Blair County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Blair County?
Inmate records in Blair County are official government documents maintained by the Blair County Prison and the Blair County Sheriff's Office that document the custody status and personal information of individuals who are incarcerated within the county correctional system. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that tracks individuals from their initial booking through their release from custody.
Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways. While court records document the judicial proceedings related to an individual's case and are maintained by the Blair County Court of Common Pleas, inmate records specifically document the physical custody and institutional management of detainees and are maintained by correctional authorities. This distinction is established under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, which governs public access to government records.
The creation of inmate records follows a standardized process:
- Records are initiated during the booking and intake process when an individual is first taken into custody
- Information is systematically updated throughout the period of incarceration
- Records are completed and archived upon the individual's release from custody
- Documentation includes both physical and electronic records maintained in secure databases
According to 61 Pa.C.S. § 1101, correctional institutions in Pennsylvania are required to maintain accurate records of all persons committed to their custody. These records serve multiple purposes including ensuring proper identification, facilitating appropriate housing assignments, documenting medical needs, and maintaining security within the facility.
The Blair County Prison, operating under the authority of the Blair County Prison Board, is the primary custodian of inmate records for individuals held in county custody.
Blair County Prison
419 Market Square Alley
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
(814) 693-3155
Blair County Prison
Are Inmate Records Public In Blair County?
Inmate records in Blair County are partially accessible to the public under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. §§ 67.101-67.3104). This statute establishes the presumption that government records are public unless specifically exempted by law, privileged, or protected by court order or decree.
For correctional facilities in Blair County, certain inmate information is routinely made available to the public, while other information remains confidential due to security concerns and privacy protections. The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and county facilities operate under guidelines established in 37 Pa. Code § 95.243, which addresses records management in correctional facilities.
Information typically available to the public includes:
- Current inmate roster (names of individuals currently in custody)
- Basic booking information including date of intake
- Charges filed against the inmate
- Mugshot photographs (with certain exceptions)
- Bond/bail amounts
- Scheduled court dates
- Expected release dates for sentenced inmates
- Current housing facility
Information generally not available to the public includes:
- Detailed medical records
- Mental health information
- Disciplinary records
- Social security numbers
- Specific security-related information
- Victim information
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
The Blair County Prison maintains an inmate lookup system that provides public access to basic custody information. For more comprehensive records, members of the public may submit formal records requests through the county's Right-to-Know process, which is administered by the designated Open Records Officer for Blair County.
What's Included Inmate Records in Blair County
Inmate records in Blair County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the correctional system. These records are maintained in accordance with 61 Pa.C.S. § 1101 and include the following categories of information:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, and identifying physical characteristics
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints and other biometric data
- State identification number and/or FBI number
- Inmate identification number assigned by the facility
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency
- Custody classification
- Housing assignment within the facility
- Disciplinary incidents and actions
- Visitation records
- Commissary account information
- Personal property inventory
Charge Information:
- Current charges
- Case numbers
- Warrant information
- Criminal history information
- Probation/parole status
- Detainer information from other jurisdictions
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond/bail amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, not posted)
- Bond conditions
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned to case
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court orders related to custody
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction details
- Sentence length and terms
- Credit for time served
- Minimum and maximum release dates
- Parole eligibility date
- Good time/earned time calculations
- Participation in rehabilitation programs
Release Information:
- Scheduled release date
- Actual release date and time
- Release type (bail, completion of sentence, transfer)
- Post-release supervision requirements
- Conditions of release
These records are maintained in both physical and electronic formats within the Blair County correctional system, with access restricted based on security clearance and need-to-know basis for staff members.
Blair County Prison System
The Blair County Prison system operates under the authority of the Blair County Prison Board, which consists of the county commissioners, district attorney, sheriff, controller, and president judge. This governance structure is established pursuant to 61 Pa.C.S. § 1721, which outlines the composition and responsibilities of county prison boards in Pennsylvania.
