer some simple questions, such as what is your full name, address, birth date and a contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and will be stored until you are released.
• You will get to make a telephone call in order to contact a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be allowed to keep wearing street clothes, if not you will be issued a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If so, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did it take? How did the guards treat you? Can you share any things that might help other people to get through jail processing?

Click here to share your story

Once you are able to post bail, you will be discharged from jail. This process takes from 10 minutes to all day long. In other words the quicker bail is posted, the sooner you will get discharged from jail. Also, it might depend on if you have a bond amount or if the judge still needs to decide on how much your bail will be. For minor offenses, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and know the release date, plan to be released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

If the sheriff has a, or if you must begin your sentence in jail, it is highly recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. If it is for a warrant, go down to the jail, in the reception area, and let them know that you think there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order states. Ensure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Just bring necessary items when you go, for example your driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and a sentencing order from court.

Inmates must provide the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s names will be put in a Visiting log as an approved visitor. All visitors will be required to provide proof of identification. Visitors showing up late or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
The Elk County Prison visitation procedures are always changing, so double-check the jail site before you go to the jail to visit.

All phone calls from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . These phone calls are usually more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the rules, your ability to use the phone might get reduced or eliminated altogether.

Phone Number: (814) 776-5342

Any mail that you send to an inmate is required to be mailed using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You shouldn’t use any other method of mail or package delivery. You have to print the person’s name, inmate number, and jail address on the letter. Don’t send anything in a package, padded envelope, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail sent to inmates gets opened and read and examined by the jail administration, and the mail will get returned if they decide it is inappropriate.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Elk County Prison, use this address:

Elk County Prison
250 Main Street
Ridgway, PA 15853

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Elk County Prison
250 Main Street
Ridgway, PA 15853

The Elk County Prison inmate mail policy changes, so you should double check the official website before you send a letter to an inmate.

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If you have been arrested, you should know you still have rights, and an important one is that you have the right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure to have a friend or relative locate an attorney when you call them. You may be asking yourself ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal defense lawyer will advise you about your rights, look after your best interests and help you navigate through the complicated legal system. The quicker you get an attorney working on your charges, the better your chances.

For more info on how to find an attorney, go to: How to Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford an attorney, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. Also, the Public Defender Office is staffed by investigators, forensics experts and case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys, members of the Pennsylvania State Bar and are licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know had to use a court appointed attorney? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

Court records are public records and are available upon request. Court records have a file with a docket sheet and each of the documents that have been filed in your case. You can access the records and documents in your court case with the Elk County website, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court.

The Elk County Clerk of Court is a member of the court who maintains court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All court records associated with your court case are available at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court fees are the charges and fees associated with your case, such as for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you are low income and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees.

The magistrate is the judge that rules over your court case. Magistrates do different tasks, like deciding a bail amount, issuing warrants for arrest, and overseeing preliminary court proceedings and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is put together to include information about the defendant’s background and as much detail about the defendant’s life and public history, which the judge will consider when determining the sentence. Information and personal details will be requested from the person on trial, their family, and, if applicable, the victim. Keep in mind you are able to ask to see a copy of this report before sentencing, and go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are a number of different options, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to 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 locked up immediately, or you could be given a date to turn yourself into jail to serve out your sentence.

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Do you need to find out if somebody you know is locked up, or has ever been in jail?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you will have to visit the Elk County jail website, and do a search using:

• Name.
• Birthdate.
• Approximate booking date.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can call the jail get confirmation.

If you think you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants on the website or you can call the court directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and inquire at the information desk. You should know that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, on the phone, in person, or find out online. An arrest is public record and the information is available to anyone.

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, which can be warrants. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All people registered as sex offenders are required to be registered and listed on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to view this information online, but keep in mind that you will not be able to see the street address, but rather the neighborhood block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. These records include a court case file that includes a docket and all filings and documents filed in the case. You are able to access your court records online, or at the Elk County Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of people’s criminal history. These state databases are all linked and you can track criminal histories from other states. You can go to the Elk County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that it was in a completely different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

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

• DUI.
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft.

During a criminal records search, you generally won’t be able to find out if someone has had:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Traffic accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find driving histories, you have to do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? How easy was it? Did you search online or did you make a phone call to the jail? Was the information you received correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your comments might help other people.

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Most Wanted

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

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of being incarcerated in the Elk County jail is something you wish you could avoid, soon you will become accustomed to the daily routine there. Inmates get an alarm to wake up every morning at 6:00am, and then roll call. Next, you will eat breakfast. When you finish breakfast participate 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 Elk County Prison, 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 Elk County Prison 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 at Elk County Prison might change, so double check the official Elk County Prison site 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.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Elk County Prison

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Elk County Prison, 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 Elk County Prison

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.


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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 about all about it


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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 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.


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been an inmate at Elk County Prison? Do you have a friend or family member that spent time there? Have you ever visited someone at this jail?

If so, then you should tell us about it. Write about your jail experience because other people can find out what to expect.

Things you could include in your review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation
• Other Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gang activity
• Prisoner programs and activities


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has a story about it. Why’d you get arrested? Were you fairly treated? What was it like in jail? What about the other inmates? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Tell your story about when you did time at Elk County Prison

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Do you need to talk to a person you met in jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Send a message to someone at Elk County Prison


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