Frequently Asked Questions
These frequently asked questions and answers are for professional and social visitors at the Allegheny County Jail.
How do I send money to an incarcerated individual?
Family and friends can put money into an incarcerated individual's account by depositing funds in-person using the kiosks in the jail lobby, sending a money order through the mail or by calling Access Corrections at 1-866-345-1884.
Depositors need to be on the incarcerated individuals visiting list or an emergency contact to leave funds. Money orders must include the incarcerated individual’s DOC number. Additionally, money orders totaling over $100 are placed on a 10-business day hold.
More information can be found on Incarcerated Individuals Funds.
What is the process for sending mail or photos to an incarcerated individual?
All incarcerated individual mail should be addressed using: Inmate name, DOC number, Allegheny County Jail, 950 Second Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
- For letters, use blue/black ink or pencil only. No stickers – including an address sticker – stains, glitter, lipstick kisses or perfume are allowed.
- Everything will be photocopied. Originals will not be delivered to incarcerated individuals.
- Letters cannot be more than three pages and must be no larger than 8.5 x 11 letter-sized paper, front and back.
- With photos, incarcerated individuals will only receive colored copies of incoming photographs and only one 4 x 6 copy of a photograph is authorized per envelope. No pictures with nudity, partial nudity or explicit content or gang pictures or pictures with hand signals will be accepted. All pictures must have incarcerated individual's name and DOC number on the back.
Failure to comply will result in mail being destroyed. Attempts to send contraband through the mail are addressed through the legal system.
More information can be found on Inmate Mail.
How do I visit an incarcerated individual at the Allegheny County Jail?
Personal and professional visitors to the jail must follow established guidelines. From scheduling your visit to finding out what to wear, you will find the information you need on Visitor Information. You may also set up a video visit with an inmate.
Why didn’t an incarcerated individual get a book I sent him/her?
Paperback books, magazines and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher and only via U.S. mail, UPS or Fed Ex. Family and friends can only order online soft-covered books to be delivered from the vendor to incarcerated individuals at the ACJ from Barnes & Noble or Christianbook.
More information can be found on Incarcerated Individual Mail.
How do I get in contact with medical personnel at the jail?
Due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Allegheny County Jail can’t release medical information to outside parties. If you need to provide medical information, call 412-350-2200 and leave a message. You will not receive a return response. Pre-authorization must be provided prior to bringing the medical item in. Approvals can be requested by calling 412-350-2025.
More information can be found on Inmate Medical Supplies.
What is the booking date of a certain incarcerated individual?
Incarcerated individual booking date information can be found by calling the Allegheny County Jail at 412-350-2000 or the Arraignment Court at 412-350-3240.
How do I get ahold of an incarcerated individual who’s been transferred to alternative housing?
The Allegheny County Jail is affiliated with two alternative housing programs: Renewal and Passages to Recovery.
Renewal may be contacted at 412-697-1616 or 412-697-1615. Visitation guidelines can be found on the Renewal website.
Passages to Recovery can be contacted at 412-535-4345. Visitation guidelines can be found at the Passages to Recovery website.
Can I speak to the warden?
Inquiring parties may leave a message for the Warden through phone at 412-350-2266 or through the online Contact Form.
What pod is an inmate housed on?
This information may be obtained by calling the Allegheny County Jail at 412-350-2000.
How do I acquire inmate records from the jail?
Former incarcerated individuals may call the Allegheny County Jail’s Record Office at 412-350-2635 to obtain records.
When did an incarcerated individual leave and where did he/she go?
Depending on if the incarcerated individual was released or transferred to another facility, information may be obtained by calling the Allegheny County Jail at 412-350-2000.
Who is the probation officer for a certain incarcerated individual?
Information on probation officers can be found by calling the Allegheny County Adult Probation Office at 412-350-2320 or visiting Adult Probation for more information.
Is there a notary inside the jail?
Individual Allegheny County Jail caseworkers are approved notaries, so incarcerated individuals may ask the caseworker assigned to their pod for more information.
How do I drop off glasses or contacts for an inmate?
Prescription and/or reading glasses and contacts may be dropped off at the Allegheny County Jail.
- Pre-authorization must be provided prior to dropping these items off. Approvals can be requested by calling 412-350-2277.
- Following approval, these items may be dropped off from 9-11 am each Tuesday and 11 am to 1 pm each Saturday.
- Additionally, eyeglass cases (fabric, leather or hardened cases), contact cases with saline solution and contacts will not be accepted.
- Contact lenses must come in original packaging. Contact lens cases must be empty and dry.
Anything that has the appearance of tampering will not be accepted.
More information can be found on Inmate Medical Supplies.
How can I marry an incarcerated individual at the jail?
Any incarcerated individual who wishes to marry while incarcerated at the Allegheny County Jail must have their attorney make all of the marriage arrangements through the courts. The ACJ Chaplain’s Office does not perform marriage ceremonies.