Butler County Prison, PA

Visiting someone at Butler County Prison is straightforward if you come prepared. Bring a current photo ID, tell staff which inmate you're visiting, and check in with the lobby officer for identity verification. Each inmate maintains a confidential list of five adult visitors—only those listed can visit, and the inmate can update the list every 30 days. Visits are limited to three visitors at a time, one visit per day. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian unless the Warden or Deputy Warden approves otherwise. You'll pass through a metal detector and may be searched (including a strip search) if staff have cause. Store personal items in the lock boxes provided. Show up more than five minutes late? You'll be turned away.

Butler County Prison handles video visitation through Smart Inmate—schedule online at www.smartinmate.com. When someone is first committed, they get three initial collect phone calls to notify family and set up accounts. For video, phone, or messaging services, create an account with the approved vendor, complete identity verification, and wait for facility approval before scheduling. The vendor manages account setup, scheduling, and payments; the jail reviews visitor requests and opens available time slots. Some options require prepayment or credits, so check the vendor portal for funding methods and refund policies before placing calls or booking a visit.

Sending reading material to someone at Butler County Prison comes with strict rules. Paperback books, magazines, and newspapers are accepted only if shipped directly from the publisher, distributor, or newspaper office—no personal shipments allowed. Paperback novels of normal size must be ordered through an approved distributor and mailed to the facility's specified address. The prison maintains a list of approved book vendors for purchasing items for inmates. Staff can reject any publication they consider inappropriate, including materials that advocate violence, provide instructions for weapons or explosives, explain how to make poisons or drugs, or meet judicial definitions of obscenity. For letters and other mail, double-check the inmate's full name and ID, follow the required addressing format, and write clear return and inmate addresses.

Butler County Prison offers a few ways to add funds to an inmate’s account: mail a money order, make an online deposit through the Jail ATM website, or use the kiosk located in the prison lobby if you prefer to pay in person. If you mail a money order, address it to Butler County Prison and include the inmate’s full name and the facility address; only money orders should be sent through the mail. The prison accepts only money orders and cashier’s checks for inmate accounts—cash and personal checks will be returned to the sender. Inmates can use account funds to order commissary through Oasis Commissary, which typically includes items like clothing, food, games, hygiene products, medical items, and stationery.