Allegheny County Jail, Booking and Criminal Court Lookup
Trying to confirm an arrest in Pittsburgh or elsewhere in Allegheny County? Use this guide to check county custody, find a Pennsylvania court docket, understand bail, prepare for a jail visit, contact the Public Defender and order an official statewide criminal-history check when that is the record you actually need.
Allegheny County Arrest Search Quick Contacts
950 Second Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-2000
436 Grant Street, Room 114
412-350-5323
Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
660 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-6715
Arraignment Court operates 24/7.
542 Forbes Avenue, Suite 400
412-350-2401
564 Forbes Avenue, 4th Floor
412-350-4732
Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Call 911. Do not rely on an online roster during an emergency.
Someone Was Arrested Today: What to Do First
Confirm the person’s identity, booking location and bail directly through the jail or court before sending money to anyone.
Confirm the arresting agency
Ask whether the arrest was made by Pittsburgh Police, Allegheny County Police, a borough department, the Sheriff, Pennsylvania State Police or a federal agency.
Check county custody
Search Pennsylvania VINE by first and last name. If the arrest is very recent, call the jail at 412-350-2000 because intake processing can delay an online result.
Write down the DOC number
The Allegheny County Jail uses a DOC number for mail, visits and trust-account deposits. Do not confuse it with a booking number or court docket number.
Check the preliminary arraignment
Bail is usually set shortly after arrest at preliminary arraignment. Pittsburgh Municipal Court Arraignment Court handles covered cases around the clock.
Open the court docket
Use the Pennsylvania UJS Case Search and select the correct court type. Compare the full name, date, OTN and docket number.
Contact legal counsel
Call a private lawyer or the Allegheny County Public Defender at 412-350-2401. The court—not a private website—controls bail, hearings and case outcomes.
Choose the Exact Record or Jail Task You Need
This browser-only helper does not ask for a name, date of birth, docket number or other personal information.
How to Search Allegheny County Arrest, Jail and Court Records
Use Pennsylvania VINE or call the Allegheny County Jail. A missing result may mean intake is incomplete, release has occurred or the person is held elsewhere.
Use the free Pennsylvania UJS portal. Search Common Pleas or Magisterial District Court records and verify the docket number, OTN and case status.
Use Pennsylvania State Police PATCH. This is different from a jail roster or a single county court search.
Search the Pennsylvania UJS portal step by step
Open Case Search
Go to the official UJS Case Search. The service is free and maintained by Pennsylvania’s Unified Judicial System.
Choose the court level
Use Magisterial District Court for many preliminary matters and Common Pleas for county-level criminal cases. Select Allegheny County where the portal provides a county filter.
Start with fewer fields
Use the last name and first name. Add filing dates, docket number or OTN only if the result list is too broad.
Open the matching docket
Compare the full name, birth year when shown, filing date, municipality, charge descriptions, OTN and docket number.
Read beyond the charge list
Check docket status, scheduled events, bail information, disposition, sentence and financial entries. An original charge may later be changed or dismissed.
Confirm the next court date
The Fifth Judicial District’s Case Scheduling page explains how to use a Common Pleas docket number or OTN to verify formal arraignment, pretrial, trial, ARD or sentencing dates.
Jail Roster, Court Docket and PATCH Are Not the Same Record
Source | Best use | What it may show | Important limit |
|---|---|---|---|
Pennsylvania VINE / county jail | Current or recent custody | Custody status, facility and notification options | It is not the final court disposition or a complete statewide criminal history. |
Pennsylvania UJS docket | Charges, hearings and case outcome | Docket events, bail, scheduled proceedings, disposition and sentence | A name search can return another person. Sealed or restricted matters may not appear. |
Allegheny County criminal file | Court-file research and copies | Filed documents available through the Department of Court Records | Older files may need to be retrieved from storage; staff do not discuss case facts by phone. |
Pennsylvania PATCH | Official state criminal-history request | A Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository response based on submitted identifiers | It is not a national search and does not replace a docket review for case detail. |
PA DOC locator | State-sentenced inmate or parolee | State facility or supervision information | It does not include people held only in an Allegheny County facility. |
Federal BOP locator | Federal custody | Federal institution and release information | County and Pennsylvania state custody are separate systems. |
Allegheny County Bail, Bond and Release Steps
With limited exceptions, bail is typically set at preliminary arraignment shortly after arrest. Allegheny County’s official court guidance lists cash, real-estate property, a private bondsman or professional surety, and certain negotiable securities as possible methods when permitted by the court.