Blair County maintains a local correctional facility primarily designed for:
- Pre-trial detention of individuals awaiting court proceedings
- Incarceration of individuals sentenced to terms of up to two years less one day
- Temporary holding of individuals awaiting transfer to state correctional institutions
- Housing of state inmates under specific agreements with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
It is important to distinguish between county and state correctional facilities in Pennsylvania. The Blair County Prison houses individuals with shorter sentences (generally under two years) and those awaiting trial, while the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections manages state prisons that house individuals with longer sentences for more serious offenses.
The Blair County Prison system operates under the day-to-day management of a warden appointed by the Prison Board. The Sheriff's Office provides transportation services for inmates to and from court appearances and assists with certain security functions.
Blair County Sheriff's Office
423 Allegheny Street, Suite 239
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
(814) 693-3100
Blair County Sheriff's Office
Blair County Prison Board
423 Allegheny Street
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
(814) 693-3000
Blair County Commissioners
Types of Correctional Facilities In Blair County
Blair County's correctional system consists primarily of one main facility with various security classifications and specialized units. The county does not operate multiple separate physical facilities but rather maintains different housing units within its central prison complex.
Blair County Prison
419 Market Square Alley
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
(814) 693-3155
Blair County Prison
The Blair County Prison includes the following specialized housing units and classifications:
General Population Housing:
- Male general population units with varying security levels
- Female general population units
- Work release housing for qualified minimum-security inmates
Specialized Housing Units:
- Intake/booking unit for processing new arrivals
- Medical housing for inmates requiring healthcare monitoring
- Mental health housing for inmates with psychiatric needs
- Disciplinary/administrative segregation for inmates requiring separation
- Protective custody for inmates at risk in general population
Treatment Programs:
- Substance abuse treatment programs
- Educational and vocational training areas
- Religious services facilities
- Counseling and rehabilitation program spaces
The facility operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, with professional correctional staff including corrections officers, medical personnel, counselors, and administrative staff. The prison is designed to accommodate approximately 350 inmates, though actual population may fluctuate based on criminal justice system activity within the county.
In addition to the main prison facility, Blair County maintains partnerships with neighboring counties for specialized needs and overflow housing when necessary. The county also coordinates with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections for the transfer of inmates sentenced to state incarceration.
Who's in Prison In Blair County
The Blair County Prison population consists of several distinct categories of individuals who are held in custody for various legal reasons. The facility houses a diverse population that typically includes:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted
- Those who could not post bail or were denied bail due to flight risk or public safety concerns
- Persons awaiting arraignment, preliminary hearings, or trial proceedings
Sentenced Offenders:
- Individuals serving sentences of up to two years less one day for misdemeanor convictions
- Persons convicted of certain felonies with shorter sentences as determined by the courts
- Offenders serving partial confinement sentences (work release, weekend sentences)
- Individuals serving time for probation or parole violations
Specialized Populations:
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state correctional facilities
- Persons held on detainers from other jurisdictions
- State inmates temporarily housed in the county facility for court appearances
- Federal detainees held under contract with federal agencies
The demographic composition of the Blair County Prison population generally reflects patterns seen in the criminal justice system throughout Pennsylvania. According to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and county reports, the population typically includes:
- A majority male population (approximately 80-85%)
- A female population housed in separate units (approximately 15-20%)
- Age ranges primarily between 18-55 years
- Diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds
- Varying educational and socioeconomic backgrounds
- High prevalence of substance use disorders and mental health conditions
The average daily population fluctuates based on arrest rates, court processing times, and sentencing patterns within the county. The facility typically operates near its designed capacity, with population management being a continuous priority for prison administrators.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Blair County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Blair County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county currently maintains multiple channels through which inmate status and basic information can be verified:
Online Inmate Lookup System:
- Visit the Blair County Prison's official website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Lookup" or "Current Inmates" section
- Enter the required search criteria (typically last name, first name, or inmate ID number)
- Review the results, which generally include basic custody status, charges, and bail information
- Note that the online system provides limited information and is updated regularly but may not reflect real-time changes
In-Person Records Request:
- Visit the Blair County Prison during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Complete a records request form at the facility's public information desk
- Provide proper identification and specify the information being requested
- Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction
- Allow processing time as specified by staff (typically 5-10 business days)
Written Records Request:
- Submit a formal Right-to-Know request to the Blair County Open Records Officer
- Include specific details about the inmate and information sought
- Provide contact information for response
- Mail the request to:
Blair County Open Records Officer
423 Allegheny Street, Suite 142
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
(814) 693-3000
Blair County Right-to-Know
Telephone Verification:
- Call the Blair County Prison at (814) 693-3155 during business hours
- Provide the name of the individual whose custody status you wish to verify
- Note that phone verification is limited to basic custody confirmation and visiting hours
- Staff cannot release detailed information over the phone due to security and privacy policies
When requesting inmate records, be prepared to provide:
- Inmate's full legal name
- Date of birth (if known)
- Inmate ID number (if known)
- Your relationship to the inmate (for certain types of requests)
- Valid identification for in-person requests
All record requests are processed in accordance with the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law and applicable correctional policies regarding information disclosure.
