Philadelphia Detention Center

Philadelphia Detention Center Information

The Philadelphia Detention Center is a 1400 bed jail in the city of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.

This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 215-685-8436, 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.

Phone: 215-685-8436

Physical Address:
8201 State Road
Philadelphia, PA 19136

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & PPN #
CFCF
8151 State Road
Philadelphia, PA 19136

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & PPN #
CFCF
8151 State Road
Philadelphia, PA 19136

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Philadelphia Detention Center?

To search for an inmate in the Philadelphia Detention Center, 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 215-685-8436 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an offender's Criminal Court Case online in Philadelphia County or any other county in Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia Detention Center Inmate Search

The Philadelphia Detention Center maintains an average of 1400 offenders in custody on any given day. The Philadelphia Detention Center 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 Philadelphia County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 137,000 offenders.

The following charts of Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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.

For a collection of over 20 additional graphs and charts of the demographic and criminal arrest information of the inmates in Philadelphia County and Pennsylvania state prisons, click the button below.
Philadelphia County INMATE DEMOGRAPHICS

Philadelphia County Inmate Race & Ethnicity - 3/28/2024

Race Inmates % Total
White 0 0.00%
Black 4,086 75.99%
Hispanic or Latino 1,010 18.78%
American Indian/Native Alaskan 0 0.00%
Asian 281 5.23%
Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian 0 0.00%
Other 0 0.00%
Total 5,377 100.0%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Philadelphia County Sheriff’s Department, Pennsylvania Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.

Philadelphia County Inmate Criminal Charges - 3/28/2024

(many inmates have multiple charges)

Charge Inmates % Total
Felony (3rd Degree) 2,217 41.23%
Felony (2rd Degree) 1,366 25.40%
Felony (1st Degree) 334 6.21%
State Jail Felony 864 16.07%
Felony (Uncategorized) 1,068 19.86%
Misdemeanor (Class A) 1,980 36.82%
Misdemeanor (Class C) 0 0.00%
Holds 0 0.00%
Uncategorized 0 0.00%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Philadelphia County Sheriff’s Department, Pennsylvania Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.

Philadelphia County Inmate Sex - 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 4,825 89.73%
Female 552 10.27%
Total 5,377 100.0%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Philadelphia County Sheriff’s Department, Pennsylvania Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.

Philadelphia County Inmate Age - 3/28/2024

Age Inmates % Total
Under 18 32 0.60%
18-20 326 6.06%
21-24 530 9.86%
25-30 984 18.30%
31-35 993 18.47%
36-40 1,024 19.04%
41-45 701 13.04%
46-50 270 5.02%
51-55 215 4.00%
56-60 179 3.33%
61-65 70 1.30%
66-75 53 0.99%
76-85 0 0.00%
Total 5,377 100.0%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Philadelphia County Sheriff’s Department, Pennsylvania Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.
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About the Philadelphia Detention Center
The detention center opened in 1963 and became the intake center for the Philadelphia Department of Prisons. It functioned as the male intake center until 1995, when it became the medical unit for all of the facilities. It has a total of 4 dorms where inmates are housed in an open type space with several beds and bunkbeds, three cellblocks where people are housed individually or in two, and a Prison Health Services Wing where there are 99 beds in a medical setting. Inmates here may still access and send mail, may still make phone calls, and are permitted to receive visitors if they are healthy enough to do so. Anyone who is or has recently been ill is requested to not attend visits at this facility to keep the population healthy. To plan a visit it is necessary to determine the visiting hours for the medical wing, and log in to visitpdp.org/app to schedule your time at least two full days before the visit, and it must be during the approved hours of 9-10am, 1-2pm,or 3-4pm Monday to Friday.
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Recent Bookings & Arrests

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Philadelphia Detention Center?

To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Philadelphia Detention Center, call the jail’s booking line at 215-685-8436.

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.

Philadelphia Detention Center Booking Roster

What happens during booking in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Detention Center?

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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Detention Center 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 Philadelphia Detention Center 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 Philadelphia Detention Center
Inmate Bail and Bonding

Philadelphia County has an online method for you to use a credit card to bail out someone online. 