Confirm the bail order
Check the UJS docket or contact the appropriate court. A number displayed by a third-party website may be incomplete or outdated.
Ask which payment method is allowed
For property-bail questions, contact Pretrial Services at 412-350-4732. For securities questions, the official court FAQ directs users to the Department of Court Records at 412-350-6065.
Use the bond counter for bond-record questions
The county lists bond-counter numbers 412-350-5239 and 412-350-6063. Have the defendant’s name and docket number ready.
Request legal review when bail cannot be posted
Contact private counsel or the Public Defender. Pretrial Services can process qualifying bail-review requests made through counsel under court procedures.
Check for other holds
Posting the listed bail does not guarantee immediate release if another case, detainer, warrant or hold remains.
Allow release processing time
The jail says bonded individuals are typically released within about three hours after the jail receives the paperwork. Other court-ordered releases can take longer, and the jail’s published process allows up to 48 hours in some circumstances.
Public Defender and Criminal Lawyer Help in Allegheny County
Allegheny County Public Defender
The office evaluates financial eligibility and the nature of the charges. Its current online instructions use an income threshold tied to 175% of the federal poverty guidelines, but the office makes the eligibility decision.
- 542 Forbes Avenue, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
- 412-350-2401
- Read the online application instructions
- Prepare income, household, charge and court information before applying.
Allegheny County Bar Lawyer Referral Service
Use the local bar referral service to request a referral to a participating private attorney. Ask about the consultation, fee arrangement and relevant criminal-defense experience before hiring.
- 412-261-5555
- Open the ACBA Lawyer Referral Service
- Verify the lawyer’s name and written fee agreement.
- Avoid anyone promising a guaranteed dismissal or release.
Allegheny County Jail Visitation Rules and Schedule
Visitors must first become approved visitors and then schedule a social visit. The jail’s published schedule is subject to change or cancellation, so confirm the visit before travelling.
Get the inmate’s DOC number
You need the DOC number for check-in. Front-lobby personnel do not disclose an inmate’s DOC number or the names on the visiting list.
Register as an approved visitor
Call 412-350-2413, 412-350-2035 or 412-350-2036, or follow the county’s visitation instructions.
Schedule at least two days ahead
Once approved, use the county’s online visitation scheduling route. The main visitation page also lists 855-208-7349 for scheduling support.
Bring current photo identification
The jail requires current acceptable government-issued photo ID showing address and date of birth. Expired identification is not accepted.
Arrive early
Check in at the visitor window in the main lobby at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
Follow the dress code
Close-toed shoes, appropriate coverage and compliant clothing are required. Lime green, neon green, neon yellow and orange clothing are prohibited under the current jail dress-code notice.
Day | Published social-visit periods | Visit length | Reminder |
|---|---|---|---|
Monday–Saturday | 8:00–11:00 a.m.; 1:30–3:30 p.m. on the half hour; 5:00–6:00 p.m. | One hour | Schedule at least two days in advance and check in early. |
Sunday | No social visits | Not applicable | Facility operations can change the schedule. |
Contact an Allegheny County Jail Inmate Safely
Incarcerated individuals can make local and long-distance calls. The county currently states that each person receives 30 minutes of free calls per day; extra calling uses a prepaid account.
The depositor must be on the approved visitor list. Trust deposits require the inmate’s DOC number.
Use the inmate’s name and DOC number. The jail photocopies ordinary mail and restricts paper, ink, photos and enclosures.
Set up phone service
Use the official Inmate Phone System page. The county lists ConnectNetwork/GTL support at 1-800-483-8314. An AdvancePay account is linked to the receiving phone number.
Deposit inmate funds
- Use lobby kiosks during lobby hours, currently 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
- Use ConnectNetwork or call 1-800-483-8314 after creating the required account.
