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Berks County PA Jail Visitation Center

County Jail

Last Updated: March 29,2024


Visitation Hours

Berks County PA Jail - Visitation

Times and days are subject to change without notice

  • Monday 8:30 am - 4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am - 4 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 10 am - 3:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am - 3:30 pm

This facility may also have a video visitation option, please call 610-208-4800, and ask for the "visiting room CO on duty" for more information, alerts, or rule changes.

General Visitation Information

Berks County Jail - Visitation

The visitation program is restricted by the security and operational requirements of the institution. You are eligible for visitation subject to these restrictions. You must provide a specific list of up to eight (8) “proposed” visitors. Visitation accurate and complete name, date of birth, address, telephone number, and relationship (mother, brother, child, step-child, grandchild, aunt, etc.) for all visitors on the Proposed Inmate Visitor List form. Approved visitors will be offered visiting privileges under the conditions noted below:

  • Visits are to be conducted in an orderly and quiet manner
  • All visitors, including minors, must be on the approved visitor's list
  • Minors [those under the age of eighteen (18)] are permitted to visit only a parent/step-parent, legal guardian, spouse or sibling when placed on the visitation list
  • All minors must be properly supervised and remain with an adult who is on your visitation list at all times and may not be left unattended in the visiting room, lobby, or vehicle on jail property at the time of commitment
  • Disorderly visitors (including minors) will be asked to leave jail property (This may result in a loss of visiting privileges for all visitors in the party
  • Violations of any visiting regulation or failure to cooperate with staff in any way during a visit may result in a restriction or loss of your visiting privileges )
  • You are permitted no more than three (3) visitors per visit
  • Anyone released from jail within the past two (2) years will not be permitted to visit you
  • Those on parole must provide written approval to visit you from their parole officer
  • You must have completed the quarantine period to be eligible for a visit
  • You are permitted to have no more than two (2) visits lasting at least thirty (30) minutes in length each week
  • You are permitted to have one (1) visit per week, assigned by your room designation, lasting no longer than fifty (50) minutes
  • Contact visitation is not permitted
  • All visitors are to report directly to the front lobby to sign in and are to immediately leave the jail property once the visit is over

C-2 unit, H-unit, I-unit, J-unit, L-unit, F-unit (PC only), PC overflow

  • Sunday, Wednesday & Friday
  • 8:00am – 8:00pm

C-1 unit, F-unit, G-unit, K-unit, M-unit, N-unit, O-unit

  • Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
  • 8:00am – 8:00pm

Disciplinary - D-unit, F-unit, N/O-unit

  • Visitation Days: Assigned by cell
  • Visitation Times - Contact the Treatment Department

Quarantine - No visits

**Effective 7/16/19, visitation for A and B Units is on a modified schedule.

A-Unit: Sunday (8:00AM-2:00PM), Wednesday (2:00PM-8:00PM) & Friday (8:00AM - 8:00PM)

B-Unit: Tuesday (2:00PM-8:00PM), Thursday (8:00AM-8:00PM) & Saturday (8:00AM - 2:00PM)

**Effective 11/9/19, visitation for A and B Units is on a modified schedule.

A-Unit: Sunday (8:00AM-8:00PM), Wednesday (8:00AM-8:00PM) & Friday (8:00AM - 8:00PM)

B-Unit: Tuesday (8:00AM-8:00PM), Thursday (8:00AM-8:00PM) & Saturday (8:00AM - 8:00PM)

Below is a synopsis of the visitation rules of the Berks County Jail System.

*As a visitor you give up certain rights while you are on Berks County Jail System property*

Visits are a privilege that may be revoked by jail staff, at any time, for cause. We will not tolerate abuse or foul language. If this occurs, a visitor will be asked to leave the premises. No exceptions will be made, and the Warden will not accept appeals.

If you have been incarcerated in Berks County Jail System in the past two years, you will not be permitted to visit.

When visiting the jail, please adhere to the following guidelines, established for the security of our institution as well as the safety and well being of staff, inmates, and visitors.

  • no weapons of any kind
  • no unauthorized photography or video recording
  • no medication or drugs of any kind, no alcohol or any item that contains alcohol (i.e., cough syrup)
  • no cellular telephones
  • no loitering
  • no contact with inmate workers

Upon your arrival, please report to staff and provide your name and identification. Lockers are provided for storage of personal items during your visit. All packages and/or purses are subject to search.

There is a dress code for visitors. Some guidelines include: No Halter tops, half shirts, tube tops, “short shorts”, micro-mini skirts, fishnet stockings, see-through blouses, or provocative garments; blouses, shirts, and tops must extend to or beyond the beltline. Visitors may not wear gang-style clothing or colors. Jail staff reserve the right to deny anyone visiting privileges because of inappropriate attire.

Proper identification, a photo identification card with a valid current address, is required. (A PA Driver’s License, PA Identification card, active military ID or a foreign passport with an address.)

You are authorized to park in one of the three lower parking lots and report directly to the lobby desk. You are to wait in the lobby or in your car. You are not permitted to loiter anywhere on Jail System property or in the parking lot (doing so may result in you being asked to leave the premises).

There are vending machines in the visitation corridor for your use; you may bring no food or beverages of your own into the institution.

Any violation of regulations may result in termination of a visit and suspension of future visitation privileges. Terminations and suspensions of visitation privileges will be reviewed by the Warden or Chief Deputy Warden. There is no appeal.

