Pike County Correctional Facility serves the local community as a sheriff-run detention center. It is located at 175 Pike County Boulevard in Lords Valley, Pennsylvania. This jail holds people who are waiting for court dates or serving shorter jail terms. The jail works under the Lords Valley Sheriff’s Office. The building started taking inmates in 1980. At that time, it could hold 258 people. Growth in the local area led to changes. The jail now has space for 406 people. This growth includes more housing units and a better medical area for those who are sick. The sheriff picks a warden to run the daily work at the jail. This warden looks at how people are grouped and what services the jail buys from outside companies.
Inmate Funds and Account Management
Pike County Correctional Facility allows families to put money into inmate accounts using a kiosk. This kiosk stays in the main lobby of the jail. It takes cash or major credit cards. When you put money in the kiosk, the jail adds it to the ledger. This usually happens by the next business day. If you need help with the kiosk, call Access Corrections at 1-866-345-1884. This phone line helps verify how much money is in an account. You can ask for a receipt for a payment or get help if the machine stops working. Sending money helps inmates buy items from the commissary like snacks or soap.
Money can also arrive through the mail. Use the inmate’s full legal name and their ID number on the envelope. Send it to 175 Pike County Blvd, Lords Valley, PA 18428. Writing the ID number is a requirement to make sure the right person gets the money. If the ID number is missing, the jail might return the letter. Paper money sent through the mail is risky. Using the kiosk or the phone service is a faster way to send help. The jail staff logs every deposit to keep records clear for audits.
Visitation Schedules and Rules
Pike County Correctional Facility has strict times for visitors. Female inmates have specific windows for visits. These windows are 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. These times apply to all female inmates regardless of their security level. Holiday schedules often change during Thanksgiving and Christmas. The jail updated these rules on May 6, 2022. It is best to check the current date before planning a trip. Visitors must follow the dress code and behavior rules. If a visitor breaks a rule, the jail can stop the visit early or ban the person from coming back.
The jail provides free parking for people who visit. The parking lot has space for about 30 cars. Security cameras watch the lot at all times to keep people safe. The building meets the rules of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This means there are ramps for wheelchairs. Signs have braille for people who cannot see well. A coordinator stays on site to help people who have trouble hearing or seeing. If you need special help, ask the staff when you arrive. They are there to make sure everyone can use the facility fairly.
Mail and Package Policies
Pike County Correctional Facility controls what items come inside through the mail. Inmates can receive books, but only from the publisher. You cannot buy a book at a store and mail it yourself. Third-party sellers cannot send books either. This rule stops people from hiding items inside the pages. All mail gets checked by staff. Legal mail is different. Staff will open legal letters only when the inmate is watching. This makes sure the letter stays private between the inmate and their lawyer. It also lets the inmate see that the letter was not changed.
Packages have their own set of rules. The jail takes packages from Monday to Friday. The times are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each inmate can only get two packages every week. The clerk at the desk writes down every delivery. They record who sent the package and put a receipt in the inmate’s file. If a package has items that are not allowed, the jail will send it back. Do not send food or electronics unless the jail says it is okay. Most items should come from the commissary inside the jail to avoid problems with security.
ICE Detention and Immigration Bonds
Pike County Correctional Facility works with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. They hold people for immigration reasons. The primary phone number for these questions is 570-775-5500. The ICE Field Office has a separate number at 267-479-3689. If you need to pay a bond for someone held for ICE, you cannot do it at the jail. You must go to the office at 114 N. 8th Street in Philadelphia, PA 19107. Their phone number is 267-479-3762. This office takes bond payments from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekdays. They close on federal holidays.
Payments for immigration bonds must happen in person. This office does not take money through the internet or the mail. You cannot pay with an electronic transfer. People who post bonds must travel to Philadelphia to complete the paperwork. The Lords Valley jail will not take the money directly. Once the bond is paid in Philadelphia, the office tells the jail. Then, the jail starts the release process. This can take several hours or even a full day depending on how many people are being processed. Keep all receipts from the bond office for your records.
Law Library and Legal Resources
Pike County Correctional Facility maintains a law library for people inside the jail. This library has books about state laws and past court cases. It also has guides to help people represent themselves in court. The library is open from Monday to Friday. The hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. People can use the library on a first-come, first-served basis. Sessions last for 30 minutes. If other people are waiting, the person must leave after their time is up. Staff keep a log of who uses the library and for how long. This helps during audits to show the jail provides legal help.