You can submit electronic bail payments on Magisterial District Court and Common Pleas Court cases for inmates in Philadelphia Detention Center. This website has been approved by the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania 

  • Payments may be made using a Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or ATM card.
  • The maximum amount that can be charged to a credit card for electronic bail payments is $20,000 per transaction.
  • A non - refundable convenience fee of $2.75 will be assessed on each transaction submitted.
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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Philadelphia Detention Center? What is the Schedule?

Philadelphia Detention Center on-site Inmate Visitation Schedule

8201 State Road
Philadelphia, PA 19136

(for Video Visitation information and schedules scroll down to next section)

  • To visit an incarcerated person at the Detention Center (DC), Alternative & Special Detention Center (ASD), or ASD MOD III, go to the Riverside Correctional Facility (RCF) visiting lobby.
  • Each inmate is allowed one 1-hour visit per week.
  • ALL VISITS MUST BE SCHEDULED ONLINE
  • 1 Adult and 1 Child, (6 months to 17 years of age) can visit with a parent or guardian. The adult must provide proof of custody or a birth certificate. 
  • Visitors must be at the facility at least ten minutes before the scheduled visit.  
  • Walk-ins are not permitted.   
  • Visitation is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • All appointments must be made 48 hours in advance and no more than seven days in advance of the visit.
  • Holiday visits are only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
  • Call 215-685-8909 or 215-685-7288 if you have any questions.
DAY TIME
6 Visits per slot
MONDAY 9:00AM-10:00AM
1:00PM-2:00PM
3:00PM-4:00PM
TUESDAY 9:00AM-10:00AM
1:00PM-2:00PM
3:00PM-4:00PM
WEDNESDAY 9:00AM-10:00AM
1:00PM-2:00PM
3:00PM-4:00PM
THURSDAY 9:00AM-10:00AM
1:00PM-2:00PM
3:00PM-4:00PM
FRIDAY 9:00AM-10:00AM
1:00PM-2:00PM
3:00PM-4:00PM

Philadelphia Detention Center uses GettingOut for their Remote Video Visitation and/or Visit Scheduling. 

There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate:

1.  Using the GettingOut/GTL Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the GettingOut or GTL apps.

How it Works with GettingOut
1.  Register an account.
2. Select Philadelphia Detention Center
3. Choose either an INMATE ACCOUNT or FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT.   

  • **NOTE** Friends and Family must have funds in their "Friends & Family Account" to respond to inmate messages. 
  • If you deposit money online in the INMATE ACCOUNT, than they have the freedom to spend the money on visits or phone calls to anyone, or any other communications services available at Philadelphia Detention Center.
  • With the FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT, you control all communication services such as phone calls, video visits and messaging. Your inmate can only call the phone number you want.

4. You will then receive prompts to validate both your identity and phone number .
5. Again, choose your inmate's facility, then type their name and select your inmate.

GettingOut will then guide you through the steps needed to arrange your remote visit.

Customer Service for GettingOut
If you have any questions, you can call them at 866-516-0115.
GettingOut online contact form
Frequently Asked Questions
The GettingOut App is available on Google Play and Apple Store.

How Do You Visit an Inmate in Philadelphia Detention Center?

To visit an inmate in Philadelphia County, whether by video or in person 'at the jail', follow these steps:

Other than 'at the jail' visits between you and your inmate, which is explained and outlined in detail on our Visit Inmate Page, Philadelphia County remote video inmate visitation can be done using the services of GettingOut

There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate in Philadelphia Detention Center:
1.  Using the GettingOut Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the GettingOut apps.

To remotely visit an inmate in Philadelphia County follow these steps:
1.  Start by confirming that Philadelphia Detention Center's Video Visitation is working correctly by looking up Philadelphia County here.

2.  The next step is to create an account here for GettingOut.
3. Then add funds to your account.
4. Last, select Philadelphia Detention Center, and then the inmate you wish to communicate with.

