Allegheny County Custody Lookup: Find an Inmate, Bail, Visits & Release Status
Searching Allegheny County Jail is different from many county-jail websites. The county does not currently provide a traditional public name-search roster on the main jail site. For live custody verification, use Pennsylvania SAVIN/VINELink or call the jail directly at 412-350-2000.
Once custody is confirmed, this guide explains the next steps in one place: how arraignment and bail work, where bond is posted, how visitation registration works, how to get the DOC number, how to send money and mail, what the 48-hour release rule means, who to call about medical concerns, how property pickup works and where to check the criminal docket.
PA SAVIN/VINELink or call the jail.
950 Second Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
$50 under the county’s current bond-counter rules.
August 28, 2026 against official county resources.
Use the right system for the question you are actually trying to answer
Start with PA SAVIN/VINELink, then call Allegheny County Jail at 412-350-2000 when immediate confirmation matters.
Use Pennsylvania’s Unified Judicial System docket search after you know the person’s name or docket information.
Call County Municipal Court at 412-350-3240 or check the criminal docket. The Municipal Court line provides arraignment and bail information.
How to perform an Allegheny County jail inmate search in 2026
Unlike counties with a continuously browsable public roster, Allegheny County’s official jail website directs families toward jail contacts and victim-notification tools. The Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office also directs people looking for a prisoner to VINELink.
Information to write down once you locate the person
No Allegheny County inmate found? Follow this order
What happens after someone is brought to Allegheny County Jail?
Initial phone access during intake
The jail’s intake guidance says a newly processed individual receives one free 30-second phone call after processing. Incoming personal calls to inmates are not accepted.
ANYTRAX-JRSvcs: 412-350-4735
Pre-Trial Supervisor: 412-350-4732
Where to post Allegheny County bail, accepted payment and the $50 filing fee
Bail is set during the criminal-court process, not simply by the jail. If you do not know the current bail amount or arraignment status, contact County Municipal Court first.
660 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Use this line for arraignment times, bail amounts, preliminary-hearing information, fingerprinting and related court questions.
Telephone menu shortcut
- 1 — Arraignment times
- 2 — Bail amount
- 3 — PFA
- 4 — Release information
- 1 — Preliminary hearings
- 2 — Postponements for attorneys
- 3 — Fingerprinting / third floor
Daytime bond counter
Room 114
Allegheny County Courthouse
Monday–Friday
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
$50 for all bonds.
Accepted payment at the bond counter
After-hours, weekends and holidays
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Bonds posted after 4:30 p.m., before 8:30 a.m., on weekends and on holidays are handled here.
What happens to bond money later?
If the defendant appears as required and the case is completed, the county mails a refund check to the person or entity listed as the surety, minus the initial filing fee and applicable processing fee.
Allegheny County Jail’s 48-hour release rule—and the bonded-inmate exception
A judge’s release order does not always mean someone walks out immediately. Allegheny County publishes a specific release-processing window.
The jail has up to 48 hours to release an individual once authorization has been received and all charges and holds are cleared.
At midnight of the day the release order is sent to the jail by the Court or Magistrate.
Before a person physically leaves
Discharge and Release Center
Allegheny County’s Discharge and Release Center helps people transition back into the community. Depending on need and eligibility, release support may include referrals and practical resources rather than simply sending the person out of the facility without planning.
Release planning may include bus-pass assistance.
Needed medication supply, prescriptions and follow-up referrals can be prepared through medical/discharge staff.
Phone support can be part of the discharge process.
Intake returns stored clothing and determines whether additional clothing is needed.
Community-service referrals can be provided during release planning.
The cashier process returns qualifying remaining trust-account funds.
Allegheny County Jail visitation: approval, 48-hour scheduling and housing-day rules
Social visitation is contactless. The process has two separate steps: become an approved visitor first, then schedule the visit.
Step 1: become an approved visitor
7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Jail lobby at 950 Second Avenue. Bring current state-issued ID.