Friends & Family Visitors - To visit an inmate, you must first be on his/her visit list. Inmates choose who they want to have on their list and submit this list to Treatment Staff, who enter the visitors into the visit system. Treatment Staff cannot add you to an inmate’s visit list; it can only be at the request of the inmate. If you would like to visit someone and you are not on his/her visit list, please write to him/her and provide your full name, address, telephone number, and date of birth (this information is required to be an approved visitor).

Inmates are only permitted 2 visits each week.

Visitors over the age of 18 are required to have a valid picture identification card with a current address. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must be the child, stepchild, or grandchild of the inmate they are visiting. Visitors are required to dress appropriately and should not wear revealing clothing. Failure to adhere to the dress code will be cause for denial of visitation privileges.

Visiting Inmates at Berks County PA Jail

All Visitors are subject to search once inside the facility.

The public may visit no more than one time per week, Monday through Saturday at this Leesport PA location. Visitors must sign inat least 15 minutes before their scheduled visits. If you schedule a visit and don't show up or show up late, you will not be allowed to visit the rest of that week, including Saturday. If a visit on Saturday is scheduled, and the visitor does not show up or shows up late, they will not be allowed to visit until the following Saturday. Repeated late arrival or no-show violations may result in longer suspension of visiting privileges. Inmates are allowed no more than one (1) visit per day. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian, unless they are visiting a parent. Unaccompanied minors (under age 18) visiting a parent must present a copy of their birth certificate. Children must remain with the parent at all times during the visit. All visitors must have acceptable identification. This includes a drivers license with picture identification, military ID, or other verifiable picture ID. Three (3) pieces of non-picture ID may substitute for picture ID.

No mail or messages for inmates will be accepted. Mail must go through the U.S. Mail. Visitors may only visit the inmate they have signed up to visit. Any visitor who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to visit. Inappropriate behavior, including the use of profanity, will not be permitted. No weapons will be permitted. All other items listed in the jail lobby are prohibited. There is a maximum of four (4) visitors per booth, including children, and the door must remain closed.

All visitors must wear appropriate clothing, including shoes and shirts. Restrictions on attire or appearance include: No miniskirts or similar attire; no low-cut or revealing necklines; no attire with obscene or offensive language; and no persons with a bare midriff will be permitted to visit. Visitors cannot bring items into the visiting area including weapons of any kind, purses, handbags, backpacks, diaper bags, food, drink, gum, baby bottles, pictures, books, toys, writing utensils, strollers or carriers, cell phones, cameras, or any other electronic devices.

Violation of the above restrictions may cause the visit to be cancelled or terminated, and visiting privileges may be suspended by the Berks Sheriffs Department. The on-duty supervisor may cancel visits without notice due to circumstances within the jail.

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The Berks County PA Jail, located in Leesport, PA, plays a crucial role in facilitating successful offender reintegration into the community, a cornerstone of effective crime control strategies. With a focus on rehabilitation and community engagement, the center aims to support individuals as they transition from incarceration back into society. However, this process is governed by a multitude of rules and regulations that visitors must adhere to, ensuring the safety and security of all involved parties.

Visitors to the prison must navigate a complex set of guidelines regarding identification, conduct, and the items they can bring during visits. These rules are in place to maintain order within the facility and to protect both visitors and inmates. For example, visitors are required to present proper forms of identification upon arrival, such as a driver's license or government-issued ID card. This helps to verify their identity and ensure that they are authorized to visit the inmate.

Furthermore, visitors must adhere to strict rules regarding their conduct while inside the facility. Disruptive behavior, the use of loud or obscene language, or engaging in any form of sexual behavior can result in the termination of the visit and may lead to further consequences. Additionally, visitors are prohibited from bringing certain items into the visiting room, including cell phones, cameras, and weapons. These restrictions help to maintain the safety and security of the facility and prevent any unauthorized items from entering the prison.

In addition to these general rules, there are specific guidelines that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with children must ensure that they are supervised at all times and that they do not engage in any inappropriate behavior while inside the facility. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Another important aspect of visiting a prison is understanding the limitations and restrictions that may apply to certain individuals. For example, individuals who have previously been incarcerated, are currently under probation or parole supervision, or are victims of the inmate are typically not permitted to visit. Likewise, individuals who have had their visiting privileges suspended or who have an active protection from abuse (PFA) order against them are also prohibited from visiting the inmate.

Despite these restrictions, there are procedures in place for individuals who wish to visit an inmate but are not permitted under normal circumstances. Inmates can initiate a request to have a prohibited visitor added to their visiting list, and a recommendation from the inmate's unit team may allow the visitor to be approved by the facility manager or designee. However, reinstatement of visiting privileges is not guaranteed, and individuals whose visiting privileges have been suspended must write to the appropriate facility manager seeking reinstatement.

Upon arrival at the prison, visitors are subject to a thorough screening process to ensure that they do not bring any contraband into the facility. This includes a search of their person, their belongings, and their vehicle. Visitors must also pass through a metal detector and may be subject to additional screening measures, such as drug screenings conducted by dogs or special devices. Failure to pass these screenings can result in the denial of the visit and may lead to further consequences.

Once inside the visiting room, visitors must continue to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the prison. This includes refraining from conversing with other inmates or their guests, as well as following any specific instructions given by the visiting room officers. Visitors are also responsible for keeping control of their children and ensuring that they do not engage in any disruptive behavior.

In addition to these general guidelines, there are specific rules that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with infants must adhere to guidelines regarding the types and amounts of baby items they can bring into the visiting room. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Overall, visiting a prison requires careful adherence to a complex set of rules and regulations designed to maintain order and security within the facility. By understanding and following these guidelines, visitors can help to ensure a safe and positive experience for themselves, the inmates, and the staff.