Other Philadelphia County Services provided by GettingOut:
 - Phone Calls & Voicemail 
 - Email, Photo & Video Sharing
-  Inmate Tablet Rental
-  Deposits

Customer Service
If you have any questions about the Philadelphia Detention Center Visitation Services you can call them at 866-516-0115.
Frequently Asked Questions

* All the information you need to have complete knowledge about inmate visitation; policies, rules, fees, schedules, tips, dress codes, and children, lawyers and clergy visitation in Philadelphia County, can be found on our Visit Inmate Page.

Philadelphia Detention Center Phone: 215-685-8436

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Philadelphia Detention Center’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 215-685-8436 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 Philadelphia Detention Center?

Philadelphia Detention Center uses GettingOut for their Remote Video Visitation and/or Visit Scheduling. 



There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate:

1.  Using the GettingOut/GTL Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the GettingOut or GTL apps.

How it Works with GettingOut
1.  Register an account.
2. Select Philadelphia Detention Center
3. Choose either an INMATE ACCOUNT or FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT.   

  • **NOTE** Friends and Family must have funds in their "Friends & Family Account" to respond to inmate messages. 
  • If you deposit money online in the INMATE ACCOUNT, than they have the freedom to spend the money on visits or phone calls to anyone, or any other communications services available at Philadelphia Detention Center.
  • With the FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT, you control all communication services such as phone calls, video visits and messaging. Your inmate can only call the phone number you want.

4. You will then receive prompts to validate both your identity and phone number .
5. Again, choose your inmate's facility, then type their name and select your inmate.

GettingOut will then guide you through the steps needed to arrange your remote visit.

Customer Service for GettingOut
If you have any questions, you can call them at 866-516-0115.
GettingOut online contact form
Frequently Asked Questions
The GettingOut App is available on Google Play and Apple Store.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Philadelphia Detention Center’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 215-685-8436 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Philadelphia Detention Center?

There are multiple ways to add money to an inmate's account at Philadelphia Detention Center, 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 Philadelphia County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Philadelphia Detention Center follow these steps:

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select Pennsylvania, then select Philadelphia Detention Center, 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 Philadelphia Detention Center.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Philadelphia Detention Center’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 215-685-8436 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Philadelphia Detention Center?

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Philadelphia Detention Center by Phone

Follow these instructions on how to open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)

  • Advance Pay - This phone account allows you to prepay so that your inmate can call you (and only you) whenever he/she wants and the cost of each call is deducted from your balance. You can even be notified by text when your balance gets low. You still have the option of accepting or rejecting each call.
  • Pin Debit  -  This option allows you to fund an inmate's commissary account and lets him pay for phone calls to you and others with the money. You will have no control over who your inmate calls.
  • Voicemail  -  You can leave a secure voicemail without having to contact the facility. When you call the local phone number for a facility offering Inmate Voicemail (call Customer Service at 877-650-4249 to get the local voicemail number for Philadelphia Detention Center, you will be informed of the cost for leaving a message. To leave your message, simply select the inmate by ID number. Then, record your voicemail.

For full instructions on the Philadelphia Detention Center Inmate Phone System, what the costs are, how it works, and tips and guidelines on rules, regulations and saving money on calls, check out our Inmate Phones Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Philadelphia Detention Center’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 215-685-8436 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Philadelphia Detention Center, and what can I send them?

What Type of Mail is Allowed to be Sent to an Inmate in the Philadelphia Detention Center?

Postcards
The Philadelphia Detention Center 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.

Envelopes
The Philadelphia Detention Center also allows letters to be mailed in envelopes. Letters cannot contain alterations such as glitter, sticker, glue or perfume. There is no limit to the number of letters or postcards an inmate can receive. All envelopes and postcards must contain a return address that includes your first and last name and complete street, city, state and zip code location. Mail without return addresses might be discarded.

Mail to:

Inmate's Full Name & PPN #
CFCF
8151 State Road
Philadelphia, PA 19136

Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper publisher. (It must contain the inmate’s full name, PPN number and address)

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. The mailing label must include inmate’s full name, facility address and PPN number.