Information needed to register
Step 2: schedule the visit
Once approved, use the jail’s online Inmate Visitation Scheduling system or call 855-208-7349. Visits must be scheduled at least 48 hours / two days in advance.
| Day | Visit windows | Important condition |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Saturday | 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. | Housing-unit schedule determines eligibility. |
| Monday–Saturday | 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. | Afternoon visits run on the half hour. |
| Monday–Saturday | 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. | Subject to housing schedule, movement and cancellation. |
| Sunday | No regular social visits | Do not travel for a regular Sunday visit. |
Housing-unit visitation schedule
| Day | Housing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 1C, 5B, 6D, 6E, 8E | Special approval rules may apply for 1C and 8E. |
| Tuesday | Level 2 | Pod 5MD: 8 a.m.–2 p.m.; Pod 6F: 3:30–6:30 p.m. |
| Wednesday | Level 3 | Verify current housing before arrival. |
| Thursday | Level 4 | Subject to facility operations. |
| Friday | 5MC, 5F, 5E | Some Level 1 arrangements require preapproval. |
| Saturday | No standard housing-unit assignment listed | Confirm directly before travel. |
Visit-day check-in
Children
A person bringing a child under age 18 must provide the child’s birth certificate. Parents and guardians must supervise children continuously.
Visitor clothing rule that is easy to miss
Who generally cannot visit
What to do with your belongings
The jail lobby provides lockers. Other than photo identification, visitors must secure personal belongings such as wallets, purses, money, keys, phones, cigarettes, lighters, food, drinks, pens and outer garments. The lockers use a 25-cent refundable deposit. Baby bottles are the published exception.
How to put money on an Allegheny County inmate’s account
| Method | What you need | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Jail lobby kiosk | Approved visitor status and inmate information | Accepts cash, debit and credit cards during lobby hours. |
| ConnectNetwork | DOC number for inmate trust deposit | First trust-account payment must be completed online for a new payer. |
| Telephone after setup | Existing ConnectNetwork account | Call 1-800-483-8314. |
| JailATM | Account registration and inmate information | Used for deposits and commissary-related services. |
| Money order by mail | Write the inmate’s DOC number on the money order | Money orders totaling more than $100 are placed on a 10-business-day hold. |
Lobby kiosk hours
Sending money out of the inmate account
During the first 10 days after booking, an incarcerated person may send funds from the trust account to a third party, including family, an attorney or toward bond. After the 10-day period, money can only be sent out for an attorney or bond payment under the current jail rule.
What happens to remaining money after release?
| Balance | How it is returned | Special rule |
|---|---|---|
| $50 or less | Paid in cash | Handled through the release/cashier process. |
| More than $50 | $50 cash + remaining balance by check | Check can be cashed subject to bank requirements. |
| More than $500 after 5:30 p.m. | $50 cash initially | The released person must return the next business day for the remaining balance. |
Cashier hours
7:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Closed.
Commissary
Oasis Commissary Services provides jail commissary. Housing units generally receive scheduled commissary access about once per week. Available products can include food and drinks, personal-care products, shoes, electronics and approved apparel.
Allegheny County Jail inmate mail: address, page limit, photos and books
DOC Number
Allegheny County Jail
950 Second Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Letter rules
Photos
Only one 4×6 photograph per envelope is authorized. The incarcerated individual receives a color copy rather than the original photograph.
Items that are not accepted in ordinary inmate mail
Books and publications
Paperback books can be ordered through a commercial book vendor and delivered by USPS, UPS or FedEx. Books cannot be mailed from a residential address.
Magazines and newspapers must come directly from the publisher.
Allegheny County inmate phone calls: free daily minutes and prepaid accounts
Inmates can make local and long-distance calls. Additional calling beyond the free allowance is funded through a prepaid account.
ConnectNetwork / GTL
Hold or press 0 for an operator when seeking refund assistance.
Tablet services
Jail tablets support communication and provide incarcerated individuals access to a free eBook library. Ordinary video communications may be monitored.
