Columbia County Prison

Search for an Inmate in Columbia County

Columbia County Prison Information

The Columbia County Prison is a 167 bed jail in the city of Bloomsburg, Columbia County, Pennsylvania. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate information at 570-784-4815.

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 are either bonded out, are released from custody on their own recognizance, or are ordered to remain in custody until the disposition of their trial.

You can also use the inmate search tool to see this facility's roster of those who have been arrested and are still in custody.

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 570-784-4815, 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 Columbia County Prison at 570-784-4815 to get it.

Phone: 570-784-4815

Physical Address:
721 Iron Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Columbia County Prison-PA
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Columbia County Prison
721 Iron Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Columbia County Prison?

To search for an inmate in the Columbia 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 570-784-4815 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an offender's Criminal Court Case online in Columbia County or any other county in Pennsylvania.

Columbia County Prison Inmate Search

The Columbia County Prison maintains an average of 167 offenders in custody on any given day. The Columbia 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 Columbia County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 3,340 offenders.

The following charts of Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia County Prison

Additions to the original 1800s building that largely resembles a castle with its stone and brick construction and imposing structure, the Columbia County Prison houses both male and female inmates with a full range of types of charges and security needs. The current capacity is 250 inmates who are pre-trial, sentenced to less than 5 years, or in breach of probation or parole regulations.

To accommodate the growth and progress of each inmate there are several programs offered within the facility that will help to improve their education: obtain a GED, drug and alcohol recovery, AA meetings, coaching for life skills, classes for parenting, and religious classes.

Work Release allows qualifying inmates to work while they are incarcerated, returning to the jail each evening and continuing to serve their sentence, while also maintaining financial obligations and supporting their families who are waiting for them.

Any questions regarding an inmate may be directed to 570-784-4815 or their status and bail can be found online.

Family and friends may support inmates financially by providing funds to their commissary, or by adding funds to their account in general, or through the lobby kiosk.

Friends and family may also send mail to:

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Columbia County Prison-PA
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131

... where it will be checked for contraband, or they can send email messages.

Phones are available and funded online, allowing them to make outgoing calls each day, while visits are currently no contact and video based.

Visiting hours are:

SATURDAY
9:00 AM-11:00 AM: A Unit 
11:00 AM-1:00 PM: D North Unit 
1:00 PM-3:00 PM: D South Unit 

SUNDAY
9:00 AM-11:00AM: B Unit 
11:00 AM-1:00 PM: F Unit 
1:00 PM-3:00 PM: C Unit 

Each resident is permitted one visit onsite and face to face each week, and online visits may be accessed online. 

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

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

To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Columbia County Prison, call the jail’s booking line at 570-784-4815.

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.

Columbia County Prison Booking Roster

What happens during booking in Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia County Prison
Inmate Bail and Bonding

What is Bail?

Bail is what the arrested in Columbia County must pay or do to stay out of jail until the first court appearance. 

The agreement to bail acts as a promise that the arrested will return to court for court dates and trial. Bail usually refers to a dollar amount, but bail can also mean something that has to be done, or a condition such as reporting to an officer of the court, a curfew, restraining orders or attending a treatment program. 

Bail is usually a significant enough amount of money and/or condition that the person will be negatively impacted and has incentive to return to court and not flee. A flight risk usually means that the person would flee the area, and not necessary that they are going to take an airplane. 

If a judge in Columbia County feels that the arrested will return to court for further proceedings, the arrested could be released under a conditional release without needing to pay bail money. This is called Released on Own Recognizance, or ROR.  

Conditions for ROR might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court. 

If the judge or bail schedule determines that the defendant would be a danger to the public if they were released, bail can be denied, and the person will be detained in the Columbia County Prison until the case is resolved or goes to trial. 

Bail can be denied if the defendant did not comply with bail conditions from a previous arrest. Bail is usually denied in cases of violent offenses. 

What is the difference between Bail and Bond?

Bail and bond are used interchangeably to mean the same thing but technically, they are different.  The bail is the amount to be paid and a bond is a signed document promising payment of the bail amount with certain conditions. Think of a bond as a loan to pay for the bail.  

