Lackawanna County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Lackawanna County?
Inmate records in Lackawanna County are official government documents maintained by the Lackawanna County Prison and Sheriff's Office that document the custody status and personal information of individuals who are incarcerated within the county correctional system. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that tracks individuals from their initial booking through their release from custody, pursuant to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 61 § 1154, which establishes requirements for inmate record-keeping.
Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways:
- Court records document judicial proceedings, charges, and case dispositions
- Inmate records document physical custody, housing assignments, and institutional behavior
- Court records are maintained by the Clerk of Judicial Records
- Inmate records are maintained by correctional facilities
The creation of inmate records begins at booking, when an individual is processed into the Lackawanna County Prison system. During this intake process, correctional staff collect and document:
- Biographical information
- Photographs (mugshots)
- Fingerprints
- Medical screening information
- Personal property inventory
- Security classification assessments
These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect housing assignments, disciplinary actions, program participation, and other significant events. Upon release, records are updated to document the date and circumstances of release, though the records remain on file according to the county's record retention schedule.
Are Inmate Records Public In Lackawanna County?
Yes, certain inmate records in Lackawanna County are considered public records under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (Act 3 of 2008), which governs access to public records throughout the Commonwealth. However, access is limited to specific information while other details remain confidential due to privacy and security concerns.
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 65 § 67.708, certain exemptions apply to inmate records that contain sensitive information. The following information is typically available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (names of individuals currently in custody)
- Basic booking information (name, age, gender)
- Charges filed
- Mugshots (in most circumstances)
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates for sentenced inmates
- Facility housing location (general information)
Information that is generally not publicly accessible includes:
- Social Security numbers
- Detailed medical information
- Mental health records
- Disciplinary records
- Precise cell locations
- Victim information
- Information that could compromise institutional security
Members of the public seeking inmate information may access basic details through the Lackawanna County Prison's online inmate lookup system or by contacting the facility directly.
What's Included Inmate Records in Lackawanna County
Inmate records in Lackawanna County contain comprehensive information organized into several categories:
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
- State identification number
- Booking number/inmate ID
Custody Information:
- Date and time of admission
- Arresting agency
- Booking officer
- Classification status
- Housing assignment
- Custody level
- Disciplinary records
- Program participation
Charge Information:
- Current charges
- Case numbers
- Warrant information
- Criminal history (prior bookings)
- Probation/parole status
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted/not posted)
- Bondsman information (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned
- Attorney information
- Upcoming court dates
- Court orders
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction details
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Good time/earned time credits
- Detainers or holds
Release Information:
- Release date
- Release type (bail, time served, transfer)
- Post-release supervision requirements
- Conditions of release
These records are maintained in compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Corrections standards and county record-keeping requirements.
Lackawanna County Prison System
The Lackawanna County Prison system operates under the authority of the Lackawanna County Commissioners and is managed by a Warden who oversees daily operations. The system primarily consists of the main Lackawanna County Prison facility, which houses both pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving terms of up to two years less one day, as prescribed by Pennsylvania law.
The county correctional system serves multiple functions within the broader criminal justice framework:
- Pre-trial detention for individuals awaiting court proceedings
- Incarceration for those serving sentences for misdemeanors and minor felonies
- Temporary housing for state inmates awaiting transfer
- Work release programs for qualifying inmates
- Treatment and rehabilitation services
It is important to distinguish between county and state correctional facilities in Pennsylvania:
- County facilities (like Lackawanna County Prison) house pre-trial detainees and those serving shorter sentences
- State facilities (operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections) house individuals convicted of more serious offenses serving longer sentences
The Lackawanna County Prison system operates under the oversight of:
Lackawanna County Prison
1371 North Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18509
(570) 963-6639
Lackawanna County Prison
Lackawanna County Commissioners
123 Wyoming Avenue, 6th Floor
Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 963-6800
Lackawanna County Government
Types of Correctional Facilities In Lackawanna County
Lackawanna County maintains several correctional facilities and programs to accommodate various security levels and inmate needs:
Lackawanna County Prison (Main Facility)
1371 North Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18509
(570) 963-6639
Lackawanna County Prison
This maximum/medium security facility serves as the primary detention center for the county, housing both male and female inmates across various security classifications. The facility includes:
- General population housing units
- Restricted housing units
- Medical housing
- Intake/processing area
- Visitation areas
- Program spaces
Lackawanna County Community Corrections Center
1371 North Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18509
(570) 963-6639
Lackawanna County Prison
Located adjacent to the main prison, this minimum-security facility houses:
- Work release participants
- Inmates nearing release
- Low-risk offenders
- Treatment program participants
Lackawanna County Electronic Monitoring Program
1371 North Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18509
(570) 963-6639
Lackawanna County Prison
This alternative-to-incarceration program allows qualifying offenders to serve their sentences while:
- Living at home
- Wearing electronic monitoring devices
- Following strict curfews
- Reporting regularly to probation officers
- Maintaining employment
Each facility operates with specific security protocols, staffing patterns, and programming options appropriate to the population served and security requirements.
