The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides several inmate lookup options to facilitate the search for individuals incarcerated in state prisons, county jails, and federal prisons. These options cater to a wide range of needs, from concerned family members to legal representatives and other interested parties.
State Prisons Inmate Lookup
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PA DOC) maintains a database of inmates serving time in state prisons. The Inmate Locator is an online tool available on the PA DOC website (www.cor.pa.gov), which enables users to search for inmates by name, inmate number, or date of birth. The results provide information such as the offender's full name, date of birth, inmate number, and the facility where they are currently housed.
County Jails Inmate Lookup
Each county in Pennsylvania operates its jail system, and inmate information is managed at the county level. To find an inmate in a county jail, it is essential to know the specific county where the individual is incarcerated. Many counties provide online search tools to access inmate information, which can be found on their respective Sheriff's Office or County Jail websites. In some cases, it may be necessary to contact the local Sheriff's Office or County Jail directly to request information.
Federal Prisons Inmate Lookup
Inmates incarcerated in federal prisons can be located through the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator. Accessible on the BOP website (www.bop.gov), the search tool requires the inmate's first and last name, as well as additional information such as their age, race, and sex, to narrow down the search results. The locator provides the inmate's registration number, age, race, sex, release date, and the facility where they are currently housed.
VINE Search
Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) is a free and confidential service that offers information on offenders' custody status and provides automated notifications when there are changes in their status. Pennsylvania's VINE system, known as PA SAVIN, can be accessed via phone (1-866-9PA-SAVIN) or online at www.vinelink.com. Users can search for an offender using their first and last name or their inmate identification number.
To use the VINE search, create an account and select the state and facility where the inmate is housed. Input the required information, and the system will provide the inmate's custody status and facility location. Users can also register to receive notifications via phone, email, or text message when the inmate's status changes, such as when they are transferred, released, or scheduled for a parole hearing.