Books
Philadelphia Detention Center allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address above. Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Philadelphia Detention Center standards will be disposed of. Only softcover books are allowed. The mailing invoice must contain the inmate’s full name, PPN number and facility address.

All Newspapers, magazines and Books should be mailed to:

Inmate's Full Name & PPN #
CFCF
8151 State Road
Philadelphia, PA 19136

Care packages
Care packages are pre-chosen items packaged together and sent to the inmate from a third-party vendor. They can include clothing, snacks and seasonal items.  Philadelphia Detention Center contracts with Access Secure Pack to allow care package purchases for inmates. Care packages are pre-chosen items that are bundled together and delivered to the inmate. You must register for a free account to begin buying care packs. Click here to get started. These can be ordered by you online and are delivered directly to the inmate.


 

What Type of Mail is Allowed to be Sent to an Inmate in the Philadelphia Detention Center?

Postcards
The Philadelphia Detention Center 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.

Envelopes
The Philadelphia Detention Center also allows letters to be mailed in envelopes. Letters cannot contain alterations such as glitter, sticker, glue or perfume. There is no limit to the number of letters or postcards an inmate can receive. All envelopes and postcards must contain a return address that includes your first and last name and complete street, city, state and zip code location. Mail without return addresses might be discarded.

Mail to:

Inmate's Full Name & PPN #
CFCF
8151 State Road
Philadelphia, PA 19136

Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper publisher. (It must contain the inmate’s full name, PPN number and address)

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. The mailing label must include inmate’s full name, facility address and PPN number.

Books
Philadelphia Detention Center allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address above. Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Philadelphia Detention Center standards will be disposed of. Only softcover books are allowed. The mailing invoice must contain the inmate’s full name, PPN number and facility address.

All Newspapers, magazines and Books should be mailed to:

Inmate's Full Name & PPN #
CFCF
8151 State Road
Philadelphia, PA 19136

Care packages
Care packages are pre-chosen items packaged together and sent to the inmate from a third-party vendor. They can include clothing, snacks and seasonal items.  Philadelphia Detention Center contracts with Access Secure Pack to allow care package purchases for inmates. Care packages are pre-chosen items that are bundled together and delivered to the inmate. You must register for a free account to begin buying care packs. Click here to get started. These can be ordered by you online and are delivered directly to the inmate.

For complete information on mailing letters, postcards, photos, magazines, newspapers, books and packages to inmates in Phladelphia, check out our Inmate Mail page.


 

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Philadelphia Detention Center’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 215-685-8436 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Philadelphia Detention Center, and what can I purchase?

Philadelphia Detention Center 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 Philadelphia Detention Center.
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 Philadelphia Detention Center staff. They will not honor reports of discrepancies from inmate's families or friends.
My CarePack is the Philadelphia Detention Center'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 Philadelphia County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Philadelphia Detention Center follow these steps:

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select Pennsylvania, then select Philadelphia Detention Center, 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 Philadelphia Detention Center.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Philadelphia Detention Center’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 215-685-8436 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Philadelphia Detention Center using an Online Messaging Service?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Philadelphia Detention Center’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 215-685-8436 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Philadelphia Detention Center have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Philadelphia Detention Center allows inmates access to tablets to use for the services provided by 'gettingout'.


The devices are similar to common handheld tablets, but are made exclusively by GettingOut, a GTL / Viapath company.
Tablets offer specialized content and services for inmates to use during their stay at Philadelphia Detention Center, such as:

  • Music
  • Books
  • Games
  • Education
  • News
  • Radio
  • Television
  • Read mail and messages
  • Video visits

-  Free services are already available for use on the device at Philadelphia Detention Center.
-  Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
-  Philadelphia Detention Center Inmates will then be able to purchase subscription services and premium content to enjoy.

What Does a Tablet Cost?

  • Tablet devices include some services and the content is free.
  • The subscription services require additional funding.
  • There may be multiple options such as 7-day or 30-day subscriptions.
  • Costs are dependent upon the available services and what the Philadelphia Detention Center charges.

To estimate costs for phone calls, sign in to your account and click “Rate & Fees Calculator” in the footer (bottom of the page) or call 866-516-0115 for assistance.

