Lehigh County Jail Visitation is managed through the ViaPath Visitor Web 8.0 system, connected to GTLVisitMe. This online platform runs all day and night, letting families and friends log in with a secure ID and the inmate’s booking number. Users pick from up to five time slots each day and can schedule visits up to seven days ahead. Confirmation comes right away by email or text. A QR code must be shown at the security checkpoint. Visits must be booked at least 24 hours before and no more than seven days in advance. Each visit lasts 30 minutes for general population inmates and 45 minutes for approved family members. Every visitor must bring a current government-issued photo ID, like a Pennsylvania driver’s license or U.S. passport.
How to Schedule a Visit
Scheduling a visit starts by going to the ViaPath Visitor Web 8.0 site. You’ll need your personal login ID and the inmate’s booking number. The system shows real-time availability for up to five daily time windows. Choose your preferred date and time, then confirm your choice. The system sends an instant confirmation with a QR code. This code is required at check-in. If you miss the 24-hour to 7-day booking window, you cannot enter. The process is simple, fast, and works on phones, tablets, and computers. No walk-in visits are allowed without a prior appointment.
Visitation Hours and Rules
Face-to-face visits happen on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Medical visits occur on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for inmates with health appointments. Each visit lasts 30 minutes unless the inmate is approved for extended family time, which allows 45 minutes. Only two visitors are allowed per session. Children under 18 must be with a parent or guardian. No food, drinks, bags, or phones are permitted in the visiting area. Smoking is banned on jail property. Dress code requires clean, modest clothing—no hats, hoods, or revealing outfits. Failure to follow rules may result in denied entry or future bans.
Required Identification
All visitors must show a valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms include a Pennsylvania driver’s license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or active military ID. The ID must be current and readable. Copies, photos on phones, or expired cards are not accepted. Security checks the ID against the visitor log before entry. If your ID is missing or invalid, you will be turned away. You must reschedule your visit. Minors need a birth certificate and must be with a parent or legal guardian. No exceptions are made for lost or stolen IDs without proper replacement documents.
Inmate Search and Roster Lookup
To find an inmate, visit the official Lehigh County Jail website and click “Inmate Search.” You can search by last name, first name, date of birth, or booking number. Results show housing unit, booking date, mugshot, charges, bond amount, and court dates. The system updates every 15 minutes. For more details, click “Full Profile.” You can also call Inmate Services at 610-782-3270. The roster includes mailing address, phone options, and commissary info. This helps families stay connected and informed.
Inmate Services and Support
The Inmate Services office is at 17 South 7th Street in Allentown. It handles money deposits through Western Union and MoneyGram. Commissary orders go through JPay. Medical appointments are set with the county health department. Legal visits are arranged by a special liaison. Email and text messages use a secure jail-approved system. Phone calls require a prepaid account. Families can add money online or by calling 610-782-3270. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visitation Calendars and Special Programs
The jail posts monthly visitation calendars online. These list dates for general population visits, segregation unit visits, and incentive visits for well-behaved inmates. The DARE program holds visits on the third Thursday of each month. These include a short lesson and a 15-minute family talk. Calendars note holidays when visits are closed, like Thanksgiving and Christmas. PDFs are available for download. Check the jail’s website regularly for updates.
Facility Overview and Security
Lehigh County Jail is at 38 North Fourth Street in Allentown, PA. It opened in 1992 and covers 250,000 square feet over twelve floors. The jail uses a direct-supervision model, placing officers inside housing units. It holds up to 1,352 inmates in single and double cells, plus segregation units. Over 1,200 cameras, motion lights, and digital locks keep the facility secure. About 200 correctional officers work here, along with medical staff and counselors. All staff train regularly in safety and inmate care.
Mental Health and Inmate Care
In 2022, the Lehigh County Board of Health reported that about 107 inmates had serious mental illness each week. One case involved a man held in solitary for 90 days before being moved to a state mental hospital. This led to improvements in 2021, including ten new treatment beds and two full-time psychiatrists. The jail now offers better mental health support. Inmates can get counseling, medication, and therapy. Families should contact Inmate Services for help with mental health concerns.
Communication Options for Families
Families can stay in touch through phone calls, emails, and letters. Phone calls use prepaid accounts funded online or by phone. Emails and texts go through a secure system. Letters must be mailed to 38 North Fourth Street, Allentown, PA 18102. Include the inmate’s full name and booking number. Packages are not accepted. Tablets are available for rent through a third-party vendor. All mail is screened for safety. Inmates can receive books and magazines if sent directly from publishers.
