Delaware County Booking Releases and Inmate Search
Delaware County booking releases are processed through the George W. Hill Correctional Facility in Thornton, Pennsylvania. One of the largest county correctional facilities in the state, the facility records every arrest made in the county and maintains booking records covering charges, bail amounts, court dates, and custody details. An online inmate locator allows the public to search by name, date of birth, or inmate number. Records are public under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law.
George W. Hill Correctional Facility
The George W. Hill Correctional Facility, commonly known as GWHCF, is located at 500 Cheyney Road in Thornton, Pennsylvania 19373. The facility can be reached by phone at 610-361-3400. The main fax number is 610-361-3428, and the classification fax is 610-361-3398. With a rated capacity of approximately 1,800 and an average daily population around 1,500, GWHCF is among the largest county jail facilities in Pennsylvania.
The facility operates multiple housing units across various security levels. Inmates are classified at intake and assigned to a housing unit based on charge severity, criminal history, behavioral risk, and available bed space. The classification process occurs shortly after booking and uses a structured assessment tool to ensure appropriate placement.
On-site services at GWHCF include medical care, mental health services, GED and literacy programs, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and religious services. These programs serve both the pre-trial population and sentenced inmates. The facility takes a structured approach to programming that reflects the scale of its population and the range of needs among those in custody.
The Delaware County government website at delcopa.gov provides access to the online inmate locator and information about the facility, Sheriff's Office, and county services.
Online Inmate Locator at GWHCF
The Delaware County inmate locator supports searches by name, date of birth, or inmate number. Search results display the individual's current housing unit, active charges, bail or bond information, scheduled court dates, and any other relevant custody details on file.
The locator reflects current custody. For individuals who have been released, transferred, or booked and quickly released, the online system may not return results. A written Right-to-Know request to the County Administrator is the correct step for accessing records not available through the online locator.
Delaware County Sheriff Jerry Sanders is headquartered at 145 W. 3rd Street in Media, Pennsylvania 19063. The Sheriff's Office phone is 610-891-4150. The Sheriff's Office is responsible for courthouse security, civil process, and related law enforcement functions across the county. GWHCF operates under the oversight of county government.
Note: Inmate information in the online locator is updated periodically throughout the day. For time-sensitive custody inquiries, calling the facility directly at 610-361-3400 provides the most current data.
Visitation and Communications at GWHCF
Video visitation at GWHCF is available through GettingOut. Visits are scheduled in advance. In-person visits require an appointment and strict compliance with the facility's dress code. Visitors must bring valid government-issued photo ID. Electronic devices are not permitted in the visiting area. Visit duration is typically 30 to 45 minutes. Rules regarding who may visit and under what conditions are posted on the facility's visiting guidelines.
Court Administration for Delaware County can be reached at 610-891-4000. This is also the number for general county government inquiries. The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas is led by President Judge Stephanie H. Klein. The county operates 32 Magisterial District Courts, as well as specialty dockets for Drug Court, DUI Court, Mental Health Court, and Veterans Court. These specialty courts are designed to divert individuals with specific needs into treatment-focused supervision rather than traditional prosecution.
Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law and Booking Records
Pennsylvania's 65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq. presumes all records held by government agencies are public unless a specific exemption applies. Delaware County booking records, arrest logs, and jail custody data are subject to this law. Written requests go to the County Administrator at 201 W. Front Street, Media, PA 19063. Requests can also be submitted by email to rtrequest@co.delaware.pa.us. The phone number for general inquiries is 610-891-4000.
The agency must respond within five business days. Standard copy fees are $0.25 per page, with a $5 charge for certified copies. If a request is denied, the requester may appeal to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records within 15 business days of the denial. The Office of Open Records issues binding decisions at no cost to the requester.
Booking records documenting charges and bail amounts are among the most clearly public categories of records. They reflect the exercise of government authority over an individual and carry a strong public interest in disclosure. Under 61 Pa.C.S. § 4103, county correctional facilities must follow state rules on record access and retention.
Delaware County Court Records via UJS Portal
Booking records capture the state of a case at the moment of arrest. Subsequent events, including plea agreements, dismissals, convictions, and sentencing orders, are recorded in the court system. The Pennsylvania UJS portal provides public access to all court records in Delaware County and statewide.
Searching by name or docket number returns a full history of court proceedings. Scheduled future dates, past hearing records, and orders entered by the court are all accessible through the portal. Court dates listed in a booking record are assigned at arraignment and may be continued or rescheduled as the case moves through the system. Always verify current dates through the UJS portal before making travel or legal plans based on a booking record court date.
VINE Victim Notification in Delaware County
The VINE system provides free automated custody notifications for victims of crimes in Delaware County. Registration is available online or by phone. Users select the individual they want to monitor and receive alerts when that person's custody status changes at any participating Pennsylvania facility.
VINE notifications cover releases, transfers, and other significant custody changes. The service operates 24 hours a day. For victims who hold a protective order, VINE's advance warning can support personal safety planning. One registration account can monitor multiple individuals if needed.
State Criminal History Records via PATCH
The PATCH system at the Pennsylvania State Police provides statewide criminal history records. A name-based search returns conviction records for adults across Pennsylvania for a $22 fee. PATCH covers all counties, not just Delaware County, and reflects dispositions rather than just arrests. For a complete picture of an individual's history, combining PATCH results with a search of the Delaware County inmate locator and the UJS court portal covers all three major sources.
Record Correction and Expungement in Delaware County
Clerical errors in a Delaware County booking record can be corrected by contacting the facility or the County Administrator's office in writing. Supporting documentation helps resolve name spelling errors, incorrect dates, or similar mistakes more quickly. Disputes about charges or outcomes require documentation from the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.
Expungement is handled through the court, not the jail. An attorney files a petition with the Court of Common Pleas. The process typically takes one to two years. Until an expungement order is entered and processed, the booking record remains visible in public databases. The UJS portal shows whether an expungement order has been entered. Third-party databases that archive older records may need to be contacted separately for removal once a court order is in place.
Nearby Pennsylvania Counties
These neighboring counties maintain their own booking release records under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law.