Bristol County Jail And House Of Correction – Independent Public Resource

Bristol County Jail And House Of Correction is a secure correctional facility located at 400 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth, MA 02747. It holds up to 1,100 male and female inmates, including those sentenced to 24 months or less and individuals awaiting trial. The jail provides essential services such as visitation scheduling, inmate lookup tools, educational programs, and support for families. Contact the administrative office at (508) 995-6400 or fax (508) 995-7835. Email requests must go through the county website. The public lobby is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can use the online portal to search inmate records, schedule visits, and download necessary forms. Directions are available via I-195 and Route 138.

Facility Overview and Security Levels

Bristol County Jail And House Of Correction opened in 1990 and serves as both a state detention center and a federal holding site for non-violent offenders under ICE custody. The complex includes modern cell blocks, a medical clinic with a certified physician, and a vocational training center. Inmates are classified into three security levels: minimum, medium, and high. Minimum-security units allow more freedom, including recreational time and access to classes. Medium-security housing restricts movement but still offers work assignments and education. High-security inmates have limited privileges and constant supervision. All areas are monitored by 24-hour CCTV and controlled from a central command room. Perimeter fencing includes motion sensors to prevent escapes.

Inmate Search and Public Records Access

Anyone can search for an inmate using the official online roster provided by the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office. The system shows the inmate’s full name, booking photo, date admitted, criminal charges, bond amount, and upcoming court dates. Users may also view parole hearings and download a PDF copy of the record. The roster does not include juveniles due to privacy laws. For faster results, call (508) 995-6400 during business hours. Staff will verify your identity and relationship to the inmate before sharing details. The Federal Bureau of Prisons website also lists federal inmates transferred to this facility. Search by BOP register number or full name.

Visitation Rules and Scheduling Process

Visitation occurs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a 30-minute break at noon. All visitors must complete an Adult Request to Visit Form at least 24 hours in advance. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Dress code rules ban clothing with offensive images, gang symbols, or revealing cuts. Children under 12 need a separate Minor Request form and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The visitation lobby has privacy screens, a waiting area, and a security checkpoint. Bags, phones, and cameras are not allowed inside. Each visit lasts one hour unless extended by staff.

Education and Rehabilitation Programs

The vocational center offers certifications in carpentry, culinary arts, computer literacy, and welding. These programs help reduce repeat offenses by teaching job skills. Inmates can also prepare for their GED or enroll in college courses through local community colleges. Credits earned may transfer toward an associate degree. Substance abuse counseling is available for those struggling with addiction. The goal is to support successful reentry into society after release. Program eligibility depends on behavior, sentence length, and security level. Minimum-security inmates have the most access to classes and workshops.

Contact Information and Official Resources

For general questions, call (508) 995-6400. Fax documents to (508) 995-7835. Email contact is handled through the county website to protect privacy. The public lobby operates Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Legal representatives may visit on weekends by appointment. Directions are posted online via Mass.gov and include routes from I-195 and Route 138. The facility’s official website provides forms, policies, and updates. Families can request visitation rights, send mail, or deposit money into commissary accounts using downloadable PDF guides. Emergency contacts are listed on the homepage.

Federal and State Inmate Housing

Bristol County Jail And House Of Correction holds both state and federal inmates. It works with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain non-violent immigration offenders. State inmates serve sentences of 24 months or less or await trial. Federal inmates are usually transferred from other facilities for short-term holding. All inmates follow the same rules for visitation, mail, and conduct. Security levels are assigned based on risk, not citizenship status. The Federal Inmate Search portal tracks booking dates, release projections, and court appearances. Families can request visitation through the same system after approval.

Inmate Communication and Mail Guidelines

Inmates can receive letters, photos, and money orders through the mail. All incoming mail is inspected for contraband. Do not send cash, stamps, or Polaroid pictures. Address mail to the inmate’s full name and booking number at 400 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth, MA 02747. Electronic messaging is allowed through approved providers like JPay or Securus. Families must create an account and add funds before sending messages. Phone calls are monitored and limited to 15 minutes. Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid accounts. No cell phones or personal devices are permitted inside.

Medical and Mental Health Services

The on-site medical clinic provides basic health care, prescription medications, and emergency treatment. A licensed physician oversees services, supported by nurses and mental health counselors. Inmates can request medical attention at any time. Mental health support includes crisis intervention, therapy sessions, and medication management. Serious cases may be referred to outside hospitals. All care follows state and federal standards. Privacy is protected under HIPAA laws. Families concerned about an inmate’s health should contact the medical office through the main phone line.