How to report medical information or an emergency involving an Allegheny County inmate
Allegheny County Jail contracts with Allegheny Health Network for provider services. Jail healthcare includes physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and supporting clinical staff.
Medical services available inside ACJ
Call 412-350-2201 and leave a message.
The jail states that you should not expect a return response from this medical-information message line.
Also use this line for information about dropping off glasses or approved medical items.
Behavioral Assessment Unit
The BAU can evaluate an incarcerated person for self-harm or risk of harm to others and may assess whether the person is able to participate in their legal defense.
Approximate weekday BAU hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Need to tell an inmate about a family emergency?
Use this route to leave information for an inmate about a medical or other serious outside emergency.
How a family member can collect an Allegheny County inmate’s personal property
How to search Allegheny County charges, preliminary hearing and future court dates
Jail custody and the criminal case are different records. Once you know the person’s name, use Pennsylvania’s Unified Judicial System portal to follow the case.
Search a preliminary-hearing case
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Some preliminary hearings occur here.
A preliminary hearing may instead take place at the Magisterial District Judge office listed on the criminal complaint.
Allegheny County court-clothing rules: who can bring clothes and when
Who may bring clothing?
Drop-off window
Court clothes may be delivered no more than four days before the person’s Common Pleas Criminal Court jury trial. Clothing is accepted only between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m..
| Men | Women | Notable restriction |
|---|---|---|
| Suit or sports coat | Dress | Dress shoes cannot contain laces or metal components. |
| Dress pants | Skirt / slacks | Only approved court clothing is accepted. |
| Dress shirt | Blouse / blazer | Proper identification is mandatory at drop-off. |
| Black/blue dress socks | Dress socks | Jail security inspection applies. |
Public Defender, attorney visits and professional communication
The Public Defender states that people who remain in custody on criminal charges are interviewed at the jail before the preliminary hearing. People who are released on bond can speak with an attorney during the intake process for representation.
Attorney visit hours
Special housing areas may require attorneys to call the visitor lobby before coming.
Release, transfer and escape notifications through PA SAVIN
Victims of violent crime can use Pennsylvania Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification to receive custody-status notifications.
1-866-9PA-SAVIN
Register through VINELink for automated notification.
Center for Victims
PREA, suicide concern, emergency message and complaint contacts
| Situation | Contact | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Suicide concern | 412-350-2066 / 412-350-2176 | Report concern that an incarcerated person may be suicidal. |
| PREA concern | 412-350-2000 | Jail Administration route. |
| Confidential PREA report | 888-363-7273 | Confidential reporting line. |
| Outside family emergency | 412-350-2057 | Duty Chaplain message for a serious emergency. |
| Message for Warden | 412-350-2266 | Leave a message for jail leadership. |
| Inmate records | 412-350-2635 | Former incarcerated individuals may request jail records. |
Allegheny County Jail phone directory by task
| What you need | Office / service | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Confirm current custody / pod | Allegheny County Jail | 412-350-2000 |
| Arraignment / bail amount | County Municipal Court | 412-350-3240 |
| Daytime bond-counter question | Bond Counter | 412-350-5239 / 412-350-6063 |
| Approved visitor registration | Visitor Lobby | 412-350-2413 |
| Additional visitor registration | Visitor Lobby | 412-350-2035 / 412-350-2036 |
| Schedule social visit by phone | Visitation scheduling | 855-208-7349 |
| Add inmate trust funds | ConnectNetwork | 1-800-483-8314 |
| Phone refund / validation | GTL / ConnectNetwork support | 1-866-230-7761 |
| Medical department | Healthcare | 412-350-2277 |
| Provide health information | Medical message line | 412-350-2201 |
| Pick up personal property | Property | 412-350-2267 |
| Public Defender | Allegheny County Public Defender | 412-350-2401 |
| Probation officer | Adult Probation | 412-350-2320 |
| Emergency family message | Duty Chaplain | 412-350-2057 |
| Victim notification | PA SAVIN | 1-866-972-7284 |
| Victim crisis help | Center for Victims | 412-392-8582 |
| Inmate jail records | ACJ Records | 412-350-2635 |
Do not confuse these Pittsburgh addresses
| Destination | Address | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Allegheny County Jail | 950 Second Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 | Jail custody, visitor lobby, inmate mail, property and jail services. |
| Municipal Courts Building | 660 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 | Arraignment-related services and after-hours/weekend/holiday bond posting. |
| Allegheny County Courthouse | 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 | County court functions; daytime Bond Counter is in Room 114. |
| Center for Victims | 5916 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 | Victim advocacy and crisis support. |
Allegheny County Jail map and visitor arrival checklist
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Eight Allegheny County details that can save a wasted trip or failed transaction
You need it for mail, trust deposits and visit check-in.