Having a law library is a right for inmates. It allows them to research their cases and prepare for trial. The books in the library stay inside the room. Inmates can take notes but cannot take the books back to their cells. Sometimes, the library staff can help locate a specific law or form. However, they are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice. Inmates who need deep legal help should talk to their court-appointed lawyer or hire a private one. The library is a tool for basic research and learning about the legal system.
Staff and Employment Conditions
Pike County Correctional Facility employs many people as correctional officers. Working at the jail can be hard. Reviews from workers mention that the jail often has too few staff members. This leads to people working long hours. Some officers work 16-hour shifts instead of the usual 8 hours. The average pay for an officer is about $38,500 every year. Officers have to pay for part of their health insurance. Other county workers might get their insurance for free. This difference in benefits is a common complaint among the jail staff.
Staff members also talk about the need for better equipment. Some say the tools they use every day are old and need updates. Safety is a big concern when the jail is full. When there are not enough officers, it is harder to watch every part of the jail. Officers are expected to be perfect even when they are tired from overtime. These conditions can lead to people leaving the job for other work. The jail tries to hire new people, but the training takes time. A full staff makes the jail safer for both the workers and the inmates.
Comparison with Other Pike County Jails
Pike County Correctional Facility in Pennsylvania is not the only jail with this name. There is a Pike County Detention Center in Pikeville, Kentucky. That jail is at 172 Division Street. Their phone number is 606-432-6292. It holds about 200 people. Another jail exists in McComb, Mississippi. It is the Pike County Jail at 2109 Jesse Hall Industrial Park Road. Their number is 601-783-2323. This Mississippi jail holds 150 people and has a program where inmates can go to work during the day. It is important to know which state you are looking for so you call the right place.
The Lords Valley jail in Pennsylvania is the largest of these three. It serves a larger area and handles ICE detainees. The Kentucky and Mississippi jails mostly handle local arrests and state crimes. Each jail has its own rules for mail and money. For example, the Mississippi jail publishes a booking report every week that people can see online. The Lords Valley jail works with the Philadelphia ICE office for bonds, while the others do not. Always double-check the address and the state to avoid sending money to the wrong jail. Records for one jail are not linked to the others in different states.
Facility History and Architecture
Pike County Correctional Facility has a long history that dates back to 1814. The first version was a small detention house. Over the years, the county needed more space. The current building in Lords Valley opened in 1980. The architecture uses an immediate management style. This means officers can see into the housing units easily. This layout helps stop fights and keeps the jail quiet. In 1980, the jail was built for 258 inmates. As the population in Pennsylvania grew, the jail had to expand. The new capacity of 406 inmates reflects these changes.
The building includes specialized areas. There is a medical infirmary where inmates can get help if they are sick. There is also a kitchen where meals are made every day. The law library and visitation rooms are separate from the cells. Security is high throughout the building. Steel doors, thick glass, and cameras are everywhere. The design focuses on safety for the public and the people inside. Even with the expansion, the jail stays busy. Managing 406 people in one building requires a lot of organization and careful planning by the warden and the staff.
Facility Details and Contact
Pike County Correctional Facility is located in the Lords Valley area. Use the following details to reach the jail or send mail. Ensure you have the correct inmate name before sending any items.
Address: 175 Pike County Blvd, Lords Valley, PA 18428
Main Phone: (570) 775-5500
ICE Field Office: (267) 479-3689
Access Corrections: 1-866-345-1884
Immigration Bond Office: 114 N. 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Visitation Hours (Females):
Daily: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Daily: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Official Website: pikepa.org/courts___law/correctional_facility/index.php
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions about the jail. These answers provide data on how to handle money, visits, and legal issues for those held at the facility.
How do I put money on an inmate’s account at Pike County Correctional Facility?