Visitation for Minors and Special Circumstances

Children under 12 must have a completed Minor Request to Visit form signed by a parent or guardian. Only one adult can accompany up to two minors per visit. Proof of guardianship, such as a birth certificate or court order, may be required. Visits involving minors are supervised closely. If a child becomes disruptive, the visit may end early. Special accommodations are available for disabled visitors. Notify staff in advance if wheelchair access or sign language interpreters are needed. All visitors must pass a metal detector scan before entering.

Disciplinary Actions and Inmate Rights

Inmates who break rules may face disciplinary measures such as loss of privileges, confinement to cells, or removal from programs. Serious violations can delay release dates. Each case is reviewed by a disciplinary board. Inmates have the right to attend hearings and present evidence. Appeals can be filed in writing within seven days. The jail follows Massachusetts correctional standards to ensure fair treatment. Complaints about staff or conditions can be submitted anonymously through the Sheriff’s Office website. All reports are investigated promptly.

Reentry Support and Community Partnerships

Before release, inmates meet with counselors to plan their return to the community. Services include job placement help, housing referrals, and ID replacement. The jail partners with local nonprofits to offer mentorship and life skills training. Some inmates qualify for transitional housing programs. The goal is to reduce recidivism and promote public safety. Families are encouraged to participate in reentry planning. Information sessions are held monthly for relatives of soon-to-be-released inmates.

Related Search Terms and Additional Resources

People often search for similar facilities when researching inmate locations or policies. While this page focuses on Bristol County, other county jails in Massachusetts follow comparable procedures. Resources like VINELink provide statewide inmate tracking. For federal inmates, the BOP website is the best source. Always verify information through official channels to avoid scams or outdated data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people have questions about how Bristol County Jail And House Of Correction operates, how to contact inmates, and what rights visitors and detainees have. Below are answers to the most common inquiries based on official policies and public records.

How do I find out if someone is in Bristol County Jail?

Use the online inmate search tool on the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office website. Enter the person’s full name or booking number. The system will show their status, charges, bond amount, and court dates. You can also call (508) 995-6400 during business hours. Staff will ask for your name and relationship to the inmate before giving details. For federal inmates, check the BOP website using their register number. Always verify information through official sources to avoid errors or scams.

Can I visit an inmate on weekends?

No, regular visitation is only available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a 30-minute break at noon. Weekend visits are not offered except for legal representatives with prior approval. All visitors must submit an Adult Request to Visit Form at least 24 hours in advance. Bring a valid photo ID and follow the dress code. Children under 12 need a separate Minor Request form and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

What items can I bring to an inmate?

You cannot bring personal items directly to inmates during visits. All mail, including letters and photos, must be sent through the postal service. Do not include cash, stamps, or Polaroid pictures. Money can be deposited into an inmate’s commissary account online or at kiosks in the lobby. Approved electronic messaging services like JPay allow digital communication. Packages are not accepted unless pre-approved for medical or religious needs.

Are educational programs available to all inmates?

Access depends on security level, behavior, and sentence length. Minimum-security inmates have the most opportunities, including GED prep, college courses, and vocational training in carpentry, culinary arts, and computer skills. Medium-security inmates may join limited classes. High-security inmates usually cannot participate. All programs aim to reduce repeat offenses and support successful reentry. Enrollment is voluntary and based on staff recommendations.

How do I report a concern about an inmate’s treatment?

Contact the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office at (508) 995-6400 or submit a complaint through their official website. You can report issues anonymously. All reports are reviewed by internal affairs. For medical concerns, ask to speak with the clinic supervisor. If the issue involves possible abuse or neglect, you may also contact the Massachusetts Department of Correction or the Office of the Attorney General. Keep records of dates, names, and details to support your claim.

Can I send money to an inmate electronically?

Yes, use approved services like JPay or Access Corrections. Create an account, add funds, and select the inmate by name or ID. Deposits are instant and appear in their commissary balance within minutes. You can also deposit cash at kiosks in the jail lobby during public hours. Money orders sent by mail must include the inmate’s full name and booking number. Never send cash through the mail.

What happens if an inmate violates jail rules?

Violations result in disciplinary action, such as loss of privileges, extra chores, or isolation. Serious offenses may extend their sentence. A hearing is held where the inmate can explain their side. Appeals must be filed in writing within seven days. The process follows state correctional standards to ensure fairness. Repeat offenders may lose access to visits, phone calls, or programs.