Facility Overview
The Lancaster County Correctional Facility in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, handles county-level detentions. It’s a medium-security jail that mostly keeps people awaiting trial, those with short sentences under a year, or folks held on probation violations. Capacity sits around 1,200 beds, but it often runs near full—sometimes over with temporary measures like gym mats. We see all types here: first-timers nervous about their court date, repeaters knowing the drill, and some federal holds waiting transfer.
Don’t expect country club conditions. Cells are basic—bunks, toilet-sink combo, steel door. Pods have dayrooms with TVs tuned to news or sports, but programming depends on staffing. Right now, they’ve got GED classes, NA meetings, and some vocational stuff like janitorial training. Security’s tight with cameras everywhere and random shakedowns.
Location and Contact Information
Full address: 625 Jasonwood Road, Lancaster, PA 17601. Main phone for general info: 717-299-7820. For the automated inmate line, call 717-299-7800 and hit 2—that’s your quickest way to hear a voice listing charges or bail without talking to anyone.
| Department | Phone | Email/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inmate Records | 717-299-7894 | Ask for roster pulls |
| Visitation Scheduling | 717-299-7825 | Video visits mainly |
| Commissary/Money | 717-299-7830 | Access Corrections |
Emails go through the county site, but phone’s faster. Policies shift, so call ahead. Official lookup at Lancaster County Inmate Search.
How to Use the Lancaster County PA Jail Roster
Finding someone on the Lancaster County PA jail roster is straightforward online. Head to the official site at inmatesearch.lancastercountypa.gov or the county page Who’s In Jail. Punch in the last name or full name—DOB helps if there’s duplicates. You’ll get booking number, charges, bail amount, and sometimes mugshot.
But here’s the real talk: the roster updates every few hours, not real-time. If your person’s not listed, they might’ve bonded out, transferred, or it’s a glitch. Call that 717-299-7800 line to confirm. We’ve had families panic because names drop off fast post-release. Pro tip: screenshot everything when you find ’em.
Step-by-Step Roster Lookup
- Go to inmatesearch.lancastercountypa.gov.
- Enter inmate’s last name (first optional).
- Hit search. Results show DC number, location in the jail, bond info.
- Click the name for charges, court dates, even arrest date.
- Note the DC#—you’ll need it for mail, visits, money.
If nothing shows, try the state locator at inmatelocator.cor.pa.gov for broader PA searches. And remember, juveniles or protective custody might not list publicly.
Visiting Information
Visits are mostly video now, through Securus or similar. No-contact in-person for high-risk, but low-risk get weekends. Hours: Saturday/Sunday 9am-3pm, but slots book fast. Schedule online via the county site or call 717-299-7825. Max 3 visitors per slot, 30 minutes tops.
Dress code’s strict—no tank tops, shorts, hoodies, or anything sheer. They’ll turn you away at the door, and you’ve wasted gas. Bring ID, no cell phones inside. Kids under 18 need birth certs. Visiting room smells like vending machine snacks and industrial cleaner—bring quarters for the machines.
| Day | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 9am-3pm | Video or in-person |
| Sunday | 9am-3pm | Same |
| Weekdays | Limited video | Attorney/family only |
We tell families: show up early, be polite to officers—they control everything. Holidays? Forget it, suspended.
Inmate Communication
Phone calls go through Securus—rates around $0.21/minute collect or prepaid. Inmates call out; you can’t call in. Tablets for video calls and emails via CorrLinks or JPay. Mail’s scanned now—no contraband slips through easy. Send postcards only, no envelopes, stamped via kiosk.
Address mail: Inmate Name, DC#
Lancaster County Correctional Facility
625 Jasonwood Rd
Lancaster, PA 17601. No glitter, perfume, Polaroids. Books from publisher only. Families gripe about slow mail, but it’s better than nothing. One thing we always say: put your return address clear, or it bounces.
Sending Money to Inmates
Use AccessCorrections.com or the kiosk at the jail. No cash, no money orders—online or app only. Fees eat 5-10%, but commissary buys hygiene, snacks, stamps. Start with $20-50; they need it for basics. Track the transaction number.
Don’t send direct to inmate—it’s confiscated. Officers check balances weekly. We’ve seen guys go hungry without commissary, county food’s basic carbs and mystery meat.
Daily Life at This Facility
Wake up at 6am for count, breakfast slop by 6:30. Lockdown till 8, then rec or work detail—kitchen, laundry pays pennies. Meals repeat: oatmeal, bologna sandwiches, canned veggies. Showers three times a week, 10 minutes each. Pods mix ages, but gangs watch close—stay low-key.
Programs? AA/NA daily, counseling if you’re lucky. Law library’s tablets now. Medical’s hit-or-miss; sick call waits days. Nights quiet after 10pm, but coughs echo. Families ask us: “Is it safe?” Mostly, if you don’t start trouble. Stabbings rare, but fights happen.
History and Background
Built in 1973, expanded twice—last in 2010 for more beds. Population boomed with opioid arrests. Notable? 2018 riot over food, quick lockdown. Sheriff switched to progressive programs post-2020, but staffing shortages hit hard. It’s weathered COVID lockdowns like everywhere.
How to Get There
From Philly: I-76 W to US-30 W, exit 21B to Jasonwood Rd—45 minutes. Parking’s free but fills. Hotels nearby: Holiday Inn Lanc 5 miles, $120/night. Uber/Lyft works, or Greyhound to Lancaster station then cab. Road signs suck—use GPS.
Practical Tips from the Inside
We hear from families daily freaking over the roster. First, breathe—most bond out fast. Get a public defender if broke, but lawyer up quick. Tell your person: follow rules, no debts. commissary first. For release, have clothes/ID ready outside.
Common mistake: sending wrong money method. Check AccessCorrections. Visits denied for dumb reasons like wrong shoes. And officers? Some gruff, most fair—don’t argue. If issues, file grievance polite.
Reality check: jail sucks, but it’s temporary for most. Focus on court, stay connected. We’ve walked those halls; it beats state pen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find someone on the Lancaster County PA jail roster?
Go to inmatesearch.lancastercountypa.gov and search by name or DOB. Call 717-299-7800 x2 for voice confirmation. Results show charges, bail, location—screenshot it all. Updates lag, so verify by phone if worried.
Can I visit an inmate at Lancaster County Jail?
Yes, mainly video visits weekends 9am-3pm—book online or call 717-299-7825. In-person for approved low-risk, strict dress code. Bring ID, no phones. Slots fill quick, so plan ahead.
How do I put money on an inmate’s books in Lancaster County?
Use AccessCorrections.com, kiosk at jail, or app. Need DC number from roster. Fees apply, but it’s for commissary essentials. No cash or orders accepted.
What are the mailing rules for Lancaster County Jail?
Postcards only, no envelopes. Address with full name/DC#. No stickers, scents. Scanned digitally. Books from publisher. Returns bounce without return address.
How long do people stay in Lancaster County PA Jail?
Most pretrial 1-3 months awaiting court. Short sentences under 1 year. Releases fast on bail. Transfers to state if longer. Check roster daily for updates.