How Inmate Accounts Work at Lancaster County Prison: Real-Time Updates and Oversight
Money questions come up fast after someone is booked. If you're trying to help from the outside, you'll want to understand how inmate accounts work at Lancaster County Prison (LCP), who oversees them, and what "real-time updates" actually means for deposits and spending.
Lancaster County Prison maintains all inmate financial accounts, with oversight from the Director of Administration. The prison handles day-to-day account operations, while a senior administrator keeps watch over how those funds are managed. Why does this matter to you? This structure separates routine account tasks from higher-level oversight. It's one way the facility builds accountability into how inmate funds are tracked.
Oversight: All incarcerated individual related funds are overseen by the Lancaster County Controller, who conducts financial audits of accounts annually.
An inmate account is created when someone is booked. LCP uses a contracted Account System that provides real-time updates. For families, "real-time updates" is the key phrase. The system is designed to reflect changes as they happen. Deposits and balances should update without built-in delays.
Processing fee at commitment: LCP charges a $35 processing fee when someone is booked or re-booked. Financial privileges (including commissary access) aren't available until this fee is paid in full. Medical services are available regardless of ability to pay.
If money is found on a newly incarcerated individual at intake, it is placed into their inmate account at the time of commitment.
Practical for Families
- ✓ Deposit at the kiosk in the LCP vestibule using cash, credit, or debit card (service fee applies).
- ✓ Deposit online using JailATM™ (service fee applies).
- ✓ Use Securus Technologies (Friends and Family Video Visitation System) for payments tied to phone calls, eMessaging stamps, and tablet media (not commissary). A service fee applies.
- Get a money order or certified check - Only money orders or certified checks are accepted for mailed deposits.
- Add the inmate’s details - Include the incarcerated individual’s name and identification number.
- Mail it to inmate accounts - Address it to: Lancaster County Prison, Attn: Inmate Accounts, 625 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602.
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