Who's in Prison In Lackawanna County
The Lackawanna County Prison population consists of several distinct categories of individuals under correctional supervision:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
- Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
- Persons awaiting arraignment, preliminary hearings, or trial
- Individuals held on probation/parole violations pending hearings
Sentenced Inmates:
- Offenders serving sentences of up to two years less one day (23 months)
- Individuals convicted of misdemeanors and less serious felonies
- Offenders serving weekend or intermittent sentences
- Work release participants serving partial confinement
Temporary Holds:
- State inmates awaiting transfer to Pennsylvania Department of Corrections facilities
- Individuals held on behalf of other counties
- Federal detainees awaiting transfer (through intergovernmental agreements)
- Immigration detainees (through agreements with federal authorities)
Special Populations:
- Individuals in substance abuse treatment programs
- Mental health treatment participants
- Veterans in specialized programming
- Youthful offenders (18-25) in dedicated housing
According to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, the typical daily population at Lackawanna County Prison averages between 800-900 inmates, though this number fluctuates based on seasonal factors, court activity, and policy changes. The majority of inmates are male (approximately 85%), with females comprising the remaining 15% of the population.
The average length of stay varies significantly by category:
- Pre-trial detainees: 30-90 days (highly variable)
- Sentenced misdemeanants: 30-180 days
- Sentenced felons: 6-23 months
- Work release participants: 3-6 months
How To Search for Inmate Records In Lackawanna County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate information in Lackawanna County may utilize several methods to access these records. The county currently maintains multiple search options to accommodate different needs:
Online Inmate Lookup System:
- Visit the Lackawanna County Prison Inmate Lookup portal
- Enter the required search criteria (at least one is required):
- Inmate name (last name, first name)
- Inmate ID number (if known)
- Date of birth
- Review the search results, which typically include:
- Current custody status
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court date
- Note that the system updates information daily but may not reflect very recent bookings or releases
In-Person Record Requests:
- Visit the Lackawanna County Prison Records Office during public counter hours:
- Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
- Complete an inmate information request form
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Specify the information being requested
- Pay any applicable fees for copies of records
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to:
Lackawanna County Prison Records Department
1371 North Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18509 - Include in your request:
- Inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Your contact information
- Specific information requested
- Purpose of request
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Telephone Inquiries:
- Call the Lackawanna County Prison at (570) 963-6639
- Select the appropriate option for inmate information
- Provide the requested identifying information
- Note that basic information (confirmation of custody status) may be provided by phone, but detailed records typically require written requests
All record searches are conducted in accordance with the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law and applicable county policies.
How To Find an Inmate in Lackawanna County for Free?
Lackawanna County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently in custody within the county correctional system:
County Online Inmate Locator:
- Access the Lackawanna County Inmate Lookup Tool through the county website
- Enter the inmate's name (last name, first name)
- Review results, which include custody status, facility location, and basic case information
- This service is available 24/7 and updates information daily
Telephone Verification:
- Call the Lackawanna County Prison at (570) 963-6639
- Request inmate location verification from the operator
- Provide the full legal name of the person you're inquiring about
- Be prepared to explain your relationship to the inmate
- Available during business hours (8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday)
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal:
- Visit the PA UJS Portal
- Select "Participant Name Search"
- Enter the individual's name
- Review court dockets, which often indicate custody status
- This method provides case information but may not confirm current location
In-Person Inquiry:
- Visit the Lackawanna County Prison lobby during business hours:
Lackawanna County Prison
1371 North Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18509 - Speak with the reception officer
- Provide the name of the person you're inquiring about
- Present identification if requested
- Receive basic custody confirmation and visitation information
Victim Notification Service:
- Crime victims can register with PA SAVIN (Pennsylvania Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification)
- Create an account to receive automated updates
- Receive notifications about custody status changes, upcoming releases, and court dates
- This service is free, confidential, and available 24/7
When using these free services, please note that certain information may be limited due to privacy regulations and security concerns. More detailed information may require formal records requests through official channels.
How To Visit an Inmate In Lackawanna County
Visitation at Lackawanna County Prison is governed by strict protocols to ensure security and orderly operations. All visitors must comply with the following requirements:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list
- Inmates may have up to 8 approved visitors on their list
- Visitors must be 18 or older (minors must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor)
- Visitors must complete a visitor application form prior to their first visit
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors are subject to search upon entry
- Visitors with active warrants or criminal histories may be denied entry
Visit Schedule:
- General Population:
- Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Weekends/Holidays: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Special Housing Units: Restricted to specific days/times
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy): By appointment during business hours
- Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Vehicle information (make, model, license plate) for parking registration
- Locker key deposit ($5.00, returned upon departure)
- Medical necessities with prior approval (medications, mobility devices)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Drugs or alcohol
- Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, cameras, smartwatches)
- Food or beverages
- Tobacco products
- Excessive cash (over $50)
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Keys (beyond car/locker keys)
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire required
- No revealing clothing (shorts above knee, tank tops, low-cut tops)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language/images
- No uniforms resembling staff attire
- No hats or head coverings (except religious items)
- Shoes must be worn at all times
Visit Types:
- Contact visits: Available to eligible inmates in general population
- Non-contact visits: Through glass partitions with telephone communication
- Video visitation: Available for certain housing units
- Special visits: May be approved for exceptional circumstances
Visit Restrictions:
- Former inmates must wait 6 months after release before visiting
- Persons on probation/parole must obtain written permission from their supervising officer
- Visitors appearing to be under the influence will be denied entry
- Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
- Three visit rule violations may result in permanent visitation ban
All visitation policies are established pursuant to Pennsylvania Code Title 37 § 95.233 governing county prison operations.