How Inmates Can Use a Tablet to Access Services at Philadelphia Detention Center

To find out how to get access to a tablet for inmate read the following:

1.  First, Register or Sign In to GettingOut/GTL

2.  Purchase the services you want for your Philadelphia Detention Center inmate.
3. All inmates have free access to the tablets to read their letters from family & friends, but there are many other services available to keep your inmate busy while incarcerated... such as Games, Books, Music and Movies. These other services come with fees that you can pay for when you pay for phone service.

To learn more about Tablet Rentals for inmates, including the cost, all the services available and everything else you need to know, check out our Tablet Rental Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Philadelphia Detention Center’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 215-685-8436 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the Philadelphia Detention Center? What does it look like?
Other Jails in Philadelphia County

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

Philadelphia County County Jails
Philadelphia County Juvenile Facilities
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Other Jails Nearby

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

Philadelphia Camden Gloucester Burlington Bucks Delaware Montgomery
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US State Prison Population Demographics

Total Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 973,343 93.26%
Female 70,362 6.74%
Total 1,043,705 100.0%

Total Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 327,300 35.27%
Black 345,500 37.23%
Hispanic 226,800 24.44%
American Indian / Alaska Native 15,900 1.71%
Asian 12,500 1.35%
Total 928,000 100.0%

Total of Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 622,200 95.46%
Female 31,700 4.86%
Total 653,900 100.0%

Total of Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 178,600 29.23%
Black 234,500 38.38%
Hispanic 179,500 29.38%
American Indian / Alaska Native 9,600 1.57%
Asian 8,800 1.44%
Total 611,000 100.0%

Murderers Held in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 147,500 93.95%
Female 10,000 6.37%
Total 157,500 100.0%

Murderers Held in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 37,600 26.04%
Black 63,000 43.63%
Hispanic 39,100 27.08%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,300 1.59%
Asian 2,400 1.66%
Total 144,400 100.0%

Violent Negligent Manslaughter Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 16,000 86.02%
Female 2,600 13.98%
Total 18,600 100.0%

Violent Negligent Manslaughter Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 5,400 43.90%
Black 3,600 29.27%
Hispanic 2,900 23.58%
American Indian / Alaska Native 200 1.63%
Asian 200 1.63%
Total 12,300 100.0%

Violent Rape & Sexual Assault Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 159,800 98.95%
Female 2,200 1.36%
Total 162,000 100.0%

Violent Robbery Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 125,800 96.18%
Female 5,400 4.13%
Total 131,200 100.0%

Violent Robbery Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 21,900 18.64%
Black 66,800 56.85%
Hispanic 26,500 22.55%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,200 1.02%
Asian 1,100 0.94%
Total 117,500 100.0%

Violent Aggravated/Simple Assault Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 137,000 94.74%
Female 8,100 5.60%
Total 145,100 100.0%

Violent Aggravated/Simple Assault Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 37,500 23.28%
Black 53,300 33.09%
Hispanic 65,300 40.53%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,800 1.74%
Asian 2,200 1.37%
Total 161,100 100.0%

Other Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024 - non-categorized

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 36,100 91.86%
Female 3,300 8.40%
Total 39,400 100.0%

Other Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024 - non-categorized

race Inmates % Total
White 12,200 32.45%
Black 14,200 37.77%
Hispanic 9,700 25.80%
American Indian / Alaska Native 800 2.13%
Asian 700 1.86%
Total 37,600 100.0%

Total of Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 127,900 90.64%
Female 13,600 9.64%
Total 141,500 100.0%

Total of Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 60,500 50.46%
Black 37,800 31.53%
Hispanic 18,100 15.10%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,100 1.75%
Asian 1,400 1.17%
Total 119,900 100.0%

Burglary Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 75,900 95.11%
Female 4,200 5.26%
Total 80,100 100.0%

Burglary Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 30,500 44.40%
Black 24,200 35.23%
Hispanic 12,300 17.90%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,100 1.60%
Asian 600 0.87%
Total 68,700 100.0%

Larceny & Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 22,300 84.47%
Female 4,200 15.91%
Total 26,500 100.0%