To put money on an inmate’s account, you can use the kiosk in the lobby at 175 Pike County Blvd. This machine takes cash and credit cards. The money usually shows up on the inmate’s ledger by the next business day. You can also call Access Corrections at 1-866-345-1884. They can help you over the phone. If you want to mail money, send a money order to the jail. Include the inmate’s full name and their ID number. Do not send cash in the mail because it can get lost or stolen. The jail uses this money to let inmates buy snacks, stamps, and hygiene items. Each deposit is tracked by the jail staff. If there is a problem with a deposit, the kiosk company can help. Keep your receipts until you are sure the inmate has the money. This process ensures the inmates can get the things they need while they are inside.
What are the visitation rules for female inmates?
Female inmates at Pike County Correctional Facility have set times for visitors. These times are usually in the evening. There is a session from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and another from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. These times are the same for all security levels. During holidays like Christmas, the schedule might change. It is smart to call the jail at 570-775-5500 to check for updates. When you visit, you must have a valid ID. You cannot bring cell phones or bags into the visit area. There is a parking lot with 30 spaces that is free to use. The jail follows ADA rules, so people in wheelchairs can visit easily. If you break the rules, you will be asked to leave. Visits are a good way to stay in touch, but you must follow every rule the jail sets. The staff watches the visits to keep everyone safe.
Can I send books or magazines to someone in the jail?
Yes, you can send books to Pike County Correctional Facility, but they must come from the publisher. This means you should order them from a site like Amazon or a book store and have them ship the book directly to the jail. You cannot mail a book from your house. Third-party vendors who sell used books are also not allowed. This rule exists to prevent people from hiding illegal items inside the books. Only new books are usually accepted. Magazines and newspapers follow the same rules. They must come through a subscription or directly from the company. The jail staff will open the package and check the pages. If the book has staples or metal, it might be rejected. Hardcover books are often not allowed; softcover is better. Make sure the inmate’s name and ID number are on the shipping label. This helps the jail staff get the book to the right person quickly.
How do I pay an immigration bond for a detainee at this facility?
You cannot pay an immigration bond directly at Pike County Correctional Facility. Even though the jail holds ICE detainees, they do not handle the money. You must go to the ICE bond office in Philadelphia. The address is 114 N. 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. You can call them at 267-479-3762. They accept bond payments Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. They do not take payments on federal holidays. You have to be there in person. They will not take a payment over the phone or through the mail. You should bring a money order or a cashier’s check for the full amount. Once you pay the bond in Philadelphia, they notify the jail in Lords Valley. The jail then starts the work to release the person. This can take some time, so be prepared to wait. Do not try to send bond money to the jail address, as they will return it.
What services does the law library provide?
The law library at Pike County Correctional Facility gives inmates a place to research legal matters. It is open on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Inmates can use the library for 30 minutes at a time. The library has books on state laws and court decisions. It also has forms that people can use for court filings. This is helpful for people who do not have a private lawyer. The library works on a first-come, first-served basis. If many people want to use it, you might have to wait for your turn. Staff members are there to help find books, but they cannot give any legal advice. Inmates can take notes, but the library materials stay in the room. This resource is vital for those who want to learn more about their rights. The jail keeps a log of everyone who uses the library for record-keeping. This ensures everyone has a fair chance to use the books and tools provided.
What should I know about sending packages to the jail?
Sending a package to Pike County Correctional Facility requires following a few strict steps. The jail only takes packages from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Each inmate can only receive two packages in a single week. When a package arrives, the intake clerk logs it into a book. They write down who sent it and what is inside. A receipt is then put in the inmate’s file. You should not send items like food, clothes, or electronics unless you have special permission. Most of these items should be bought through the jail’s commissary. If you send something that is not allowed, the jail will either throw it away or send it back to you at your cost. All packages are searched for contraband. If you want to send something special, it is best to call the jail first to see if it is okay. This prevents you from wasting money on shipping items that the inmate cannot have.
How do I find out if someone is currently in the Pike County jail?
To locate someone in the Pike County Correctional Facility, you can call the main desk at 570-775-5500. The staff can tell you if a person is being held there. You will need to provide the person’s full legal name. Sometimes they will ask for a birth date to make sure they have the right person. The jail does not always have a public list online that updates every minute. For people held on immigration charges, you might need to use the ICE online locator tool. That tool requires an A-Number or a name and country of birth. If the person was just arrested, it might take a few hours for them to show up in the records. Once they are processed, their names are added to the roster. If you are looking for someone in Kentucky or Mississippi, make sure you call those specific jails instead. Records are kept locally and are not shared between different states.