The clock begins at midnight on the date the release order is sent to the jail.
They are typically completed within about three hours after the jail receives required paperwork.
The county currently lists a $50 filing fee for bonds.
Become an approved visitor and schedule at least two days before the visit.
Original letters and photos are held seven days and destroyed after copying.
Money orders totaling more than $100 receive a 10-business-day hold.
Authorized pickup occurs from 1:45–2:00 p.m. after calling that morning.
Official live actions and sources used for this guide
The operational rules are explained above so readers do not have to visit a dozen government pages merely to understand the process. External links are retained mainly for live searches, payments, scheduling and court verification.
- Allegheny County Jail contact directory and FAQs
- Intake procedure
- Release process and Discharge and Release Center
- Social visitation eligibility, schedule, preparation and check-in
- Inmate funds and commissary
- Mail, photos, books and publications
- Phone and tablet procedures
- Medical care and emergency contacts
- Personal-property release
- Court-clothing rules
- County bond instructions
- Public Defender criminal-case guidance
- PA SAVIN and Center for Victims contacts
Allegheny County Jail inmate search FAQs
How do I search for an inmate in Allegheny County Jail?
Use Pennsylvania SAVIN/VINELink for statewide custody information and call Allegheny County Jail at 412-350-2000 when you need direct custody confirmation. The county does not currently provide the same type of browsable public jail-roster search used by many other counties.
What is the Allegheny County Jail phone number?
The main jail number is 412-350-2000. The jail is located at 950 Second Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
How do I get an inmate’s DOC number?
Call the jail or obtain it directly from the incarcerated individual. You need the DOC number for mail, inmate trust deposits and visitation check-in. Visitor-lobby staff cannot provide the DOC number during check-in.
How do I post bail?
During business hours, use the Bond Counter in Room 114 of the Allegheny County Courthouse. It is open Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. After-hours, weekend and holiday bonds are handled at 660 First Avenue. The county lists a $50 filing fee and accepts cash, money orders and cashier’s checks in the exact amount.
What are Allegheny County Jail visitation hours?
Regular social visits are one hour and are generally available Monday through Saturday from 8–11 a.m., 1:30–3:30 p.m. and 5–6 p.m. There are no regular Sunday visits. The inmate’s housing assignment determines the applicable visitation day.
How far ahead must I schedule a visit?
You must first become an approved visitor and then schedule the social visit at least two days or 48 hours in advance. Check in at least 15 minutes before the scheduled visit.
How do I send money to an inmate?
Approved visitors can use jail-lobby kiosks, ConnectNetwork, JailATM or an eligible mailed money order. Trust-account deposits require the inmate’s DOC number. Money orders totaling more than $100 are subject to a 10-business-day hold.
What is the inmate mailing address?
Address mail to the incarcerated individual’s name and DOC number, Allegheny County Jail, 950 Second Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Use the DOC number, not a booking number.
How long does release take?
Once all charges and holds are cleared and the jail receives release authorization, the jail has up to 48 hours to release the individual. Bonded inmates are an exception and are typically released within about three hours after required documentation reaches the jail.
How do victims get release notifications?
Register with Pennsylvania SAVIN through VINELink or call 1-866-972-7284. The Center for Victims also operates a 24-hour helpline at 412-392-8582.