Northampton County Prison is a medium-security correctional facility located at 666 Walnut Street in Easton, Pennsylvania. Built between 1993 and 1998, it serves as the primary jail for Northampton County and houses approximately 656 inmates at design capacity. The prison includes eight housing units, climate-controlled cells, a recreation hall, and a video visitation system. Security is maintained through 120 surveillance cameras, an electronic perimeter alarm, and a 24-hour control room. The facility supports daily operations with a kitchen serving three meals to around 600 residents and an infirmary staffed by a registered nurse and two physician assistants. Contact the prison at 610-923-4301 or fax 610-923-4431 for official matters.
Facility Overview and Operations
Northampton County Prison functions under the Northampton County Department of Corrections, which was established in 1952. The department manages three secure sites and supervises over 1,200 inmates annually. It employs 115 sworn officers and 40 civilian staff members. The prison operates as a county jail with a focus on rehabilitation, offering adult literacy classes in partnership with the local public library and mental-health counseling units opened in 2023. A volunteer mentorship program supports inmate reintegration, while community corrections include a work-release center that partners with local manufacturers to provide job-training credits for up to 200 participants each year.
Location, Contact, and Visiting Information
The prison is situated at 666 Walnut Street, Easton, PA 18042, adjacent to the Northampton County Courthouse. The main telephone number is 610-923-4301, and the fax number is 610-923-4431. Visitation hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Families can use the department’s digital portal to check inmate balances, court dates, and visitation schedules. The website also provides downloadable intake forms and a parking lot map. Visitors must call ahead to confirm housing unit assignments and any special accommodations. The facility is open 24 hours for emergencies, but scheduled visits should be arranged during regular hours.
Inmate Roster and Public Records
The inmate roster for Northampton County Prison is updated every twelve hours and available through PrisonRoster. It lists current detainees, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and links to statewide records. The database allows users to verify court outcomes, view mugshots, and check parole eligibility. The facility’s design capacity is 656 inmates, and the roster includes both pre-trial and sentenced individuals. For real-time updates, families and legal representatives are encouraged to use the online portal or contact the sheriff’s office directly. The system ensures transparency while protecting sensitive personal information.
Mail Policies and Communication Guidelines
All mail sent to inmates must include the recipient’s full name, inmate number, and the complete facility address: 666 Walnut Street, Easton, PA 18042. Letters are screened for contraband, and packages over two pounds are rejected. As of 2024, the prison requires all correspondence to be typed or printed on plain white paper. Stickers, glitter, colored ink, and drawings are prohibited. Family members should verify current guidelines on the department’s website before sending mail. Electronic messaging may be available through approved third-party services, but policies can change without notice.
Security Systems and Infrastructure
Security at Northampton County Prison relies on a combination of technology and trained personnel. The facility uses 120 surveillance cameras monitored from a central control room staffed around the clock. An electronic perimeter alarm system detects unauthorized access, and all housing units are climate-controlled for safety and comfort. The complex includes four interconnected buildings constructed between 1993 and 1998. Each of the fifteen housing units contains secure cells, a recreation area, and a video visitation kiosk. These systems work together to maintain order and protect both inmates and staff.
Rehabilitation and Community Programs
Rehabilitation is a core focus at Northampton County Prison. The facility offers adult literacy classes in collaboration with the Easton Public Library, helping inmates improve reading and writing skills. A volunteer mentorship program pairs inmates with community members to support personal growth and reduce recidivism. In 2023, new mental-health counseling units were added to address psychological needs. The work-release program allows up to 913 participants to work daytime jobs in local businesses while remaining under supervision. These initiatives aim to prepare inmates for successful reintegration into society.
Inmate Demographics and Statistical Trends
StateCourts data shows that Northampton County has a male incarceration rate of 713 per 100,000 male residents and a female rate of 124 per 100,000. Between 2010 and 2015, the male rate decreased by 10%, and the female rate dropped by 20%, reflecting broader sentencing reforms. Currently, 38% of inmates are serving time for drug-related offenses, and 22% are housed for property crimes. These statistics are updated quarterly and accessible through the county’s public records portal. The data helps inform policy decisions and program development.
Statewide Inmate Locator Tools
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections provides an online Inmate/Parolee Locator that aggregates custody information for all state and county facilities. Users can search by name, DOC number, or birthdate to find housing location, projected release date, and program participation. The database updates every six hours and includes maps showing proximity to major highways. Security classifications range from minimum to super-maximum, and each record indicates parole eligibility. This tool is essential for families, attorneys, and researchers tracking inmate status across Pennsylvania.
