Facility Overview
Listen, the Huntingdon County Prison in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, isn’t some massive state joint. It’s a small county lockup built back in 1978 for about $1.1 million. They designed it to hold up to 48 guys in 25 cells, split across two floors. You’ve got sentenced inmates doing time up to five years, plus folks waiting on trials or hearings. It’s not maximum security like SCI Huntingdon nearby—that’s a whole different beast for state prisoners. This place handles locals: DUIs, thefts, domestics, that sort of thing. Work release is a big deal here too; some inmates get out for jobs during the day.
We talk to families weekly who mix it up with the state prison down the road. Don’t do that. This county spot at 300 Church Street keeps things local and low-key, but it’s still a jail. Expect tight rules and no frills.
Location and Contact Information
It’s right in the heart of Huntingdon, at 300 Church Street, Huntingdon, PA 16652. Phone the main line at 814-643-2490 for inmate info or questions. No direct email listed on their site, but you can hit up the county page at huntingdoncounty.net/prison. Warden’s office is upstairs near the lobby.
| Department | Phone |
|---|---|
| Main Jail Line | 814-643-2490 |
| Work Release | Same number |
| Medical/Records | Call main line |
Pro tip: Call during business hours. Officers get swamped at shift change.
How to Access the Huntingdon County Jail Roster
Finding someone on the Huntingdon County Jail roster isn’t like those big-city systems with fancy apps. They don’t have a public online list right on the county site. But here’s what works. Head to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections inmate locator at inmatelocator.cor.pa.gov. Punch in the name, and it’ll show if they’re in county custody or state. For Huntingdon specifically, families tell us the best bet is calling the jail directly—814-643-2490—and asking for the roster check. Staff will give booking number, charges, and bond if it’s public.
Some third-party sites pop up claiming rosters, like huntingdoncountyjail.org, but verify with the jail. Policies shift, and we don’t want you chasing ghosts. Bring ID if you’re local; they might let you see the physical list at the lobby kiosk during visits.
One thing we always tell people: Note the booking date and next court date when you find ’em. Helps track bail or release.
Visiting Information
Visits happen Monday through Sunday, but call ahead—hours can flex with staffing. Typically, it’s 9 AM to 3 PM or so, with no contact in most cases. It’s non-contact booths, glass between you and them. Schedule? Some say walk-in during windows, but we’ve heard they prefer calls to set it up. Max 15-30 minutes per slot.
Dress code’s standard: No tank tops, shorts, or anything sheer. Covers tattoos if gang-related—officers check. Leave bags in the car or lockers; no food or gifts through the glass. Kids under 16 need birth certs.
- Approved visitors: Immediate family, approved lawyers.
- No visits: Under investigation or disciplinary.
- Video visits? Not standard here; check ConnectNetwork for options.
The room’s small, echoey, with hard plastic chairs. Smells like bleach. Be patient—lines form.
Inmate Communication
Phone calls are collect only through ConnectNetwork. Inmates call out; you set up an account at connectnetwork.com. Rates run 10-20 cents a minute. No incoming calls, period. Mail goes to the inmate’s full name and booking number at 300 Church Street. They scan it now—takes a day or two.
Emails? Via the same ConnectNetwork system. Video calls if available, but county jails like this lag behind. Letters: Plain envelopes, no glitter or Polaroids. Stamps only, no cash inside.
Families ask us, “Can I send books?” Yeah, softcovers from Amazon, shipped direct. No used stuff.
Sending Money to Inmates
Commissary keeps ’em going for hygiene, snacks. Drop cash at the lobby kiosk—cash, cards accepted. Or mail money orders to the inmate’s name. No personal checks. ConnectNetwork for online deposits; it’s quick, funds hit in an hour.
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Kiosk (Lobby) | Cash, Visa/MC; daily during visits |
| Online | ConnectNetwork; $3-5 fee |
| Money order to inmate, 300 Church St |
Start with $20-50; covers basics. Track balance online.
Daily Life at This Facility
Days start at 6 AM with count and breakfast—oatmeal, toast. Lockdown till 8, then rec in the yard if weather’s good. It’s a U-shaped pod upstairs for men, work release downstairs. Meals from a kitchen onsite: Sloppy joes, chili mac on good days. Showers three times a week, 10 minutes each.
Programs? NA meetings, GED classes if you’re in long-term. Work release guys leave 7 AM, back by 8 PM. Boredom’s the killer—bring books. Cells are basic: bunk, toilet, sink. No TV in cells, but common area has one.
Officers are locals; fair but firm. Fights happen over commissary beefs. COVID changed things—masks still pop up. Clean, though. Not the worst county jail we’ve seen.
History and Background
Opened 1978, replaced an older setup. Cost $1,113,000—cheap by today’s standards. Held young offenders early on, like a reformatory vibe. Now standard county mix. Nearby SCI Huntingdon confuses folks; that’s the state max built 1889, held killers like Gosnell briefly.
Burn bans and local news hit the site lately, but no big scandals. Steady operation, population turnover high.
How to Get There
From I-99, take Exit 145 to Rt 22 West, then Rt 26 South into Huntingdon. Church Street’s downtown—GPS it. Parking street-side or lot nearby. No public transit direct; cab from Altoona if needed.
Hotels: Comfort Inn Huntingdon, 5 minutes away. Econo Lodge too. Gas up in town; rural area.
And check PA inmate locator again before driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the current Huntingdon County Jail roster?
Call 814-643-2490 or use the PA DOC locator at inmatelocator.cor.pa.gov. No direct online roster, but staff give details. Always confirm with the jail as lists update hourly.
Can I visit an inmate at Huntingdon County Prison?
Yes, daily during set hours—call first. Non-contact, dress modest. Kids need docs. Slots fill quick on weekends.
How do I put money on an inmate’s books?
Use the lobby kiosk, ConnectNetwork online, or mail money orders. Funds available fast. Fees apply for cards.
What can I send in mail to inmates?
Letters, softcover books from retailers, photos. No cash, perfume, or staples. Address with booking number.
Does Huntingdon County Jail have video visitation?
Limited—check ConnectNetwork. Mostly in-person glass visits. Phones are collect via same system.