Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton County Jail is a key part of the Lehigh Valley justice system in Pennsylvania. It holds people waiting for court or serving short sentences. The jail focuses on safety, care, and helping inmates prepare for life after release. Families, lawyers, and community members rely on clear, up-to-date information about inmates, visitation rules, and services. This page gives you everything you need to know about the jail, from how to find an inmate to how to send money or visit in person. All details are current and based on official sources.
How to Search for an Inmate in Allentown, Bethlehem, or Easton
Finding someone in custody starts with the online inmate search tool. This free service shows who is currently held in Lehigh County Jail, which serves Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. You can search by full name or inmate ID. Results include booking date, charges, bond amount, court dates, and expected release. The roster updates daily, so you get the latest status. If you don’t have internet access, call the jail or visit in person with the inmate’s name and date of birth.
Steps to Use the Inmate Lookup System
- Go to the official Lehigh County Corrections website.
- Click “Inmate Roster” or “Search Inmates.”
- Type the person’s first and last name or ID number.
- Review the results for charges, bail, and court info.
If no match appears, check spelling or try a partial name. Some inmates may be newly booked and not yet listed. For urgent cases, call (610) 782-3170.
Jail Locations and Contact Details
The main facility is Lehigh County Jail in Allentown. It handles most bookings for the region. Northampton County operates a separate prison in Easton for longer-term inmates. Bethlehem uses Lehigh County Jail for short stays. Below are the key addresses and numbers.
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Lehigh County Jail | 38 N 4th St, Allentown, PA 18102 | (610) 782-3170 |
| Northampton County Prison | 555 Walnut St, Easton, PA 18042 | (610) 256-3500 |
For inmate lookup in Bethlehem, use the Lehigh County system. Easton residents should check Northampton County’s online roster. Both sites offer real-time data.
Visitation Rules and Scheduling
Visits help inmates stay connected. Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton County Jail allows in-person and video visits. You must schedule ahead. Walk-ins are not accepted. Visits happen Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Each visit lasts 30 minutes. Only two visitors per inmate at a time.
In-Person Visitation Guidelines
- Bring a valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport).
- Arrive 15 minutes early for screening.
- No bags, phones, or food allowed.
- Dress modestly: no tank tops, shorts, or clothing with gang symbols.
- Children under 18 must be with an adult.
Virtual visits use a secure video platform. Book online through the jail’s partner site. Sessions cost $7.50 for 20 minutes. Payment is by credit card only.
Sending Money to an Inmate
Inmates can buy snacks, hygiene items, and phone time from the commissary. Family and friends can add money to their account in three ways:
- Online: Use Access Corrections or JPay. Funds post within minutes.
- Kiosk: Pay with cash or card at the jail lobby kiosk.
- Mail: Send a money order to Lehigh County Jail, 38 N 4th St, Allentown, PA 18102. Write the inmate’s full name and ID on the memo line.
Personal checks and cash by mail are rejected. Deposits are non-refundable. Inmates can spend up to $100 per week.
Inmate Communication: Mail, Phone, and Email
Staying in touch is vital. Inmates can send and receive letters, make phone calls, and use email—all monitored for safety.
Mail Rules
- Use plain white paper and standard envelopes.
- No stickers, drawings, or Polaroids.
- Books and magazines must come from Amazon or publishers.
- Address mail to: Inmate Name, ID#, Lehigh County Jail, 38 N 4th St, Allentown, PA 18102.
All mail is opened and checked. Inmates get copies of legal mail only.
Phone Calls
Inmates make outgoing calls only. Calls cost $0.20 per minute. Families can prepay through Securus or Global Tel*Link. Each call lasts 15–20 minutes. Calls are recorded and may be reviewed.
Email Service
Email is faster than mail. Families sign up on the jail’s email portal. Messages are screened within 24 hours. Inmates reply using tablets in their units. Attachments are not allowed.
Bail and Release Procedures
Bail lets inmates leave before trial. A judge sets the amount at arraignment. To post bail:
- Call the Booking Office at (610) 782-3178 to confirm the amount.
- Pay in cash, credit card, or through a bail bondsman.
