Dauphin County PA Prison

Dauphin County Prison is a local adult detention facility with an average daily population of approximately 1,000 inmates. It is responsible for the care, custody, and control of both pre-trial detainees and sentenced offenders. Beyond its fundamental duty to maintain a secure environment for inmates and staff, the facility is dedicated to having a positive impact on the community by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and helping offenders reintegrate into society.

Counseling and rehabilitation programs offered within the facility aim to address the addictions and behaviors that contributed to an inmate’s incarceration, assisting them in breaking the cycle of recidivism. By doing so, the prison reduces the likelihood of re-incarceration and alleviates the financial burden on taxpayers. In addition to these services, life skills and educational programs help inmates prepare for the challenges of everyday life after release, equipping them to seek gainful employment and become productive, tax-paying members of society.

The prison also contributes directly to the community through inmate work crews, which assist county agencies and municipalities with various tasks. These crews participate in projects such as litter clean-up, growing produce for donation to local soup kitchens, and providing snow removal services for fire hydrants and elderly or disabled residents after significant snowfalls.

Inmates are assigned housing through a comprehensive classification system designed to meet individual needs. Upon arrival, inmates are placed in the Classification Unit for up to ten days, excluding weekends and holidays, while they undergo physical examinations, interviews with chaplains or religious volunteers, and assessments by intake workers and treatment evaluators. During this time, inmates may also be seen by representatives from outside agencies, including Pre-Trial Services, the Public Defender’s Office, and the Parole Office. Based on this evaluation process, inmates are assigned to appropriate housing. Visitation is not permitted while an inmate is housed in the Classification Unit.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences. Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

The philosophy of Dauphin County Prison is to avoid simply warehousing individuals. Instead, the facility strives to provide opportunities that help inmates develop the skills and mindset necessary to manage everyday challenges while also offering ways for them to give back to the community. Through this holistic approach, the prison seeks to rehabilitate offenders and reduce the likelihood of future criminal behavior. For those seeking more detailed information regarding the rules and regulations of the jail, please download the 41-page Inmate Handbook provided by the Sheriff's Office (also available in Prisión del Condado de Dauphin (Español) - Manual).