Elk County Prison

Search for an Inmate in Elk County

Elk County Prison Information

The Elk County Prison is a 68 bed jail in the city of Ridgway, Elk County, Pennsylvania. Offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies in this county are brought here for booking and processing, and if their crime requires it, are incarcerated until they either get bail or are released from custody on their own recognizance.

Those who are found guilty and sentenced to a term of less than one year, will do their time in this county. Those sentenced to longer terms will be sent to either the Pennsylvania State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 814-776-5342, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.

It's always a good idea to find out and save the inmate's jail ID number or booking number as you may need this for sending mail or other communication needs. If you can't locate it online, you can call the Elk County Prison at 814-776-5342 to get it.

Phone: 814-776-5342

Physical Address:
225 Center Street
Ridgway, PA 15853

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Elk County Prison?

To search for an inmate in the Elk County Prison, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 814-776-5342 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an offender's Criminal Court Case online in Elk County or any other county in Pennsylvania.

Elk County Prison Inmate Search

The Elk County Prison maintains an average of 68 offenders in custody on any given day. The Elk County Prison has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Elk County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 1,640 offenders.

The following charts of Elk County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.

The information is compiled from the Elk County Corrections Department, the state of Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Elk County.

For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Elk County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.

We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.

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About the Elk County Prison
People who find themselves arrested within Elk County, PA, will be taken to this facility for booking. It is here that they will await their arraignment, and likely will serve their sentence as well. Both male and female inmates are held here, and juveniles may be booked here before they are transferred to the local juvenile facility. This location works with the VINELink program that offers alerts and updates to victims and officers of any case with updates on the status of the inmate. PA SAVIN is the Pennsylvania Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification that provides similar services for victims and family within the state. Each inmate has access to the commissary program to purchase needed hygiene items, writing supplies for letters, snacks, and others. To purchase from the commissary there must be money in their inmate account, which can be loaded by any of their friends or family members. Funds can be added by sending a money order to the Elk County Prison Inmate accounts, or via the online portal at accesscorrections.com. For collect calls an account can be created at icsolutions.com, allowing an inmate to call during daytime hours. Each call is 20 minutes or less, and there is no restriction on the number of calls provided the phones are accessible for all who need it and that the numbers are not blocked or limited. Anyone who does not want to receive calls from the jail can have their number blocked from the system, and inmates are not permitted to call anyone who is involved in the case including victims and co-defenders. Visits from friends and family are a privilege that is offered to all inmates at the facility, but that may be limited depending upon the behavior of the inmate. Lockers are provided in the lobby for visits on site, and no personal items will be allowed into the visitation space. Clothing must follow the dress code, and no contraband is permitted, with officers doing a quick search of any visitors. Visiting hours are based upon the housing assignment, with female housing being Thursday and Friday, and disciplinary being on Thursdays. Male housing unit A is Monday, B is Tuesday, C and administrative housing is Wednesday, work release Saturday and 205a on Sunday. The hours are 1:30-3:30pm and 6-8pm.
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Recent Bookings & Arrests

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Elk County Prison?

To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Elk County Prison, call the jail’s booking line at 814-776-5342.

There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.

Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.

If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.

Elk County Prison Booking Roster

What happens during booking in Elk County?

After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Elk County for booking.

Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.

What is the booking process like at the Elk County Prison?

Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Elk County and other Pennsylvania and USA jurisdictions.

If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.

It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.

What kind of questions are asked during booking?

The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.

What happens to an offender’s personal property during booking?

During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.

Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.

What happens after booking?

At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.

If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Elk County Prison will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.

Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.

How long does the Elk County Prison Booking process take?

Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.

If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.

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Directions / Map to the Elk County Prison
Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Elk County Prison? What is the Schedule?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Elk County Prison’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 814-776-5342 for further assistance.

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Remote Video Visitation

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Elk County Prison?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Elk County Prison’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 814-776-5342 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Elk County Prison?

There are three choices for putting money on an inmate's books:
Choice 1 - Deposit Inmate Money Online
Choice 2 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail
Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person and you don't have a debit/credit card for online deposits. Never send cash. Always send a Money Order from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union. Make the Money Order out to Elk County Prison Inmate Accounts and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order.
Send to: P.O. Box 448, Ridgway, PA  15853
Choice 3 - Make an Inmate Deposit over the Phone by calling 866-345-1884.