The bond payment is always written to the court in your municipality, Columbia County or district directly and does not go through the defendant. Chances of obtaining a bond from a bond company or clerk of court are better if family is involved.  

The thought of being in jail can cause the arrested to panic and try to secure a bond immediately.

DO NOT panic and take the time to understand all the options.  

More courts are now trying to work with defendants to make bail work and might provide non-monetary options or even reduce the bail.  

Payments to a bond company are not refundable. It is a long process to get back property title or money that was given to the clerk of court or bondsperson to secure the bond. This could put your loved ones into a difficult financial situation. 

Another reason not to unnecessarily rush into securing a bond is that if the court notes that you came up with the money to pay a bond company, they may assume you have resources to pay a defense attorney and decline public defense.  

On the other hand, as anyone who has ever been involved in their criminal defense understands, fighting your case while ‘out on the streets’ gives you a much better chance of either winning, or getting a more favorable sentence.  

What are the different types of bonds in Columbia County?

Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge or bail officer will determine and notify the accused of which types of bonds are available to them.

To describe the types of bonds, let’s use an example of buying your neighbor’s car. Your neighbor decides the price of the car and how they would be paid.  

Similarly, the court (meaning a police or bail officer, clerk of court, bail magistrate or judge) determines the bail amount and how it would be paid.

Here are different options that the seller of the car or the court might consider:

You could pay full asking price for the car in cash. This is similar to paying cash bail.  The full amount of bail would be paid to the town or county clerk or at the jail. Cash, cashier’s checks and credit cards are usually accepted.

You could sign an agreement on your own or with another person to pay for the car at a future date knowing that your neighbor would know where to find you if you stopped payment. This would be similar to a cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond which are bonds to where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front. 

If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you. 

Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible for making sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up.

Surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.

You can put a deposit down for your neighbor’s car and sign an agreement that the car will be paid off at a later date. Cash percentage in lieu of bonds is when the defendant pays a percentage of the bail amount, usually 10%, to the court which then holds the money until the case is over. 

The amount is returned to the person who paid the 10% after the case is over. In most cases, the full amount is not returned if there are court fees or fines due. This is a type of surety bond if another person signs the bond paperwork.

You could sign an agreement that if the car were not paid off, that your neighbor would get your house or something of value. 

A property bond is a bond that the courts might consider in which the bond is pledged in land or home real estate (mobile homes are not accepted).  

Usually, the property must be in the same state as the courts, and it must be worth at least 1 ½ - 2 times the amount of the bond.  

There are multiple court fees involved to execute a property bond with the courts and a tedious process to get the property deed back. This is another type of surety bond if another person or a bond company is used to secure the bond. 

You could also go to a local bank and take out a car loan offering property or anything of value for collateral. You may get someone to co-sign on the loan and offer their property. The bank charges fees, interest and could keep your property if you did not pay the loan back, or even on time.  

A professional bondsperson makes money, at least 10% of the bond amount by providing you with a “loan” called a bond. The percent that they charge is fixed by the state and cannot be negotiated. The defendant or surety does not get that 10% or more back even if the terms of the bail are met. 

With a property bond, the property deed would need to be signed over to the bondsperson and everyone on the deed would need to be involved. 

Since the bondsperson signed off, to be responsible that you show to court as your surety, they can send a bounty hunter to bring you to court if you flee. A bondsperson does not have to give you a bond if the defendant seems to be too much of a risk.

Ask the bondsperson to explain all the costs: percentage, fees or court fees. There is never a reason to rush through signing the paperwork with a bond company. Make sure that everything told to you is in writing and that you understand what you are signing. Ask questions, and if you feel rushed or don’t understand the contract with the bond company, you might want to call another one.

(There have been phone scams where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information.  A bondsperson will not call asking for money without involvement of the arrested.)

Does Columbia County Pennsylvania have bail?  

Yes,  Columbia County recognizes most types of bonds.

What kind of bonds are accepted in Columbia County? 

Bail in Columbia County is available in several different forms including release on recognizance (ROR), release on non-monetary conditions, non-secured bail, nominal bail and monetary conditions.

Who can set bail in Pennsylvania?  

Bail is set by a judge, either at a District Court or the Court of Common Pleas. 

When is bail set in Pennsylvania?  