How To Find an Inmate in Blair County for Free?
Blair County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently held in the county correctional system. These free resources are designed to help family members, legal representatives, and other interested parties verify an individual's custody status without financial burden:
Blair County Prison Online Inmate Lookup:
- Access the Blair County website at www.blairco.org
- Navigate to the Prison Department section
- Select the "Inmate Lookup" feature
- Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
- Review the results, which typically include current custody status, booking date, and basic charge information
- This service is available 24/7 and updates regularly
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal:
- Visit the PA UJS Web Portal
- Select "Participant Name Search" under the appropriate court (Magisterial District Courts or Common Pleas Courts)
- Enter the individual's name
- Review case information, which often indicates custody status
- This service provides court case information that can help confirm incarceration status
Telephone Verification:
- Call the Blair County Prison at (814) 693-3155
- Request basic custody verification during regular business hours
- Provide the full name of the person you are inquiring about
- Basic custody status (whether the person is currently in custody) is provided without charge
- Note that detailed information may not be available through this method
In-Person Inquiry:
- Visit the Blair County Prison during public office hours (typically 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday)
- Speak with the reception staff at the public entrance
- Provide the name of the individual you are inquiring about
- Receive basic custody confirmation at no charge
- This method also allows you to obtain visiting information if the person is confirmed to be in custody
When using these free methods to locate an inmate, it is advisable to have as much identifying information as possible, including the individual's full legal name, any known aliases, and date of birth if available. This helps ensure accurate results, particularly for individuals with common names.
How To Visit an Inmate In Blair County
Visitation at the Blair County Prison is governed by established procedures designed to maintain facility security while facilitating important connections between inmates and their support networks. All visits must comply with the regulations set forth by the Blair County Prison Board pursuant to 61 Pa.C.S. § 1721.
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
- Visitors must register at least 24 hours in advance for most visit types
- Proper identification (government-issued photo ID) is required for all visitors
- All visitors are subject to search upon entering the facility
- Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor
- Visitors with criminal histories may require special approval
Visit Schedule:
- General population visits: Wednesday-Sunday, scheduled in one-hour blocks
- Schedule varies by housing unit and security classification
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy) available Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Special visits may be arranged with advance approval from the warden
- Holiday schedules are subject to modification
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- Vehicle keys (to be stored in provided lockers)
- Necessary medical items (with prior approval)
- Baby supplies for infant visitors (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)
- Visiting order or confirmation (if applicable)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
- Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, cameras)
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $50 (for vending machines where available)
- Medications (unless medically necessary and pre-approved)
Dress Code:
- Conservative, appropriate attire is required
- No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts/skirts, see-through materials)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- Shoes and shirts required at all times
- No hats or head coverings (except religious items with prior approval)
- No excessively baggy clothing
Visit Types:
- Contact visits (available for certain classifications)
- Non-contact visits (through glass partition with telephone)
- Video visitation (available for certain housing units)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, social services)
- Special visits (with administrative approval)
Visit Restrictions:
- Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
- Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
- Visitors with active warrants may be subject to arrest
- Former inmates may have waiting periods before being approved as visitors
- Violation of rules may result in suspension of visiting privileges
Blair County Prison Visitation Office
419 Market Square Alley
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
(814) 693-3155
Blair County Prison
How To Send Money to a Blair County Inmate
Blair County Prison provides several secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow inmates to purchase approved items from the prison commissary, make phone calls, and in some cases, pay for certain services within the facility.