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Elk County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Elk County Prison follow these steps:

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select Pennsylvania, then select Elk County Prison, and then the inmate you want to send money to.
  • Choose the amount of money you want to send, and input your payment method.

For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account check out our full money and commissary guide for Elk County Prison.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Elk County Prison’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 814-776-5342 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Elk County Prison?

How Do Inmates in Elk County Prison Make Phone Calls?

To receive phone calls from inmates in Elk County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:

  • Elk County Prison uses the services of IC Solutions.
  • Register with them online or call them at 888-506-8407
  • Agents are available 24 hours a day, and speak both English & Spanish.
  • Services for Elk County inmates and their families and friends include Collect Calling, PIN Debits, Purchasing Calling Cards, Voicemail & Prepaid calls.  In addition, IC Solutions provides secure messaging, sending photos, video phone calls and online deposits for inmates and their families in Elk County.
  • Although rates are subject to change, they generally run about $0.21 per minute for phone calls.

Note: All your calls with an inmate are recorded, stored and shared with law enforcement if the conversation deals with your case or any criminal activity. Anything communicated can be used against you or your inmate in court.

For all the information regarding phone calls with Elk County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, limits and more visit our Inmate Phone Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Elk County Prison’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 814-776-5342 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Elk County Prison, and what can I send them?


TextBehind enables you to communicate with your incarcerated loved ones located inside the United States from anywhere in the world using text letters, kids' drawings, and custom greeting cards. Unlimited inmate reply letters are processed for electronic delivery to your smartphone and email at no extra charge.
The cost to send an electronic letter is approximately $1.00.

Here’s how it works for Elk County Prison:
1.    All offender mail (paper and electronic) is addressed and delivered to TextBehind. Electronic mail is sent through the apps (iphone, Google Play). Paper mail is sent to the address below:
Inmate Name and Inmate Number
Elk County Prison Pennsylvania
(note: please do not abbreviate the name)
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131

2.    If it was sent via TextBehind's app (iphone, Google Play), TextBehind can process it within one business day.
3.    An additional step is involved in processing mail that is sent using the U.S. Postal Service. TextBehind will  use a scanner to make digital files of the contents of the mailing—including cards, photos or artwork.
4.    All digital files are then forwarded to the offender’s assigned prison.
5.    Elk County Prison mailroom prints approved pages and delivers them to the inmate.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • TextBehind does not deliver any mail to the inmate directly, nor do they guarantee delivery of your letters to the inmates by the courier, jail or prison staff. Once they process your mail and ship them out on your behalf, they are out of the loop entirely. However, at times they may offer to resend your letters under certain strict conditions as a courtesy. 
  • Inmates do not receive any invites when you add them, and neither do they need to accept the use of TextBehind service. Once you add the inmate, you can create letters for them. 

Here’s what happens when TextBehind receives a letter from an inmate:

  • Upon receiving, TextBehind staff open their letters, scan, and upload high-quality images to your TextBehind account as a complimentary service. You are not required to have any money or credits balance in your TextBehind account to receive inmate letters.
  • Next, you will receive a text and email alert to notify you of any new incoming reply letters. At that time, you can log into the TextBehind website or mobile app and view letters in your CONTACTS >> Click on Conversation Icon. 

YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS...

  • Inmates do require a stamp to send out their letters to TextBehind using Postal Service.
  • The cash or credit balance from your TextBehind account will not be shared with inmates as a substitute for the stamps. 
  • All letters printed and shipped by TextBehind nationwide to virtually any jail or prison facility are delivered to the jails/prisons by couriers such as the USPS or FedEx as their standard process.
  • After the shipments, TextBehind has no control over the process.
  • The delivery of your letters depends on couriers and prison staff taking necessary action on time.