Bail will be set during the first/initial court hearing, also called an arraignment. This court hearing may be the same day as the arrest or the next day depending on the court schedule. Hearings are not held on weekends or holidays.

Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Columbia County Pennsylvania? 

Yes, your attorney may file a request for bail reduction or modification.

In Columbia County Pennsylvania, who can pay bail for me? 

The person posting bail should be a relative or close friend, called a surety, because they are promising and taking responsibility that you will return to court to get their money back. 

A surety is not responsible for court fees or paying off personal debts for the defendant. A professional bondsperson who is approved by the State of Pennsylvania could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.

Can bail be paid online in Columbia County Pennsylvania?  

Yes, all Pennsylvania counties offer online bail payment.

You can also contact the jail by going to the Columbia County Prison for more information about online bail payments in Columbia County.

In the alternative, the Columbia County Clerk of Court or District Court staff can assist during working hours.

What options are there to pay bail in Columbia County Pennsylvania?

Cash, credit card, or debit card. Access the PA ePay Bail option.

Please contact the jail for specific information on how to pay cash. Go to the Columbia County Prison for more information about posting bail in Columbia County.  

Will I get all my bond money back in Pennsylvania? 

Bail money is returned to the person who paid the bail; in whole or in part once the case is finished. There may be fees, restitution (money to pay for damage caused by the crime) or fines that come out of that amount. If you used a bondsperson, you would not get your 10% back. Property is returned by the court or bondsperson after the appropriate requests and formal paperwork are completed with the court.

Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Columbia County?

The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bail will be an option for you, but a cash bond and PR bonds usually do not require cash down, though you might have to pay court fees.

A cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond are bonds where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front. 

If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you. 

Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible to make sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up.  A surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.

What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in Pennsylvania?  

The Columbia County Prison or court in this jurisdiction can provide you with a list of approved and licensed bond companies, but they cannot recommend a specific company. You are not obligated to use the first company available and can call several companies to compare what kind of bonds that the bondsperson is willing to execute.  

The percentage of bail that the bond company can charge is set, usually at 10%, by the state and cannot be negotiated.

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Inmate Visitation

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

Columbia County Prison Visitation Rules – Onsite (face-to-face)

On-Site (face-to-face) Visitation hours –

SATURDAY:

9:00 AM-11:00 AM: A Unit

11:00 AM-1:00 PM: D North Unit

1:00 PM-3:00 PM: D South Unit

SUNDAY:

9:00 AM-11:00AM: B Unit

11:00 AM-1:00 PM: F Unit

1:00 PM-3:00 PM: C Unit

  • Gym by appointment only.
  • Residents are permitted one (1) weekly on-site (face-to-face) visit. Visits are limited to thirty (30) minute duration.
  • You must be listed on a resident’s Visitation List in order to visit. If you are not on the Visitation List, you will not be permitted to visit.


Columbia County Prison Inmate Visitation Schedule

721 Iron Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
570-784-4815

  • First, you must register an account with IC Solutions, then add Columbia County Prison, then your inmate.
  • Second, you can choose a time to visit.
  • Offsite Video Visits can be done on Android, IOS (Apple) or Windows devices.
  • There is no charge for Onsite Video Visits.
  • Two people maximum for on-site video visits.
  • Offsite Video Visits range from $8.75 for 25 minutes.
  • All visits must be scheduled 24 hours prior to the appointment or up to 1 weeks in advance.
  • Inmates in RHU or BISO are only allowed (1) video visit per week.
  • CHECK-IN: 10 minutes prior to scheduled visit.
  • Valid picture identification (e.g., driver’s license, State I.D., or Military I.D.) is required at Check-In.
  • Visitors under the age of 17 must be listed as an additional visitor and accompanied and supervised by an authorized visitor over the age of 18.
  • If a visitor loses internet connection during an offsite video visitation session, no refund will be issued.

ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

DAY TIME
SUNDAY NO VISITS
MONDAY NO VISITS
TUESDAY 8:45AM - 3:25PM
WEDNESDAY NO VISITS
THURSDAY 8:45AM - 3:25PM
FRIDAY NO VISITS
SATURDAY NO VISITS


REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE for Housing Units A, B, B-ISO, C, DN, DS, F, Medical

  • Inmates Housed as Administrative Custody or Disciplinary Status are NO LONGER PERMITTED face to face visitation unless approved by Administration.
DAY TIMES
SUNDAY 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM            
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM                    
4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
MONDAY 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM            
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM                    
4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
TUESDAY 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM            
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM                    
4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
WEDNESDAY 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM            
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM                    
4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
THURSDAY 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM            
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM                    
4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
FRIDAY 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM            
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM                    
4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
SATURDAY 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM            
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM                    
4:30 PM – 9:30 PM

NOTE:
Housing Units E (RHU) and Gym are on Sunday Only

8:30 AM – 12:30 PM            
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM                    
4:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Columbia County Prison uses IC Solutions for their Remote Video Visitation services.



In order to visit with your inmate online, you must first register with IC Solutions.
There are three ways to visit remotely with your inmate:
1.    Using your personal computer.
2.    Using the IC Solutions iphone or Android app.
3.    Using the IC Solutions visitation kiosk in the jail lobby.

How it Works
Register or Log in here. 

  • Once you are logged into your existing IC Solutions account or have created a new account and are logged in, you must select Register for Video and enter the facility name.
  • Select your Inmate.
  • Fund your account using either a Visa, Mastercard credit or debit card.
  • Schedule a Visit.

Registering and Scheduling Video Visits Instructions

'Understanding IC Solutions Video Visits' Instructions

Remote Visitation using the IC Solutions app
Download your phone app:
iphone
Android
Instruction for using the IC Solutions app 

Cost of a Remote Video Visit

  • The cost for a remote video visit ranges from $7-10 for 20-25 minute visit. Rates are subject to change.

Video Visitation Rules
Understanding the rules completely are the responsibility of both you and your inmate. Not knowing the rules will NOT be accepted as an excuse if you make a mistake and violate them. Disobeying them could result in being banned from have future visits.
•    Any inmate or visitor whose behavior is disruptive during a visit may have his/her visiting privileges suspended/terminated.
•    All visits are subject to monitoring and recording.
•    All visits must be scheduled 6 hours prior to the appointment or up to 13 days in advance.
•    You must check-in 15 minutes prior to the scheduled visit.
•    Valid picture identification (e.g., driver's license, State I.D., or Military I.D. with picture) is required of all visitors, with the exception of children under the age of 17.  
•    Visitors under the age of 17 must be accompanied and supervised by an authorized adult visitor.
•    Visitors who 'arrive' after the scheduled start time may not be allowed to visit.
•    Clothing must cover all private/sensitive body areas.
•    The visitation schedule may be canceled or altered on holidays or for safety/security reasons.
•    Columbia County Prison can disconnect, deny, change, or cancel a visit at any time.
•    Internet connectivity issues during offsite visits will NOT be refunded.
•    Each visitation session will show a timer to display elapsed time.
•    After your visit has ended your connection will be terminated automatically.

Columbia County Prison uses IC Solutions for their Video Visitation services.



In order to visit with your inmate online, you must first register with IC Solutions.
There are three ways to visit remotely with your inmate:
1.    Using your personal computer.
2.    Using the IC Solutions iphone or Android app.
3.    Using the IC Solutions visitation kiosk in the jail lobby.

How it Works
Register or Log in here. 

  • Once you are logged into your existing IC Solutions account or have created a new account and are logged in, you must select Register for Video and enter the facility name.
  • Select your Inmate.
  • Fund your account using either a Visa, Mastercard credit or debit card.
  • Schedule a Visit.

Registering and Scheduling Video Visits Instructions

'Understanding IC Solutions Video Visits' Instructions

Remote Visitation using the IC Solutions app
Download your phone app:
iphone
Android
Instruction for using the IC Solutions app 

Cost of a Remote Video Visit

  • The cost for a remote video visit ranges from $7-10 for 20-25 minute visit. Rates are subject to change.

