Philadelphia Detention Center
Find messaging, video, and phone options for Philadelphia Detention Center. Compare providers and discover what communication services are available. Free, no account required.
- Facility Type
- County Facility
- Security Level
- Pretrial / Sentenced
- Inmate Capacity
- 3,000 approx.
- Established
- 1963
- Operated By
- Philadelphia Department of Prisons
Philadelphia Detention Center Inmate Communication Overview
The Philadelphia Detention Center is one of several facilities operated by the Philadelphia Department of Prisons, located in the Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood near State Road, roughly 10 miles from Center City. Philadelphia has its own city-run prison system separate from the Pennsylvania state correctional system, reflecting the city's status as a consolidated city-county. The Philadelphia prison system includes the Detention Center, the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility, the House of Correction, and other facilities. The Detention Center primarily houses pretrial detainees and some sentenced individuals serving shorter terms in the city system.
Communication at Philadelphia Detention Center and other Philadelphia Department of Prisons facilities is managed through GTL. Phone calls, video visitation, and messaging all run through the GTL platform, which means families can use a single account to access all services. For phone calls, funding a GTL prepaid account linked to your phone number allows you to receive inmate-initiated calls. Video visits are available remotely through GTL. Because the Philadelphia prison system is city-operated rather than county or state, it functions independently from both the Pennsylvania state system and the federal system.
An important distinction for Philadelphia families: the Philadelphia Department of Prisons uses GTL, which is different from what Pennsylvania state prisons use. If someone serving time at a Philadelphia facility is later transferred to a Pennsylvania DOC state prison (SCI), communication will shift to JPay for messaging and GTL under a different contract for phone. Keeping track of which system your loved one is in — city, state, or federal — ensures you are funding the correct accounts. The Philadelphia Department of Prisons provides an inmate locator to confirm current housing location across city facilities.
Facility Information
Contact details and location information for this correctional facility.
Address
8001 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136
Main Phone
(215) 685-8400
Administrative line — not for inmate calls
Official Website
Visit official siteCommunication Options
Available communication services at Philadelphia Detention Center.
Messaging
Electronic messages to and from the inmate.
Provider: GTL
Electronic messaging available via GTL across Philadelphia city prisons.
Video Calls
Remote or in-person video visitation.
Provider: GTL
Remote video visits available. Schedule in advance through GTL.
Photo Sharing
Send approved digital or physical photos.
Physical photo mail subject to Philadelphia Department of Prisons restrictions. No digital service.
Phone Calls
Inmate-initiated phone calls to approved numbers.
Provider: GTL
Fund a GTL prepaid account to receive inmate-initiated calls.
Money Transfer
Send funds to commissary or phone accounts.
Provider: GTL
Commissary deposits via GTL or AccessCorrections.
Communication Providers at Philadelphia Detention Center
These providers operate communication services at this facility. Each may cover different services.
GTL
Primary provider for all Philadelphia Department of Prisons facilities. One GTL account covers all city facilities.
Learn More About GTLCommunication Rules at Philadelphia Detention Center
- GTL serves Philadelphia city prisons. Pennsylvania state prisons (SCIs) use a different system.
- Philadelphia has its own city-run prison system — it is separate from state and federal systems.
- One GTL account covers all Philadelphia Department of Prisons facilities.
- All calls, messages, and visits are monitored.
- Senders must be on the inmate's approved contact list.
Related Facilities
Other correctional facilities with communication guides.
Frequently Asked Questions — Philadelphia Detention Center
Common questions from families about communication at this facility.
- How do I contact someone at the Philadelphia Detention Center?
- All communication services — phone, video, messaging, and money — are through GTL. Create an account at telmate.com or through the GTL Connect app. One GTL account works across all Philadelphia Department of Prisons facilities.
- Is the Philadelphia prison system the same as a Pennsylvania state prison?
- No. Philadelphia has its own city-run Department of Prisons, which is entirely separate from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections state prisons (SCIs). City facilities use GTL. Pennsylvania state prisons use JPay for messaging and a different contract for phones. Confirm which system your loved one is in before setting up accounts.
- Can I do a video visit with someone at the Philadelphia Detention Center?
- Yes, remote video visits are available through GTL. Log into your account, search for the Philadelphia Detention Center, and select an available time slot. Schedule in advance as slots can fill quickly.
- How do I find out which Philadelphia facility my loved one is in?
- The Philadelphia Department of Prisons provides an inmate locator on their website at phila.gov/departments/philadelphia-department-of-prisons. You can search by name to find current housing location. Knowing the specific facility is important when scheduling visits.
- How do I send money to a Philadelphia Detention Center inmate?
- Commissary deposits are processed through GTL at telmate.com or through AccessCorrections. Add funds via debit or credit card. Processing typically takes one business day.
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