IMPORTANT TextBehind LINKS:
Register / Log in with TextBehind
Contact TextBehind with Questions
Add an Inmate to your list of Contacts

** Address to Mail letters using TextBehind **
Inmate Name and Inmate Number
Elk County Prison Pennsylvania (
note: please do not abbreviate the name)
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131

Why is TextBehind used by Lockups?
Due to the problem of letters and postcards containing, or soaked in contraband (drugs), TextBehind electronic and physical letters is replacing the former policy of allowing mail to be sent directly from inmate’s friends and family members, and vice versa.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Elk County Prison’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 814-776-5342 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Elk County Prison, and what can I purchase?

Inmates can order commissary every week by putting in an order form and having the money debited from his/her inmate account.
The Commissary offers a variety of items consisting of grooming aids, snacks and personal hygiene items.  
A list of items offered are posted in each Housing Unit. 
If an inmate is considered indigent status, because they have no money, Elk County Prison will provide the inmate with an indigent pack including a pencil, writing paper and personal hygiene items.

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Elk County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Elk County Prison follow these steps:

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select Pennsylvania, then select Elk County Prison, and then the inmate you want to send money to.
  • Choose the amount of money you want to send, and input your payment method.

For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account check out our full money and commissary guide for Elk County Prison.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Elk County Prison’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 814-776-5342 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Elk County Prison using an Online Messaging Service?

Elk County Prison allows Secure Messaging using a third-party service call Access Corrections.

They are the same company that facilitate Secure Deposits and Securepaks, so if you are already registered with them, then you are already approved to send Secure Messages to your inmate.

Register/Log in here.

After Registering/Logging In:

1.     You choose Elk County Prison.
2.    You Search for your inmate by typing in his last name. You can further narrow your search by adding his first name and/or Inmate ID.
3.    You add a credit or debit card.
4.    You buy a message plan (plans and prices vary), or buy credits. One credit costs $0.01.
5.    You select the option for your inmate to be able use the credits which you purchase, to message back to you... Or not.
6.    Elk County Prison charges a fee for each message sent or received.

Important Things to Know

 - Access Corrections has an iphone app and an android app for using their services.
 - ALL of your correspondence will be monitored by the jail. 
 - Do NOT write anything you wouldn’t want repeated in court.
 - Rates vary and are always subject to change.
 - Inmates can write you back ONLY if you select that option.
 - You CAN send photos up to 32MB in file size. Subject to change.
 - You CAN have unlimited credits on your account but are limited in the amount of each credit purchase.
 - You may NOT type or send emoticons.
 - You may NOT copy and paste text. Type directly.
 - You may NOT type profanities, violence or characters not approved. 
 - Due to messages having to be reviewed first, allow up to five days for a message to be delivered.
 - You may NOT transfer credits to another email.

Phone: 866-345-1884

Email:  [email protected]
FAQ
Contact Page
iphone app
Android app

How Do Inmates in Elk County Prison Make Phone Calls?

To receive phone calls from inmates in Elk County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:

  • Elk County Prison uses the services of IC Solutions.
  • Register with them online or call them at 888-506-8407
  • Agents are available 24 hours a day, and speak both English & Spanish.
  • Services for Elk County inmates and their families and friends include Collect Calling, PIN Debits, Purchasing Calling Cards, Voicemail & Prepaid calls.  In addition, IC Solutions provides secure messaging, sending photos, video phone calls and online deposits for inmates and their families in Elk County.
  • Although rates are subject to change, they generally run about $0.21 per minute for phone calls.

Note: All your calls with an inmate are recorded, stored and shared with law enforcement if the conversation deals with your case or any criminal activity. Anything communicated can be used against you or your inmate in court.

For all the information regarding phone calls with Elk County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, limits and more visit our Inmate Phone Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Elk County Prison’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 814-776-5342 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Elk County Prison have Access to Tablets or Computers?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Elk County Prison’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 814-776-5342 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the Elk County Prison? What does it look like?
Other Jails in Elk County

What are the other City and County Jails in Elk County?

Elk County County Jails
Elk County Juvenile Facilities
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Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Elk County?

Elk Forest Jefferson Warren McKean Cameron Clearfield
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Search for an Inmate in Elk County

This facility, known as "Elk County Prison" is also known as Elk County Courthouse, Elk County Prison, Pennsylvania, Elk.