Video Visitation Rules
Understanding the rules completely are the responsibility of both you and your inmate. Not knowing the rules will NOT be accepted as an excuse if you make a mistake and violate them. Disobeying them could result in being banned from have future visits.
•    Any inmate or visitor whose behavior is disruptive during a visit may have his/her visiting privileges suspended/terminated.
•    All visits are subject to monitoring and recording.
•    All visits must be scheduled 6 hours prior to the appointment or up to 13 days in advance.
•    You must check-in 15 minutes prior to the scheduled visit.
•    Valid picture identification (e.g., driver's license, State I.D., or Military I.D. with picture) is required of all visitors, with the exception of children under the age of 17.  
•    Visitors under the age of 17 must be accompanied and supervised by an authorized adult visitor.
•    Visitors who 'arrive' after the scheduled start time may not be allowed to visit.
•    Clothing must cover all private/sensitive body areas.
•    The visitation schedule may be canceled or altered on holidays or for safety/security reasons.
•    Columbia County Prison can disconnect, deny, change, or cancel a visit at any time.
•    Internet connectivity issues during offsite visits will NOT be refunded.
•    Each visitation session will show a timer to display elapsed time.
•    After your visit has ended your connection will be terminated automatically.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Columbia County Prison’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 570-784-4815 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 Columbia County Prison?

Columbia County Prison Inmate Visitation Schedule

721 Iron Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
570-784-4815

  • First, you must register an account with IC Solutions, then add Columbia County Prison, then your inmate.
  • Second, you can choose a time to visit.
  • Offsite Video Visits can be done on Android, IOS (Apple) or Windows devices.
  • There is no charge for Onsite Video Visits.
  • Two people maximum for on-site video visits.
  • Offsite Video Visits range from $8.75 for 25 minutes.
  • All visits must be scheduled 24 hours prior to the appointment or up to 1 weeks in advance.
  • Inmates in RHU or BISO are only allowed (1) video visit per week.
  • CHECK-IN: 10 minutes prior to scheduled visit.
  • Valid picture identification (e.g., driver’s license, State I.D., or Military I.D.) is required at Check-In.
  • Visitors under the age of 17 must be listed as an additional visitor and accompanied and supervised by an authorized visitor over the age of 18.
  • If a visitor loses internet connection during an offsite video visitation session, no refund will be issued.

ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

DAY TIME
SUNDAY NO VISITS
MONDAY NO VISITS
TUESDAY 8:45AM - 3:25PM
WEDNESDAY NO VISITS
THURSDAY 8:45AM - 3:25PM
FRIDAY NO VISITS
SATURDAY NO VISITS


REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE for Housing Units A, B, B-ISO, C, DN, DS, F, Medical

  • Inmates Housed as Administrative Custody or Disciplinary Status are NO LONGER PERMITTED face to face visitation unless approved by Administration.
DAY TIMES
SUNDAY 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM            
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM                    
4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
MONDAY 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM            
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM                    
4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
TUESDAY 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM            
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM                    
4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
WEDNESDAY 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM            
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM                    
4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
THURSDAY 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM            
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM                    
4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
FRIDAY 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM            
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM                    
4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
SATURDAY 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM            
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM                    
4:30 PM – 9:30 PM

NOTE:
Housing Units E (RHU) and Gym are on Sunday Only

8:30 AM – 12:30 PM            
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM                    
4:30 PM – 9:30 PM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Columbia County Prison’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 570-784-4815 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

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

There are multiple ways to add money to an inmate's account at Columbia County Prison, using Access Corrections Secure Deposits

1. Online - Making a deposit using a verified Visa or Mastercard online, or using their Apple or Android App.
2. By phone - Dial 866.345.1884 to reach their 24/7 Access Corrections domestic call centers.
3. Jail Lobby Kiosk - Kiosks accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
4. Mail-in Lockbox - Friends or Family who do not have a credit or debit card can mail money orders to their secure lockbox to make deposits to an inmate’s account. Depositors use a customized form that captures all needed information. Upon receipt, they process and post the deposits to the inmate's trust fund in approximately 48 hours.

Money orders may be mailed to inmates at:
Access Corrections
P.O. Box 12486
St. Louis, MO 63132

Money orders must be made out to "Access Secure Deposits".
Include the state, city, inmate name and ID number on all money orders.