Larceny & Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 13,800 58.97%
Black 6,800 29.06%
Hispanic 2,200 9.40%
American Indian / Alaska Native 300 1.28%
Asian 300 1.28%
Total 23,400 100.0%

Motor Vehicle Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 6,400 91.43%
Female 600 8.57%
Total 7,000 100.0%

Motor Vehicle Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 2,500 48.08%
Black 1,500 28.85%
Hispanic 1,000 19.23%
American Indian / Alaska Native 100 1.92%
Asian 100 1.92%
Total 5,200 100.0%

Fraud Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 9,800 75.97%
Female 3,200 24.81%
Total 13,000 100.0%

Fraud Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 6,900 63.30%
Black 2,600 23.85%
Hispanic 900 8.26%
American Indian / Alaska Native 300 2.75%
Asian 200 1.83%
Total 10,900 100.0%

Other Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024 - non-categorized

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 13,600 90.67%
Female 1,400 9.33%
Total 15,000 100.0%

Other Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024 - non-categorized

race Inmates % Total
White 6,700 58.26%
Black 2,700 23.48%
Hispanic 1,700 14.78%
American Indian / Alaska Native 200 1.74%
Asian 200 1.74%
Total 11,500 100.0%

Total of Drug Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 114,600 87.08%
Female 17,400 13.22%
Total 132,000 100.0%

Total of Drug Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 49,500 47.50%
Black 37,300 35.80%
Hispanic 14,600 14.01%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,700 1.63%
Asian 1,100 1.06%
Total 104,200 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Possession in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 28,500 84.57%
Female 5,300 15.73%
Total 33,800 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Possession in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 14,800 56.27%
Black 7,900 30.04%
Hispanic 3,000 11.41%
American Indian / Alaska Native 400 1.52%
Asian 200 0.76%
Total 26,300 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Dealing/Manufacturing in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 86,100 88.04%
Female 12,000 12.27%
Total 98,100 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Dealing/Manufacturing in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 34,700 44.54%
Black 29,400 37.74%
Hispanic 11,600 14.89%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,300 1.67%
Asian 900 1.16%
Total 77,900 100.0%

Total of 'Public Order' Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 102,500 93.95%
Female 6,900 6.32%
Total 109,400 100.0%

Total of 'Public Order' Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 35,900 40.84%
Black 34,500 39.25%
Hispanic 13,800 15.70%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,500 2.84%
Asian 1,200 1.37%
Total 87,900 100.0%

Inmates Convicted on Illegal Weapon Possession in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 37,800 97.93%
Female 900 2.33%
Total 38,700 100.0%

Inmates Convicted on Illegal Weapon Possession in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 7,200 22.86%
Black 16,900 53.65%
Hispanic 6,500 20.63%
American Indian / Alaska Native 500 1.59%
Asian 400 1.27%
Total 31,500 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Multiple DUI/DWI in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 13,400 89.33%
Female 1,600 10.67%
Total 15,000 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Multiple DUI/DWI in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 6,800 59.65%
Black 2,000 17.54%
Hispanic 1,800 15.79%
American Indian / Alaska Native 700 6.14%
Asian 100 0.88%
Total 11,400 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Other 'Public Order' Felonies in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 51,200 92.25%
Female 4,400 7.93%
Total 55,600 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Other 'Public Order' Felonies in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 21,900 48.45%
Black 15,700 34.73%
Hispanic 5,600 12.39%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,300 2.88%
Asian 700 1.55%
Total 45,200 100.0%

Total Number of Inmates Convicted of Unspecified Felonies in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 6,100 89.71%
Female 800 11.76%
Total 6,900 100.0%

Total Number of Inmates Convicted of Unspecified Felonies in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 2,700 52.94%
Black 1,500 29.41%
Hispanic 700 13.73%
American Indian / Alaska Native 100 1.96%
Asian 100 1.96%
Total 5,100 100.0%
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This facility, known as "Philadelphia Detention Center" is also known as Prison Health Services Wing, Philadelphia Prison System - PDC, Philadelphia Jail & Detention Center, Philadelphia Jail & Detention Center, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.