Facility Overview
Monroe County Jail isn’t just one place—there are a few across the US, but most searches point to the ones in Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, and Florida. We’ll focus on the main ones families ask about: Monroe County Correctional Facility in Stroudsburg, PA; the Sheriff’s Jail Bureau in Rochester, NY; and the one in Monroe, MI. These are county jails, not state prisons. They house pre-trial detainees, short-term sentences under a year, and folks awaiting transfer.
Security levels? Medium to maximum. The PA facility holds around 373 inmates but can pack in more—overcrowding’s a real issue there. NY’s got 1,217 beds at 130 Plymouth Ave South, Rochester. MI’s in Monroe, handling local arrests. They take everyone from minor offenders to those charged with serious stuff. Expect metal detectors, pat-downs, and officers who don’t mess around.
We hear from families that these jails feel chaotic compared to bigger prisons. Pods with 20-50 guys, shared cells, and constant lockdowns if something pops off. Programs? Basic stuff like GED classes or NA meetings if you’re lucky.
Location and Contact Information
Pick your Monroe County—here’s the rundown on the big three:
| Facility | Address | Phone | Email/Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe County Correctional Facility (PA) | 1001 Volt Dr, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 | (570) 517-3500 | monroecountypa.gov |
| Monroe County Sheriff’s Jail (NY) | 130 Plymouth Ave South, Rochester, NY 14614 | (585) 753-6040 | monroecountysheriff-ny.gov |
| Monroe County Jail (MI) | 100 E Second St, Monroe, MI 48161 | (734) 240-7630 | co.monroe.mi.us |
Call ahead—numbers change, and they’re swamped. Inmates show up on public rosters online, like NY’s PDF list or MI’s site. But verify; sites glitch.
Visiting Information
Visiting’s your lifeline, but rules are tight. In PA, it’s video-only most days via kiosks—no contact. Schedule online or by phone. NY has in-person at the Plymouth Ave lobby, but check hours: weekends 9am-3pm usually, with slots by pod. MI does video visits too, through GettingOut or similar.
Dress code? No sleeveless shirts, shorts, tight pants, or anything see-through. Leave jewelry at home—they’ll make you. Kids under 18 need birth certs. Arrive 30 mins early; late means no visit. No-touch rules mean talking through glass or screens. One hour max per session.
Pro tip: Officers decide if you get in. Argue and you’re out. We’ve seen families turned away for flip-flops. Call the day before to confirm your inmate’s eligible—not all are.
Typical Visiting Hours (Call to Confirm)
- PA: Video Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, weekends similar
- NY: Sat-Sun 9am-3pm, no weekdays for most
- MI: Video daily, schedule via app
Inmate Communication
Phone calls? Collect or prepaid through Securus or GettingOut. Rates sting—$0.21/minute easy. Inmates get 15-20 mins a day if no lockdown. Video visits same apps: sign up, pay, talk face-to-face from home. Better than nothing when you’re states away.
Mail’s king but slow. No stamps from outside—buy inside. Letters only, no packages unless approved. Email? JPay or GettingOut for NY/PA. Photos okay, but no nudes or gang signs. Property room has kiosks too.
One thing we always tell people: test the system first. Send a letter, make a call. Blocks happen if your inmate’s in the hole or segregated.
Sending Money to Inmates
Commissary keeps ’em sane—toiletries, snacks, stamps. Use TouchPay, Access Corrections, or GettingOut apps. Fees? 5-10% per deposit. Minimum $10, max $200/week usually.
Online’s fastest: create account, inmate ID or name/DOB. Kiosks at the jail lobby too, cash or card. No Western Union—stick to approved vendors. Funds hit in 24-48 hours. Track it online.
Don’t send cash or checks—they get returned. We’ve had families lose money that way. Ask inmate what they need most: hygiene first, then ramen.
Daily Life at This Facility
Wake up at 6am. Breakfast’s oatmeal or cereal—cold half the time. Lockdown till 8, then rec if you’re not working laundry or kitchen. Jobs pay $1/day. Meals three times: lunch’s the best, maybe chicken patty. Dinner? Back to basics.
Showers? 3x/week, 5 mins each. Cells bunk two, sometimes four. TV’s on CNN or sports, volume low. Fights happen—stay out of ’em. Programs: AA, anger management, some vocational if space. Church Sundays.
Reality check: Bugs, thin mattresses, yelling officers. But guards aren’t all bad—some slip extra bread. Mental health? Spotty. Solitary’s dark and quiet, weeks at a time. Families say commissary helps a ton for comfort.
History and Background
PA’s Monroe County Correctional opened in the 1990s, expanded for overcrowding. NY’s Rochester jail’s older, renovated post-riots in the 2000s. MI’s been around since ’70s, always under scrutiny for conditions.
Notable? ACLU lawsuits everywhere—PA’s got one ongoing for space issues, toured recently. NY follows PREA strict for assaults. Changes? More video tech post-COVID, less in-person everything.
These jails mirror county budgets—tight money means cuts. But they’ve got federal oversight now, so basics improved.
How to Get There
PA: I-80 to Exit 293, north on Rt 715 to Volt Drive. 10 mins from Stroudsburg airport. Hotels: Hampton Inn nearby, $120/night. Bus from Philly via Martz Trailways.
NY: I-490 to downtown Rochester, Plymouth Ave off Main. Airport 15 mins away. Stay at Holiday Inn by the Waters—walkable. Uber from Greyhound station.
MI: I-75 to Exit 11A, downtown Monroe. Hotels like Baymont, 5 mins. Amtrak to Detroit then drive 45 mins.
Park free but lock up—no valuables. Public transit sucks—drive if you can. Directions on county sites too.
For more on conditions, check this recent ACLU article on PA jail issues. Official PREA info at NY Sheriff’s site. Stats from Prison Policy Initiative here.
Policies shift—call the jail direct. We’ve walked these lines; this is what works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find if my loved one is in Monroe County Jail?
Go to the county sheriff’s website—NY has a live PDF roster, PA and MI have search tools. Use full name and date of birth. Call if nothing shows; intakes lag 24 hours. Always double-check multiple counties if unsure.
Can I visit Monroe County Jail on weekends?
Yes, most do Saturdays and Sundays 9am-3pm, but book slots ahead via video systems like GettingOut. Rules ban contact; it’s glass or screen. Kids allowed with ID—arrive early.
How much does it cost to send money to an inmate?
Deposits start at $10 via TouchPay or kiosks, with 5% fees typical. Funds buy commissary fast. No cash mail—use approved apps only to avoid rejection.
What can I mail to inmates at Monroe County Jail?
Letters and photos only—no packages, food, or electronics. Use plain envelopes; buy stamps inside. Video apps handle digital pics quicker.
Are there programs or rehab at Monroe County Jail?
Basic ones like GED, NA/AA, and some job training if eligible. Availability depends on pod and behavior. Ask your inmate’s counselor for sign-up details.