In-Person Cash Deposits:
- Visit the Blair County Prison lobby during designated hours (typically 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday)
- Complete the required deposit slip with inmate name and ID number
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Submit cash to the designated staff member
- Obtain a receipt for your transaction
- No personal checks are accepted for in-person deposits
Money Order Deposits by Mail:
- Purchase a money order from an approved provider (USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram)
- Make the money order payable to "Blair County Prison" with the inmate's name and ID number in the memo line
- Include a note with the inmate's full name and your contact information
- Mail to:
Blair County Prison - Inmate Accounts
419 Market Square Alley
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
Online Deposits via Third-Party Service:
- Visit the approved third-party payment processor website
- Create an account or proceed as a guest
- Enter the inmate's information (name and ID number)
- Enter payment information (credit/debit card or electronic check)
- Pay the associated service fee (typically $2.50-$7.95 depending on deposit amount)
- Save the confirmation receipt
Amount Limits:
- Minimum deposit: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit total: $500.00
- Maximum account balance: $750.00
Service Fees:
- In-person cash deposits: No fee
- Money orders by mail: No fee
- Online/phone deposits: Variable fee based on amount and provider
- Fees are subject to change and are set by the third-party service provider
Restrictions on Funds:
- Funds cannot be used for bail or bond payments
- Money cannot be transferred between inmate accounts
- Deposits from unauthorized sources may be rejected
- Funds from individuals with active criminal cases connected to the inmate may be rejected
Approved Uses for Inmate Funds:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Telephone calls
- Electronic messaging where available
- Approved educational materials
- Medical co-pays
- Restitution payments (when court-ordered)
Prohibited Uses:
- Purchase of contraband items
- Payment for unauthorized services
- Transfer to outside accounts
- Gambling or other prohibited activities
Upon an inmate's release, any remaining funds in their account will be returned via debit card or check according to facility procedures.
How To Send Jail Mail In Blair County
Correspondence with inmates at the Blair County Prison is permitted but must adhere to strict guidelines established for security and operational purposes. All mail is subject to inspection and must comply with Pennsylvania Department of Corrections policies and 37 Pa. Code § 93.2 regarding inmate mail privileges.
Regular Mail Guidelines:
- Address all mail clearly with the inmate's full name and ID number (if known)
- Include your full name and return address on the envelope
- Use standard white envelopes only
- Send mail to:
Inmate Full Name, ID# (if known)
Blair County Prison
419 Market Square Alley
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
Permitted Mail Items:
- Personal letters (limited to 10 pages per envelope)
- Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
- Money orders (following the procedures outlined in the money deposit section)
- Legal correspondence (clearly marked as "Legal Mail" on the envelope)
- Religious materials (subject to review by facility chaplain)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages of any kind without prior approval
- Padded or oversized envelopes
- Plastic, metal, or other non-paper items
- Stickers, labels, or tape on correspondence
- Polaroid photographs
- Sexually explicit or obscene materials
- Materials depicting violence or criminal activity
- Cash, personal checks, or stamps
- Correspondence containing threats or coded messages
- Crayon, marker, highlighter, glitter, lipstick, or similar substances
- Items with perfume, cologne, or other scents
- Food items or contraband of any kind
Legal Mail:
- Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" on the envelope
- Must be from an attorney, court, or legal organization
- Will be opened in the presence of the inmate
- Is subject to inspection for contraband but not read for content
- Should include attorney bar number when applicable
Publications and Books:
- Must be sent directly from the publisher or approved vendor
- Paperback books only (hardcover books are prohibited)
- Subject to review for appropriate content
- Limited to 3 books per mailing
- Religious texts are permitted subject to security review
Electronic Messaging (where available):
- Available through approved third-party service
- Requires account creation and inmate information
- Subject to monitoring and content restrictions
- May involve per-message fees
- Messages may be printed and delivered to inmates
All incoming mail is inspected for contraband and inappropriate content. Mail that violates facility policies will be rejected and either returned to sender, placed in the inmate's personal property, or destroyed depending on the nature of the violation. Inmates are notified when mail is rejected.