Luzerne Inmate Search helps people locate individuals held in Luzerne County jails. Families, lawyers, and friends use this system daily to check booking status, charges, release dates, and visitation rules. The county offers online tools and phone support for fast, accurate results. This page explains every step to find inmate data quickly and correctly.
How to Use the Luzerne County Inmate Lookup Tool
The official Luzerne County inmate lookup tool is the fastest way to search for someone in jail. Visit the sheriff’s office website and click the inmate search link. You can search by name, booking number, or date of birth. The system updates every few hours, so information stays current. Results show full name, photo, charges, bail amount, housing unit, and next court date. Always double-check spelling when entering names. Use middle initials if known. The tool works on phones, tablets, and computers.
Search by Name
Enter the person’s first and last name exactly as it appears on legal documents. Avoid nicknames or shortened versions. If the name is common, add a middle name or initial. The system shows all matching records. Click on the correct person to see full details. Names with hyphens or apostrophes may need special formatting. Try different spellings if no results appear.
Search by Booking Number
Each inmate gets a unique booking number when processed into the jail. This number stays the same during their stay. Use it for the most accurate search. Booking numbers appear on court papers, jail letters, or phone call records. Enter the full number without spaces or dashes. The system shows one result per booking number.
Search by Date of Birth
If you don’t know the name or booking number, use the date of birth. Enter the month, day, and year. The system shows all inmates born on that date. This helps narrow results for common names. Always confirm the person’s identity before taking action.
Luzerne County Jail Roster: What Information Is Public
The Luzerne County jail roster lists everyone currently held in county facilities. It includes pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates. The roster updates automatically and is available 24/7 online. Each entry shows key facts about the inmate’s status and case.
Inmate Details Shown
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Booking date and time
- Current charges and severity level
- Bail or bond amount set by the court
- Housing unit and cell number
- Scheduled court dates
- Projected release date if sentenced
All data comes directly from the sheriff’s database. It reflects real-time changes like transfers, releases, or new charges. The public can view this information without logging in or providing personal details.
How Often Is the Roster Updated
The jail roster refreshes every two hours during business days and every four hours overnight. Major changes like new bookings or releases happen within 30 minutes. The system timestamps each update so users know how current the data is.
Inmate Search Luzerne PA: Offline Options
Not everyone has internet access. Luzerne County offers phone and in-person search options. Call the sheriff’s office at (570) 825-1674 during business hours. Staff can look up inmates by name or booking number. You’ll need to provide your relationship to the inmate and a valid reason for the request.
Visiting the Sheriff’s Office
The Luzerne County Sheriff’s Office is located at 200 N River St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711. Walk-in visits are welcome Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Bring a government-issued ID. Staff will help you search the inmate database and print records if needed. No appointment is required.
Requesting Records by Mail
Send a written request to the sheriff’s office with the inmate’s full name, date of birth, and your contact information. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing takes 3–5 business days. There is no fee for basic inmate lookup requests.
Luzerne County Prison Inmates: Types of Facilities
Luzerne County operates one main detention center: the Luzerne County Correctional Facility. It houses adult inmates awaiting trial or serving sentences under five years. The facility has separate units for men, women, and high-risk individuals. Maximum capacity is 800 inmates.
Facility Features
- Medical and mental health services on-site
- Visitation rooms with video and in-person options
- Commissary for buying snacks, hygiene items, and phone time
- Educational programs including GED classes
- Religious services for all faiths
The jail follows state and federal guidelines for safety, health, and human rights. Inspections occur quarterly by independent agencies.
Jail Records Luzerne County: What You Can and Cannot See
Most jail records in Luzerne County are public under Pennsylvania law. However, some details are restricted to protect privacy and security.
Public Information
- Name, age, and mugshot
- Booking date and charges
- Bail amount and payment status
- Court dates and case numbers
- Release date or transfer notice
Restricted Information
- Medical records and mental health history
- Disciplinary actions inside the jail
- Social Security number or home address
- Phone call recordings (except for legal use)
- Internal investigation files
Family members can request limited medical updates with written consent from the inmate. Lawyers receive broader access for active cases.
Inmate Locator Luzerne County: Mobile-Friendly Search
The inmate locator works perfectly on smartphones and tablets. The website automatically adjusts for small screens. Users can save searches, bookmark results, and share links via text or email. No app download is needed. The mobile version loads in under three seconds on most networks.
Features for Mobile Users
- Voice search for hands-free name entry
- Offline access to recently viewed records
- One-tap calling to the jail or court
- Map directions to the facility
Mobile users get the same data as desktop users. All security and privacy protections remain active.