- Go to the jail lobby or use the online payment portal.
- Once paid, the inmate is released after processing (usually 1–3 hours).
Bail bondsmen charge 10% of the total bail. They handle paperwork but require collateral.
Healthcare and Mental Health Support
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton County Jail provides medical and mental health care. New inmates get a health screening within 24 hours. Services include:
- Routine check-ups and prescription refills.
- Emergency care and hospital transfers if needed.
- Counseling for anxiety, depression, and trauma.
- Substance abuse treatment, including detox and therapy groups.
Mental health staff visit units weekly. Inmates can request a counselor anytime. All care follows state and federal standards.
Rehabilitation and Education Programs
The jail offers programs to reduce repeat offenses. These help inmates build skills for life outside.
Education Options
- GED classes to earn a high school diploma.
- Adult basic education for reading and math.
- Computer literacy courses.
Vocational Training
- Carpentry and construction basics.
- Plumbing and electrical safety.
- Food handler certification.
Graduates receive certificates. Some programs partner with local employers for job placement.
Commissary: What Inmates Can Buy
The commissary sells extra food, hygiene items, and supplies. Orders are placed weekly. Delivery takes 2–3 days. Popular items include:
- Snacks: Chips, cookies, instant coffee.
- Hygiene: Toothpaste, soap, deodorant.
- Stationery: Paper, pens, envelopes.
- Clothing: Socks, undershirts (jail-approved only).
Prices are set by the vendor. Inmates cannot share items. Unused funds stay in their account.
Security and Daily Operations
Safety comes first. The jail uses cameras, motion sensors, and staff patrols. Inmates are classified by risk level. High-risk individuals are housed separately. Staff train monthly in crisis response, de-escalation, and medical aid. Fire drills happen quarterly. All areas are inspected daily for cleanliness and hazards.
Community Partnerships
The jail works with local police, courts, and nonprofits. Programs include:
- Court transport coordination.
- Public tours for schools and civic groups.
- Victim support services.
- Reentry planning with job centers and housing agencies.
These efforts build trust and improve outcomes for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask about inmate status, visits, and rights. Below are clear answers based on current jail policies.
How do I find out if someone is in jail in Allentown?
Use the Lehigh County Inmate Search tool online. Enter the person’s full name or ID. If they were booked recently, call (610) 782-3170. Have their name and date of birth ready. The roster updates every few hours. You’ll see charges, bail, and court dates. If no record appears, they may not be in custody or could be in another county.
Can I visit an inmate on weekends?
No. Visits are only Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Weekend visits are not allowed due to staffing and court schedules. Schedule your visit at least 24 hours ahead. Virtual visits are available any day but cost extra. Check the jail’s website for holiday closures.
What happens if I send cash in the mail?
Cash sent by mail will be returned or destroyed. Only money orders are accepted. Write the inmate’s name and ID on the money order. Send it to Lehigh County Jail, 38 N 4th St, Allentown, PA 18102. Online and kiosk payments are faster and safer. Funds appear in the account within minutes.
Are mugshots public record?
Yes. Mugshots taken during booking are public in Pennsylvania. You can request them from the sheriff’s office. Some websites post them online. If charges are dropped, you may ask to have the photo removed, but it’s not automatic. Legal help may be needed.
Can inmates use social media?
No. Inmates cannot access social media, email with attachments, or messaging apps. All communication is monitored. They can write letters, make calls, and use jail-approved email. Staff review all messages. Violations can lead to loss of privileges.
What if an inmate gets sick?
Medical staff respond quickly. Inmates report symptoms to guards. Nurses assess them within hours. Serious cases go to the hospital. Families are notified for emergencies. Chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma are managed daily. Prescriptions are filled on-site.
How long do inmates stay before court?
Most appear in court within 48 hours of arrest. If bail is posted, they leave sooner. Without bail, they wait until their hearing. Court dates depend on the charge and docket. Felonies take longer than misdemeanors. The jail provides updates through the inmate lookup system.
Official Website: https://www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/Corrections
Phone: (610) 782-3170
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–6 PM
Address: 38 N 4th St, Allentown, PA 18102