- Use JailATM where directed by the county.
- Write the inmate’s DOC number on a mailed money order.
- Money orders totaling more than $100 are subject to a 10-business-day hold.
- Call the Cashier’s Office at 412-350-2264, 412-350-2033, 412-350-1356 or 412-350-2229 for account questions.
Address inmate mail correctly
DOC Number
Allegheny County Jail
950 Second Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
- Use blue or black ink only.
- Include a full sender name and return address.
- Ordinary letters are limited to three pages, front and back, on 8.5 × 11 paper.
- Do not use stickers, glitter, perfume, lipstick, tape or colored paper.
- Only one 4 × 6 photo is authorized per envelope, subject to content rules.
- Do not send cash, checks, stamps, clothing, medication or food.
Why an Inmate May Disappear From the Allegheny County Search
Call the jail with the full name and approximate arrest time. A very recent booking may not be visible yet.
Check the UJS docket and Pennsylvania VINE. Release processing can continue after the order reaches the jail.
Use the PA DOC locator. It does not list people held only in county facilities.
Use the Federal Bureau of Prisons locator and compare the register number.
Try surname only, remove punctuation and compare the OTN or docket number.
Some records are not publicly available. Contact the responsible court or lawyer rather than assuming the portal is broken.
Discharge and Release Center
The jail’s Discharge and Release Center is on Level 1 and helps people preparing for release with referrals for transportation, shelter, housing, mental health, substance-use services, medical care and legal aid.
8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Sunday and holidays
Medical, Mental-Health and Safety Contacts
Suicide or serious mental-health concern
Call 412-350-2066 or 412-350-2176. Explain the person’s name, DOC number if known, and the specific behavior or statement causing concern.
Provide medical information
Call 412-350-2201 and leave the medical information. The county states that the caller will not receive a return response.
Request, Correct or Review an Allegheny County Record
Save the exact record
Print or save the docket, note the date checked, and record the docket number, OTN, court and source URL.
Identify the record owner
Jail custody information belongs with the jail; docket data belongs with the court; police reports belong with the arresting agency; statewide criminal history belongs with Pennsylvania State Police.
Ask about a court-file copy
Use the county’s Criminal Records page or visit the courthouse. Call 412-350-5320 for file-ordering questions.
Use Open Records for county records
The county’s Open Records page lists online submission, openrecords@alleghenycounty.us and 412-350-6109.
Use PATCH for state history
Order a criminal-history response through Pennsylvania PATCH. The current mail form lists a $22 standard request fee and a $27 notarized request fee; verify the live portal before paying.
Ask counsel about expungement
Eligibility depends on the record and Pennsylvania law. A removed mugshot page does not erase the official jail, police, court or state record.
Fix Common Allegheny County Search Problems
- Search the surname before adding every first and middle name.
- Try an alias, maiden name or spelling variation.
- Remove punctuation and suffixes such as Jr. or III.
- Search Magisterial District and Common Pleas dockets separately.
- Use the OTN or docket number when several people share a name.
- Check the filing county rather than only the arrest location.
- Allow pop-ups when the official docket opens a PDF or new window.
- Use desktop mode if a portal is difficult on mobile.
- Check PA DOC if the county record disappears after sentencing.
- Check the BOP locator when federal custody is possible.
- Call the jail for a same-day arrest that has not appeared online.
- Save the record date because custody and court status can change.
Which Allegheny County Office Handles Each Task?
Task | Correct office or portal | What to prepare | Next action |
|---|---|---|---|
Recent arrest or current custody | Allegheny County Jail / PA VINE | Full name, approximate arrest time, birth year | Search VINE; call 412-350-2000 if the arrest is too recent. |
Charges, court date or disposition | Pennsylvania UJS / Fifth Judicial District | Name, docket number or OTN | Open the docket and verify scheduled events and disposition. |
Bail or bail review | Court, bond counter or Pretrial Services | Docket number, bail order, counsel information | Confirm allowed posting method or ask counsel about review. |
Court-file copies | Department of Court Records, Criminal Division | Docket number and filing year | Visit the courthouse or ask how to order older files. |
Public Defender | Allegheny County Public Defender | Income, household and case details | Follow the online application instructions. |
Private attorney | ACBA Lawyer Referral Service | Charge type, court and next date | Request a referral and discuss the written fee arrangement. |
State criminal history | Pennsylvania State Police PATCH | Accurate identifying information and payment | Submit the official online or mail request. |
County records request | Allegheny County Open Records | Specific record description, date and agency | Submit the request through the county’s official route. |
Allegheny County Jail Map, Address and Visit Planning
Bring before a social visit
Current government photo ID, the inmate’s DOC number and confirmation of the scheduled time.