Luzerne County Detention Center: Visitation Rules
Visiting an inmate requires planning. Luzerne County enforces strict rules to keep everyone safe. Violations can lead to bans or legal trouble.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Time | Housing Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Unit A |
| Wednesday | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Unit B |
| Friday | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Unit C |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | All Units |
Each inmate gets one 30-minute visit per week. Visitors must arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. Late arrivals lose their slot.
Who Can Visit
Only approved visitors may enter. Immediate family (parents, siblings, children, spouses) are prioritized. Friends need written permission from the inmate and jail staff. Minors under 18 must be with a parent or guardian. All visitors pass through metal detectors and bag checks.
What to Bring
Bring only a valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID). No bags, phones, food, or weapons allowed. Coins for vending machines are permitted. Leave purses and backpacks in your car.
Inmate Phone Calls Luzerne PA: Costs and Rules
Inmates can make outgoing calls but cannot receive them. Calls are monitored and recorded. Rates vary by provider but average $0.25 per minute. Families can prepay online or by phone. Calls last up to 15 minutes. If the line is busy, inmates must wait 30 minutes before trying again.
How to Set Up Phone Service
Create an account with the jail’s phone provider, TelMate. Add funds using a credit card or bank transfer. Once funded, the inmate can call your number. You’ll hear a message stating the call is recorded before connecting.
Restricted Numbers
Inmates cannot call cell phones without prior approval. Numbers on the Do Not Call list (like judges or victims) are blocked. International calls require special permission.
Inmate Mailing Address Luzerne County: How to Send Letters
Mail is a safe way to stay in touch. Use the correct format to avoid delays or rejection.
Proper Mailing Format
Write the inmate’s full name and booking number on the envelope. Use this address:
Luzerne County Correctional Facility
Inmate Name & Booking Number
200 N River St
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Do not include stickers, drawings, or glitter. Letters are opened and inspected. Return addresses are required. Packages must be sent through approved vendors only.
Approved Items
- Plain paper letters
- Photographs (no Polaroids)
- New books from publishers
- Religious materials
No cash, checks, or gift cards. All mail takes 3–7 days to reach the inmate.
Inmate Commissary Luzerne County: Buying Essentials
Inmates can buy food, soap, toothpaste, and other basics from the commissary. Orders are placed weekly. Funds come from the inmate’s account, which family can add money to.
How to Add Money
Deposit funds online, by phone, or at kiosks in the jail lobby. Minimum deposit is $10. Maximum is $200 per week. Money appears in the account within one hour. Inmates receive a receipt for every purchase.
Commissary Items Available
- Snacks (chips, cookies, ramen)
- Hygiene products (deodorant, shampoo)
- Stationery and envelopes
- Underwear and socks
- Phone time credits
Prices are posted online. Inmates with no funds get basic hygiene kits for free.
Inmate Mugshot Luzerne PA: How Photos Are Used
Mugshots are taken at booking and posted online. They show the inmate’s face, height, weight, and tattoos. Photos help identify individuals and track changes in appearance. Mugshots remain public even after release unless sealed by a judge.
Removing a Mugshot
Once released, inmates can request mugshot removal. Submit a form to the sheriff’s office with proof of release. Processing takes 10 business days. Some third-party websites may still host the photo. Contact them directly for removal.
Inmate Court Date Luzerne County: Tracking Legal Proceedings
Court dates change often. Check the inmate locator daily for updates. The system shows the next scheduled hearing, courtroom number, and judge’s name. If a date is canceled, it will say “rescheduled” with a new time.
How to Get Court Notices
Sign up for email alerts on the sheriff’s website. Enter the inmate’s name and your email. You’ll get notifications for new court dates, changes, or releases. Alerts arrive within one hour of updates.
Inmate Bail Information Luzerne: Paying for Release
Bail lets inmates leave jail before trial. The amount is set by a judge based on the crime and risk level. Luzerne County accepts cash, property bonds, or bail bondsmen.
Cash Bail
Pay the full amount at the sheriff’s office or online. If the inmate shows up to all court dates, the money is returned minus a 10% fee. Payment must be in cash, money order, or cashier’s check.
Bail Bonds
A bondsman pays the bail for a 10% non-refundable fee. They require collateral like a car or house. If the inmate skips court, the bondsman can arrest them.
Inmate Transfer Luzerne County: Moving Between Facilities
Inmates may be transferred for medical care, court appearances, or security reasons. Transfers happen with little notice. The inmate locator updates within one hour of movement. Families are not always notified in advance for safety reasons.
Common Transfer Locations
- Luzerne County Courthouse
- Geisinger Medical Center
- State prisons for long-term sentences
- Other county jails for overcrowding
Call the sheriff’s office if you can’t find an inmate. Provide their name and last known location.