5. Walk-in Cash Deposits - Go to any Cash Pay Today location to deposit cash to your inmate's account.

Secure Deposits - Frequently Asked Questions
Secure Deposits - Video Tutorial on How it Works
Secure Deposits - Help Pages

Customer Service Contacts:
Phone: 866-345-1884
Email[email protected]
Online Chat - Look for 'bubble' on bottom right of the page linked here.

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Columbia County

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

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select Pennsylvania, then select Columbia 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 Columbia County Prison.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Columbia County Prison’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 570-784-4815 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

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

How Do Inmates in Columbia County Prison Make Phone Calls?

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

  • Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia County Prison’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 570-784-4815 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

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

Columbia County Prison Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Columbia County Prison allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Columbia County Prison also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope. 

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Columbia County Prison-PA
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Columbia County Prison
721 Iron Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815



Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The Columbia County Prison allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address below.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Columbia County Prison standards will be disposed of. No more than three books may be shipped at any one time.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.


All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Columbia County Prison
721 Iron Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815


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 Columbia 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
Columbia 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.    Columbia 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
Columbia 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 Columbia County Prison’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 570-784-4815 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

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

Columbia County Prison contracts with Access Securepak (aka MyCarePak) for families to send pre-determined packages of commissary items to your inmate.

Access Securepak carries over 1,000 different items in the following categories:
- Food and Snacks
- Personal Hygiene Products
- Electronics
- Apparel

Registration Process:
1. Register here.
2. Select Pennsylvania.
3. Select Columbia County Prison.
4. Find your Inmate.
5. Deposit Funds.
6. Order Commissary Items.
Once you are logged in, you will receive instructions on how much (and what products) you can send your inmate.
Contact Information:
* If you have any questions, you can call Access Securepak at 800-546-6283.
* You can email My Care Pack at [email protected].
* You can write them at:
    Access Securepak
    10880 Linpage Place
    St. Louis, MO 63132

* You can Live Chat with a Representative online: (bottom left corner of page)
   Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.–11 p.m. CST, 
   and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. CST.

*Note* Access Securepak will issue a refund for or replace broken, damaged, or missing products reported by Columbia County Prison staff. They will not honor reports of discrepancies from inmate's families or friends.
My CarePack is the Columbia County Prison's outside vendor for Commissary Items. They have a very good mix of Chips, Snacks, Candy, Meat, Seafood, Hygiene products, Letter writing materials, Electronics and Apparel items for sale on their website.


*NOTE* -- Once you are fully registered and have selected the inmate you wish to send commissary to, you will receive instructions on how much you can deposit, how much (and what) you can purchase for your inmate, and how often you can send commissary.

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Columbia County

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

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select Pennsylvania, then select Columbia 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 Columbia County Prison.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Columbia County Prison’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 570-784-4815 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

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

Columbia 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 Columbia 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.    Columbia 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 Columbia County Prison Make Phone Calls?

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

  • Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia County Prison’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 570-784-4815 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

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

Columbia County Prison may now offer IC Solutions Tablet Rentals to their inmates.

  
IC Solutions is the same company that handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.

The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:

  • Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
  • eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
  • Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
  • Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
  • Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
  • Law Library -  Legal research with up-to-date case information.
  • eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
  • Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
  • Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
  • Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.

Here's how it works:

  • Register here.  It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.
  • Pay for the subscription.
  • You get charged the 1st of each month. 
  • You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
  • No activation or early termination fees.
  • Your inmate will recieve their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.

Columbia County Prison may now offer IC Solutions Tablet Rentals to their inmates.



  
IC Solutions is the same company that handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.

The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:

  • Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
  • eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
  • Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
  • Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
  • Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
  • Law Library -  Legal research with up-to-date case information.
  • eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
  • Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
  • Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
  • Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.

Here's how it works:

  • Register here.  It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.
  • Pay for the subscription.
  • You get charged the 1st of each month. 
  • You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
  • No activation or early termination fees.
  • Your inmate will recieve their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.

For more information about IC Solutions and theiur tablet program, including availability, price, benefits and more, check out our Inmate Tablet page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Columbia County Prison’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 570-784-4815 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the Columbia County Prison? What does it look like?
Other Jails Nearby

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

Columbia Montour Lycoming Sullivan Northumberland Schuylkill Luzerne
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Search for an Inmate in Columbia County

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