Bethlehem Inmate Population Records
Bethlehem is one of the larger cities in the Lehigh Valley region, spanning parts of both Northampton and Lehigh Counties. Because Bethlehem crosses two county lines, the Bethlehem inmate population may be held at either Northampton County Prison or Lehigh County Jail depending on which county the arrest occurred in. This page covers how to search Bethlehem inmate records, what facilities hold local inmates, and what state and court resources are available.
Bethlehem Quick Facts
Bethlehem's Two-County Jail System
Bethlehem is unique among Pennsylvania cities because it spans two counties. The southern portion of Bethlehem lies in Northampton County, and the northern section lies in Lehigh County. When someone is arrested in Bethlehem, they go to the county jail that corresponds to the part of the city where the arrest happened. This means the Bethlehem inmate population may be split between two different facilities.
Northampton County Prison is located at 666 Walnut Street, Easton, PA 18042. The phone number is 610-829-6468. Inmates arrested in the Northampton County portion of Bethlehem are typically held there. The Northampton County Prison provides an online inmate lookup so you can search by name for anyone in custody at that facility.
Lehigh County Jail is at 38 N. 4th Street, Allentown, PA 18102. The phone number is 610-782-3270. Arrests in the Lehigh County portion of Bethlehem lead to holding at the Lehigh County Jail. That facility also provides an online inmate search. If you are not sure which county applies, try both jails or contact the Bethlehem Police Department for clarification.
Note: The Bethlehem Police Department serves the entire city. Officers communicate with both county jails depending on arrest location. The non-emergency line is 610-865-7181.
Searching Bethlehem Inmate Population Records
Start your Bethlehem inmate search with both county jail rosters if you are unsure which county applies. For those sent to state prison, use the PA DOC locator at pa.gov or the direct PADOC portal at cor.pa.gov. The state system covers over 36,000 inmates across 24 correctional institutions and is updated daily. No login is required, and the service is free.
The Pennsylvania official inmate locator at pa.gov covers Bethlehem area residents who have been transferred to state correctional institutions after sentencing.
Court records for Bethlehem cases are filed in either Northampton or Lehigh County depending on the arrest location. Search both through the Unified Judicial System portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us. Dockets include charges, hearing dates, bail decisions, and outcomes. The Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole at pbpp.pa.gov handles parole supervision. Federal Bethlehem inmates appear at bop.gov.
Visiting Bethlehem Inmates and Jail Services
Visiting rules differ between Northampton County Prison and Lehigh County Jail. Each facility sets its own schedule and visitor approval process. Contact the jail holding the person you plan to visit before making the trip. Both jails require valid photo ID and adherence to dress codes and conduct rules. Approved visitor lists must be in place before a visit can occur.
The PADOC direct locator at cor.pa.gov shows which state facility holds a Bethlehem area resident after transfer from the county jail level.
Both county jails offer mail and telephone services through contracted providers. Commissary accounts are available for approved purchases. Medical care and mental health services are provided on site at each facility. Educational and reentry programs help inmates prepare for release. For Bethlehem inmates in PA DOC state facilities, program details and visiting procedures are at cor.pa.gov.
Note: The Bethlehem Police Department records unit at bethlehem-pa.gov handles requests for arrest records and police incident reports from within the city.
Bethlehem Public Records and Access
Records requests for Bethlehem city-held documents go through the city open records process. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law at 65 P.S. sections 67.101 through 67.3104 governs access. Bethlehem must respond within five business days. Denied requests can be appealed to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records at openrecords.pa.gov.
Criminal history searches for Bethlehem area residents go through the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History system at epatch.pa.gov. PATCH covers statewide conviction records under 18 Pa.C.S. Chapter 91. Because Bethlehem spans two counties, court records may be filed in either Northampton or Lehigh County. The UJS portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us covers both counties in a single search, which simplifies looking up cases tied to the Bethlehem inmate population.
Northampton County Inmate Records
Most of Bethlehem's population lives in the Northampton County portion of the city, and Northampton County Prison holds a significant share of the Bethlehem inmate population. For Northampton County inmate records, facility details, and county-level resources, visit the Northampton County page.
Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
Other cities in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas use their own county jail systems. Select a city below to explore inmate population records.