Do not arrive without approval
Registration and advance scheduling are required. A visit can also be changed or cancelled for operational reasons.
Need the courthouse?
Criminal Records is at 436 Grant Street. Arraignment Court is at 660 First Avenue. Confirm the correct building before travelling.
Verified Allegheny County and Pennsylvania Resources
Allegheny County Arrest Records FAQs
How do I search Allegheny County arrest records by name?
Start with Pennsylvania VINE for current or recent custody and the Pennsylvania UJS Case Search for criminal dockets. Enter the last name and first name, then compare the county, docket number, OTN, filing date and charge information before deciding that the record belongs to the correct person.
How can I find someone in the Allegheny County Jail?
Search Pennsylvania VINE by first and last name or call the Allegheny County Jail at 412-350-2000. A same-day arrest may not appear immediately while intake is being completed, so have the approximate arrest time and arresting agency ready when calling.
Does an Allegheny County arrest record prove a conviction?
No. An arrest or booking record shows that a person entered the criminal-justice process; it does not prove guilt. Open the official Pennsylvania court docket and review the disposition to see whether charges are pending, dismissed or resolved.
Where can I check an Allegheny County criminal court date?
Use the Pennsylvania UJS Case Search and the Fifth Judicial District Case Scheduling page. A Common Pleas docket number or OTN is the safest search key for formal arraignment, pretrial, trial, ARD or sentencing dates.
How is bail posted in Allegheny County?
The court decides the permitted bail method. Official local guidance lists cash, real-estate property, a private bondsman or professional surety, and certain negotiable securities as possible methods. Confirm the current bail order and contact Pretrial Services or the bond counter before paying.
How do I apply for an Allegheny County Public Defender?
Read the county Public Defender’s online application instructions and provide the requested income, household and case information. The office evaluates financial eligibility and the nature of the charges. Call 412-350-2401 for current guidance.
How do I schedule an Allegheny County Jail visit?
First register as an approved visitor by following the jail’s visitation process or calling 412-350-2413, 412-350-2035 or 412-350-2036. Once approved, schedule at least two days ahead, bring current government photo ID and check in at least 15 minutes early with the inmate’s DOC number.
How can I send money to an Allegheny County Jail inmate?
The depositor must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list. Use a jail-lobby kiosk, the county-approved ConnectNetwork or JailATM route, or a money order bearing the inmate’s DOC number. Confirm current provider details and fees on the official Inmate Funds page.
Why is an inmate no longer showing in Allegheny County custody?
The person may have been released, transferred to another county, moved to Pennsylvania DOC custody, entered federal custody or appeared under a different name. Check the court docket, Pennsylvania VINE, the PA DOC locator and the federal BOP locator as appropriate.
How do I request an official Pennsylvania criminal-history check?
Use Pennsylvania State Police PATCH for an official state criminal-history request. Enter accurate identity information and review the live fee before submitting. PATCH is different from a jail roster, Allegheny County docket search or national background check.
Official-source review completed August 5, 2026
This website is an independent informational resource. It is not affiliated with Allegheny County, the Fifth Judicial District, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, VINE or any law-enforcement agency.
Official links, phone numbers, addresses, schedules and service details were checked during the latest editorial review. Jail operations, visit availability, fees, release timing and court information can change. Confirm time-sensitive information directly through the responsible official source.
Responsible-use notice: Do not use an arrest or booking listing to harass someone or to make employment, housing, credit, insurance or other decisions that require a legally compliant consumer report.