Bail and Release Information
Bail amounts are listed on the inmate roster. If an inmate is eligible, families can post bond through a licensed bail bondsman or pay directly. The Inmate Services office does not handle bail payments. Court dates and release estimates are updated regularly. Once released, inmates receive a discharge packet with next steps. Families should monitor the roster for changes. If an inmate is transferred to state prison, use the Pennsylvania DOC locator to find their new location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit without an appointment? No. All visits must be scheduled in advance through ViaPath Visitor Web 8.0. Walk-ins are not allowed. How many people can visit at once? Only two visitors per session. Children count as visitors. What if I lose my QR code? Contact the visitation system or check your email. A new code can be reissued. Are video visits available? Not at this time. Only in-person visits are offered. Can I bring gifts? No. Only ID is allowed. All other items are banned.
Contact and Location Details
Lehigh County Jail is located at 38 North Fourth Street, Allentown, PA 18102. The main phone number is 610-782-3000. Inmate Services can be reached at 610-782-3270. Visiting hours are Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for medical visits. The official website is https://www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/Corrections/Lehigh-County-Jail. For visitation scheduling, go to https://lehighpa.gtlvisitme.com/app. Always check the website for updates on holidays or policy changes.
Related Resources
Final Tips for Visitors
Plan ahead. Book your visit early. Bring only your ID. Arrive 15 minutes early. Follow all dress and behavior rules. Keep your QR code safe. If you have questions, call Inmate Services. Stay updated by checking the jail’s website. Respect staff and other visitors. Your cooperation helps keep visits safe and smooth for everyone.
FAQ Section
Visiting a loved one in jail can raise many questions. Below are answers to the most common concerns about Lehigh County Jail visitation, rules, and services.
What documents do I need to visit an inmate at Lehigh County Jail?
You must bring a current government-issued photo ID. This includes a Pennsylvania driver’s license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or active military ID. The ID must show your name, photo, and date of birth. It cannot be expired, copied, or displayed on a phone. Security will check your ID against the visitor log. If your ID is not valid, you will not be allowed in. Minors under 18 must be with a parent or guardian and show a birth certificate. No other documents are required for visitation.
Can I schedule a visit for the same day?
No, same-day visits are not allowed. All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. The latest you can book is seven days before the visit. The ViaPath Visitor Web 8.0 system only shows slots within this window. If you try to book outside this range, the system will not accept it. This rule helps the jail manage security and staffing. Plan ahead and schedule early to get your preferred time.
What happens if I arrive late to my visit?
If you arrive late, you may lose your visit slot. The jail does not extend visits for late arrivals. Each session starts and ends on time. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow for check-in. If you miss your appointment, you must reschedule. Repeated no-shows may result in temporary bans. The QR code sent to you is only valid for the scheduled time. Late entry is not permitted under any circumstances.
Are children allowed during visits?
Yes, children are allowed if they are with a parent or legal guardian. Each child counts as one visitor. Only two visitors are permitted per session. Children must stay with the adult at all times. No running, shouting, or disruptive behavior is allowed. Diaper bags are not permitted. If a child becomes too loud or unruly, the visit may be ended early. Plan for quiet activities to keep children calm during the short visit.
How do I send money to an inmate?
Money can be sent through Western Union, MoneyGram, or JPay. Go online to the official JPay website or visit a Western Union or MoneyGram location. Use the inmate’s full name and booking number. Funds are added to the inmate’s account within 24 hours. You can also call 610-782-3270 to add money by phone. Cash is not accepted at the jail. All deposits are final and non-refundable. Keep your receipt for your records.
Can I visit if I have a criminal record?
It depends. The jail reviews each visitor’s background. If you have a violent felony or are on parole, you may be denied. Contact Inmate Services at 610-782-3000 to ask about your status. Some restrictions can be lifted with approval. Always be honest when applying. False information can lead to a permanent ban. The safety of inmates and staff is the top priority.
What should I do if my loved one is transferred?
Check the inmate roster daily. If the status changes to “transferred,” use the Pennsylvania DOC Inmate Locator to find the new facility. Update your contact methods. Mail, phone, and visitation rules may differ at state prisons. Call the new facility for their policies. Keep records of all communications. Staying informed helps you stay connected during the transition.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Lehigh County Jail website or contact Inmate Services directly.