The Great Philadelphia Inmate Escape... Except You're Trying to Find One
Let's face it, sometimes life throws curveballs that land you needing to find an inmate in Philadelphia. Maybe you're a superhero lawyer on a mission (doubt it, but hey, a guy can dream). Perhaps you're estranged family and, well, curiosity got the cat. Whatever the reason, navigating the prison system can feel like trying to decipher a pigeon's love letter. But fear not, intrepid detective! This guide will have you saying "aha!" faster than you can say "orange is the new black" (though hopefully the inmate you find isn't wearing that particular shade).
How Do I Find An Inmate In Philadelphia |
Step 1: Embrace the Power of the Web
The City of Philadelphia, bless its digital heart, has a nifty little tool called the Incarcerated Person Locator [don't worry, it's not as dramatic as the name sounds]. This website is your best friend. All you need is either the inmate's police identification number (PID) (fancy talk for a fancy number) or their full name and date of birth. Pop that info in, press "enter," and voila! Suddenly, you'll be swimming in a sea of helpful details, like which correctional facility houses your quarry.
Step 2: Calling in the Cavalry (or at least the Correction Officers)
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
Maybe the internet ate your search or you're feeling a touch old-school. No problem, pick up the phone and dial (215) 685-8394, (215) 685-8395, or (215) 685-8396. These friendly folks at the Philadelphia Prison System's Classification, Movement, and Registration department will be happy to assist you in your inmate-finding quest.
For our Spanish-speaking amigos, fret not! Dial (215) 685-8392 and someone will be happy to help in your native tongue.
Important Side Note: If you're dealing with an inmate outside of the Philadelphia Prison System (maybe they have a thing for state prisons?), you'll need to use the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate and Parolee Locator [another website, but a trusty one].
Frequently Asked Questions (because we know you have them)
QuickTip: Slow scrolling helps comprehension.
How to Escape Finding an Inmate (Just Kidding...Please Don't Actually Escape)
There is no escape! But seriously, if your reason for finding the inmate is to facilitate their escape, we highly recommend against it. Not only is it illegal, but it will likely end poorly for everyone involved.
How to Bail Out an Inmate
Tip: Look for examples to make points easier to grasp.
This is a legal process that requires a bail bondsman. The Philadelphia Prison System doesn't offer bail information directly, so you'll need to do some external research.
How to Write to an Inmate
In most cases, you can write to an inmate using their correctional facility's address. Be sure to double-check the specific guidelines for sending mail, as they can vary.
Tip: Watch for summary phrases — they give the gist.
How to Send Money to an Inmate
Most correctional facilities allow deposits to inmate accounts. Again, check the specific facility's guidelines for accepted methods (money order, online transfer, etc.).
How to Know if Someone is Lying About Being in Jail
A tricky one. While there's no foolproof method, some red flags might exist. If they're asking for money upfront for a lawyer or bail but can't provide any details about the facility, that's a cause for suspicion. Ultimately, a healthy dose of caution is key.