Related Correctional Facilities and Regional Context
While Northampton County Prison serves eastern Pennsylvania, other facilities like the Eastern Shore Regional Jail in Virginia highlight regional differences. That jail, opened in 2007, replaced an older 30-bed facility and now spans 85,500 square feet with 250 cells. It includes a 24-hour medical clinic and renewable-energy systems. However, this facility is not part of Northampton County, PA. Confusion sometimes arises due to similar names, but the Pennsylvania prison remains the primary correctional center for Easton and surrounding areas.
Inmate Search Tools and Public Access
Several online platforms provide inmate search capabilities for Northampton County Prison. Arrested Resources and Jail Exchange offer directories with contact numbers, visitation rules, and mugshot archives. The official number listed is 610-923-4300, and the site confirms 24-hour staffing. Visitors must call ahead to confirm housing assignments and court dates. These tools help families stay informed and comply with facility policies. Always verify information through official channels, as third-party sites may not reflect real-time changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about how to contact inmates, send mail, or visit Northampton County Prison. Below are common inquiries with clear, direct answers based on current policies and official sources. These responses aim to reduce confusion and help users take action quickly and correctly.
How do I find out if someone is in Northampton County Prison?
To check if someone is held at Northampton County Prison, use the inmate roster on PrisonRoster or contact the facility directly at 610-923-4301. The roster updates every twelve hours and includes names, booking dates, charges, and bond amounts. You can also search the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Locator for statewide records. Have the person’s full name and date of birth ready. Avoid relying on third-party sites that may be outdated. For legal matters, consult an attorney or request records through the county’s public portal.
What are the rules for sending mail to an inmate?
Mail must include the inmate’s full name, inmate number, and the address: 666 Walnut Street, Easton, PA 18042. Only plain white paper is allowed—no colored ink, stickers, or drawings. Packages over two pounds will be rejected. All letters are inspected for contraband. Check the department’s website for the latest guidelines, as policies can change. Do not send cash or personal items. Use approved electronic messaging services if available. Failure to follow rules may result in mail being returned or discarded.
Can I visit an inmate at any time?
No. Visitation is allowed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. You must call 610-923-4301 ahead of time to confirm the inmate’s housing unit and schedule your visit. Walk-ins are not guaranteed access. Bring a valid photo ID. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Video visitation may be available through kiosks on-site. Follow dress code rules—no revealing clothing or gang-related symbols. Disruptive behavior can result in removal and future bans. Always confirm current hours and rules before arriving.
How does the work-release program operate?
The work-release program allows eligible inmates to work daytime jobs in local businesses while remaining under supervision. Up to 913 participants can join, gaining job-training credits and earning wages. Participants must return to the facility at night. The program partners with manufacturers and service industries in the Easton area. Inmates apply through counselors and must meet behavior and security criteria. Successful completion can lead to early release or reduced sentences. The program aims to build skills and support reintegration into the community.
What mental health services are available?
In 2023, Northampton County Prison opened new mental-health counseling units staffed by licensed professionals. Services include individual therapy, group sessions, and crisis intervention. Inmates can request help through staff or medical personnel. The infirmary, run by a registered nurse and two physician assistants, handles basic medical and psychological needs. Referrals to external specialists are made when necessary. Confidentiality is maintained within legal limits. These services support emotional well-being and reduce incidents within the facility.
How accurate are online inmate databases?
Online databases like PrisonRoster and the PA DOC Locator are generally reliable but may lag by several hours. PrisonRoster updates every twelve hours; the state system refreshes every six. Always verify critical information by calling the prison directly. Third-party sites may contain errors or outdated photos. For legal or emergency matters, use official sources only. Bookmark the county’s corrections website for the most current forms and policies.
Is there a way to send money to an inmate?
Yes. Families can deposit funds through the department’s digital portal, which allows online payments using credit or debit cards. Money is added to the inmate’s account and can be used for commissary items, phone calls, or medical co-pays. Cash or checks sent by mail are not accepted. Transaction fees may apply. Balances can be checked anytime online. Keep receipts for your records. For assistance, call the administrative office during business hours.
Official Website: https://www.northamptoncounty.org/CORECTNS/Pages/default.aspx
Phone: 610-923-4301
Fax: 610-923-4431
Visiting Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Address: 666 Walnut Street, Easton, PA 18042