How To Send Money to a Lackawanna County Inmate
Lackawanna County Prison offers several approved methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account:
Online Deposits:
- Visit the GTL/ConnectNetwork website
- Create an account or log in
- Select "Lackawanna County Prison" as the facility
- Enter the inmate's name and ID number
- Follow the prompts to complete the transaction using credit/debit card
- Funds are typically available within 24 hours
- Service fees apply (approximately 3-5% of deposit amount)
Mobile App Deposits:
- Download the ConnectNetwork mobile app from App Store or Google Play
- Create an account or log in
- Select "Lackawanna County Prison"
- Enter inmate information
- Complete transaction
- Service fees apply
Lobby Kiosk:
- Visit the Lackawanna County Prison lobby during business hours:
Lackawanna County Prison
1371 North Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18509 - Use the self-service kiosk
- Follow on-screen instructions
- Pay with cash or credit/debit card
- Receive printed receipt
- Funds are typically available within 1-2 hours
- Lower service fees than online deposits
Money Order by Mail:
- Purchase a money order (U.S. Postal Service recommended)
- Make payable to "Lackawanna County Prison" with inmate's name and ID in memo line
- Complete money order deposit slip (available on county website)
- Mail to:
Lackawanna County Prison Inmate Accounts
1371 North Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18509 - Do not send cash or personal checks
- Processing takes 3-5 business days
- No service fees
Amount Limits:
- Maximum single deposit: $300
- Maximum weekly deposits: $500
- Maximum account balance: $1,000
- Exceptions may be granted for legal settlements or release planning
Deposit Fees:
- Online/mobile deposits: 3-5% of deposit amount
- Lobby kiosk (cash): $2.00 flat fee
- Lobby kiosk (credit/debit): 3% of deposit amount
- Money orders: No fee
Prohibited Funds:
- Funds from other inmates or their families
- Funds from victims of the inmate's crime
- Funds from unidentified sources
- Funds suspected to be associated with illegal activity
Approved Expenditures: Inmates may use funds for:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing)
- Phone calls
- Tablet services (where available)
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Legal copies
- Restitution payments (if court-ordered)
Funds cannot be used for:
- Contraband purchases
- Payments to other inmates
- Staff gratuities
- Outside purchases beyond approved vendors
All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Policy DC-ADM 815.
How To Send Jail Mail In Lackawanna County
Correspondence with inmates at Lackawanna County Prison must follow specific guidelines to ensure delivery and maintain facility security:
General Mail:
- Address envelopes/packages exactly as follows:
Inmate's Full Name, Inmate ID Number Lackawanna County Prison 1371 North Washington Avenue Scranton, PA 18509 - Include your complete return address on the envelope
- Use white envelopes only (colored envelopes will be rejected)
- All mail is opened, inspected, and screened before delivery
- Mail is distributed Monday through Friday (excluding holidays)
- Delivery typically occurs within 24-48 hours after processing
Permitted Items:
- Letters (on white paper only)
- Greeting cards (simple cards only, no musical/electronic components)
- Photographs (maximum 4"x6", limit of 5 per envelope)
- Money orders (following proper procedure)
- Legal documents
- Religious materials (soft-cover only, from approved publishers)
Prohibited Items:
- Packages (without prior approval)
- Hardcover books
- Magazines or newspapers (must come directly from publisher)
- Stickers or adhesive labels
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Polaroid photos
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes
- Food items or clothing
- Perfumed paper or envelopes
- Any items with biohazards (lipstick, bodily fluids)
Legal Mail:
- Mark envelope clearly as "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
- Include attorney bar number on return address
- Legal mail is opened in the inmate's presence
- Contents are inspected for contraband but not read by staff
Books and Publications:
- Must be shipped directly from publisher or approved vendor
- Soft-cover books only
- Address package as shown above
- Maximum of 3 books per shipment
- Subject to content review and approval
E-Messages (where available):
- Create account on GTL/ConnectNetwork
- Purchase credits for messages
- Compose and send messages through the platform
- Messages are subject to review before delivery
- Inmates can respond through facility kiosks
- Service fees apply per message
All mail procedures comply with Pennsylvania Code Title 37 § 95.234 governing inmate mail in county correctional facilities. The prison reserves the right to reject any correspondence that violates these guidelines or presents security concerns.