Inmate Housing Unit Luzerne: Where Inmates Stay
The jail has six housing units. Each holds 100–150 inmates. Units are separated by gender, risk level, and medical needs.
Unit Types
- General population (low to medium risk)
- Protective custody (vulnerable inmates)
- Medical isolation (illness or quarantine)
- Disciplinary segregation (rule violations)
Housing assignments change based on behavior and safety. Inmates can request transfers with staff approval.
Inmate Medical Records Luzerne: Privacy and Access
Medical records are confidential. Only the inmate, their lawyer, and jail medical staff can view them. Families need written permission to get updates. Emergency contacts may receive limited info during crises.
How to Request Records
Submit a HIPAA release form signed by the inmate. Mail it to the jail’s medical department. Processing takes 5–7 days. There is a $0.25 per page copying fee.
Inmate Disciplinary Actions Luzerne: Rule Violations
Inmates who break jail rules face discipline. Common violations include fighting, drug use, or disrespecting staff. Punishments range from loss of privileges to solitary confinement.
Disciplinary Process
A hearing is held within 72 hours of the incident. The inmate can speak, call witnesses, and appeal the decision. Records are kept for one year. Serious violations may affect parole eligibility.
Inmate Sentence Length Luzerne County: How Time Is Served
Sentence length depends on the crime and plea deal. Misdemeanors usually serve 30–365 days. Felonies may go to state prison. Time served in jail before sentencing counts toward the total.
Good Behavior Credit
Inmates earn one day off for every two days of good behavior. This can reduce sentences by up to 50%. Violations reset the credit clock.
Inmate Search by Offense: Finding People by Crime Type
The inmate locator does not allow search by offense. However, you can filter results after searching by name. Look for charges like theft, assault, or DUI. This helps identify the correct person among common names.
How to Find an Inmate in Luzerne County: Step-by-Step
- Go to the sheriff’s official website.
- Click “Inmate Search” in the menu.
- Enter name, booking number, or date of birth.
- Review results and click the correct person.
- Save or print the information.
- Check back daily for updates.
If online search fails, call (570) 825-1674 or visit the office in person.
Official Contact Information
Luzerne County Sheriff’s Office
200 N River St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Phone: (570) 825-1674
Website: https://www.luzernecountysheriff.org
Visiting Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask about inmate search tools, visitation rights, and legal support in Luzerne County. These questions cover common concerns from families, lawyers, and community members. Answers come directly from official sources and reflect current policies. This section provides clear, factual responses to help users act quickly and correctly.
Can I search for an inmate using only their nickname?
No, the Luzerne County inmate locator requires the person’s full legal name. Nicknames or shortened names will not return results. If the inmate used a different name at booking, check court documents or contact the sheriff’s office. Always use the name on their ID or arrest warrant. Middle initials help narrow common names. The system does not support partial name searches. For best results, gather the exact spelling from official records before searching.
How long does it take for an inmate to appear in the online roster after booking?
Inmates appear in the online roster within 30 minutes of booking. The system updates automatically as staff process new arrivals. During busy times, delays of up to two hours may occur. If someone was arrested but doesn’t show up online, call the jail to confirm their status. Not all arrests lead to booking—some people are released with a citation. The roster only lists those held in custody.
Can I visit an inmate if I have a criminal record?
Yes, but approval depends on your record and the inmate’s status. Visitors with felony convictions may be denied. Misdemeanors are reviewed case by case. You must disclose your record during registration. The jail conducts background checks for all visitors. If approved, you’ll get a visitor pass valid for six months. Always be honest—lying can result in a permanent ban.
What happens if an inmate is released but still shows up in the system?
The inmate locator updates within one hour of release. If someone appears released but still shows as in custody, call the sheriff’s office immediately. Provide the inmate’s name and booking number. Staff will verify the status and correct any errors. Delays can happen during shift changes or system outages. Never assume release based on online data alone—confirm with official staff.
Can I send a care package to an inmate in Luzerne County?
No, Luzerne County does not allow direct care packages from the public. All items must come from approved vendors like Access Securepak. You can order food, hygiene products, and clothing online. Packages arrive within 7–10 days. Inmates receive a list of allowed items and prices. Sending unauthorized packages may result in rejection or disciplinary action. Use the commissary system for faster, safer deliveries.
How do I report abuse or unsafe conditions in the jail?
Report concerns to the Luzerne County Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Division at (570) 825-1674. You can also email ia@luzernecountysheriff.org. All reports are confidential. Include dates, names, and specific details. The county investigates every claim within 10 business days. For emergencies, call 911. The jail follows strict state and federal standards for inmate safety and health.