Allegheny County PA Jail - 5th Avenue

About Allegheny County PA Jail - 5th Avenue

Allegheny County PA Jail - 5th Avenue is a Adult correctional facility in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The facility operates under the county Department of Corrections and holds individuals awaiting trial, serving short sentences, or awaiting transfer to a state prison.

Allegheny County PA Jail - 5th Avenue provides a range of correctional services to both pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. The Allegheny County correctional system plays a key role in maintaining public safety and administering justice in the local community. Inmates may participate in educational programs, work assignments, and substance abuse treatment depending on their classification.

Families and loved ones of inmates housed at Allegheny County PA Jail - 5th Avenue are encouraged to stay connected through approved communication channels. Regular contact — through mail, phone calls, and scheduled visitation — supports inmate well-being and reduces recidivism after release. Read our guide on calling an inmate and visiting an inmate to get started.

Facility Type and Security Level

Allegheny County PA Jail - 5th Avenue is classified as a Adult facility operating at a medium level of security. Medium-security facilities balance inmate supervision with rehabilitation programming, allowing inmates greater movement within the facility than high-security institutions. Visitation is typically permitted on scheduled days during facility operating hours.

Contact Allegheny County PA Jail - 5th Avenue Administration

Phone

Reach the facility's administration directly at 412-340-4451. Staff are available during standard business hours to answer questions about inmate status, visiting, and facility policies.

Fax

You can fax documents to Allegheny County PA Jail - 5th Avenue at 412-350-2186. Faxing is useful for submitting legal documents or visitation applications.

How to Contact an Inmate at Allegheny County PA Jail - 5th Avenue

Send Mail

You may send letters, photos (non-Polaroid), and approved publications to an inmate at the following address:

Phone Calls

Allegheny County PA Jail - 5th Avenue allows inmates to make outgoing phone calls through the facility's approved carrier, Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork. You must set up a prepaid account with the carrier before you can receive calls from the facility. All calls are recorded and subject to monitoring. Read our first-time inmate phone setup guide for step-by-step instructions.

How to Send Money to an Inmate's Trust Fund

Sending money to an inmate's commissary trust account allows them to purchase hygiene products, food, and phone credits from the facility store.

Pennsylvania inmates use a commissary trust account to purchase approved items from the facility store. The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections authorizes JPay as the primary deposit service, with additional options available by mail and phone.

Method 1 — JPay (Online & Mobile, Recommended)

• Visit JPay.com or download the app: Android iOS
• Find your inmate by PA DOC number or name, enter the amount, and pay by debit or credit card.
• Funds typically post within 24–48 hours on business days.

Method 2 — JPay Phone Deposit

• Call JPay's 24/7 helpline at 1-800-574-5729 to deposit by phone.
• Have the inmate's PA DOC number and facility name ready before calling.
• Service fees apply and are disclosed before the transaction is processed.

Method 3 — Money Order by Mail (USPS Only)

• Make the money order payable to the inmate's full name. Write the PA DOC number on the memo line.
• Include a completed Pennsylvania deposit slip with the envelope.
• Mail via USPS to:
  JPay
  717 Market Street, Ste. 423
  Lemoyne, PA 17043
• No additional fee for money orders. Processing time: 5–10 business days.

Method 4 — MoneyGram

• Visit any MoneyGram location (Walmart, Kroger, CVS) or go to moneygram.com.
• Provide the inmate's name, PA DOC number, and facility.
• Pennsylvania DOC MoneyGram Receive Code: 3209
• Service fees apply at MoneyGram locations.

Information Required

• Inmate's full committed name
• PA DOC number
• Facility name

Read our full inmate money guide for step-by-step instructions.

Visitation Guide for Allegheny County PA Jail - 5th Avenue

Visiting your loved one at Allegheny County PA Jail - 5th Avenue requires advance preparation. Review the timings and rules below before planning your trip. For the most current schedule, contact the facility at 412-340-4451.

Getting Approved to Visit

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list before arriving. To be added to the list, complete a visitor application and submit it to the facility. Download the state-wise visitor approval application for your state. Approval may take several days to weeks — apply well in advance of your planned visit.

Visitation Rules

Visitation is a privilege at Allegheny County PA Jail - 5th Avenue. Visits may be restricted, suspended, or terminated for safety and security reasons. The following rules apply to all visitors:

• All visitors aged 17 and older must present a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID).
• Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an approved adult for the entire duration of the visit.
• A maximum of 2 adults and 2 children may visit an inmate at one time (subject to facility capacity).
• Inmates are typically allowed 20-minute visits per visitation day, though this varies by facility policy.
• All visitors and their belongings are subject to search before entering. Contraband will be confiscated.
• Bring only permitted items — no food, beverages, or electronic devices unless specifically authorized.
• Dress appropriately: no revealing clothing, no gang-affiliated colors, and no clothing resembling inmate uniforms.
• Attorneys may visit inmates 24 hours a day, seven days a week with proper credentials.
• No video or audio recording of inmates is permitted during any visit.
• The facility's security staff may terminate any visit at any time if rules are violated.

Visitation Timings

Visiting hours shown are approximate and subject to change. Always confirm current hours with the facility before your visit.