Massachusetts Public Records /Search Massachusetts Inmate Records Online

Search Massachusetts Inmate Records Online

Are Massachusetts Inmate Records Open to the Public?

Yes, Massachusetts inmate records are accessible to the public under the Massachusetts Public Records Law. This law defines public records as all written documents, regardless of their format, including books, papers, maps, photographs, tapes, and statistical tables. Non-confidential inmate records fall under this category, making them available for public access.

Massachusetts Inmate Search

Massachusetts inmate records contain both personal and administrative details about individuals held in correctional facilities. Personal information includes the inmate's name, gender, age, race, booking photo, and inmate number. Administrative records cover details about the inmate's arrival, stay, and release from the facility.

These records are provided by governmental agencies and can also be accessed through third-party websites. To request inmate records, individuals must provide specific information, such as the state, county, and city where the inmate is located, as well as the inmate's name. Third-party websites may offer more convenient search options, although the accuracy of information may vary.

How to Conduct a Massachusetts Jail Inmate Search

To find someone in a Massachusetts jail, individuals can use third-party websites or contact local authorities. The Massachusetts Department of Corrections offers an inmate search service, allowing individuals to find incarcerated persons by entering the inmate's full name or identification number. Additionally, contacting a jail administrator, county sheriff's office, or local police department can provide information about an inmate's status.

Differences Between Massachusetts State Prisons and County Jails

Massachusetts correctional facilities include state prisons and county jails. State prisons, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Correction (MADOC), typically house inmates serving sentences longer than one year. These facilities may also accommodate inmates serving life sentences.

County jails, operated by county sheriffs, generally hold inmates serving shorter sentences, usually less than one year. They also house pretrial detainees and individuals awaiting sentencing. Both types of facilities provide basic necessities, medical care, and mental health services, but differ in the length of sentences served and the managing authorities.

Sending Money to an Inmate in Massachusetts Prisons or Jails

Relatives and friends can send money to inmates in Massachusetts state prisons through Access Corrections. This service allows online, phone, and mail deposits. Online payments can be made by signing up on the Access Corrections website or using their smartphone app. Phone payments are available 24/7 by calling a toll-free number, and mail-in payments can be sent to Secure Deposits - Massachusetts DOC.

For county jails, the process may vary. Some use Access Corrections, while others may have different vendors. It is essential to check with the specific county jail for their procedures and accepted payment methods.

How to Contact Inmates in Massachusetts Prisons and Jails

Inmates in Massachusetts state prisons can be contacted through letters, emails, and phone calls. Letters should include the inmate's full name and commitment number. Emails can be sent via Corrlinks, a service that requires account creation and charges a fee per email. Inmates can reply to emails but cannot initiate contact.

Phone calls are facilitated by Securus Technologies, where families and friends must set up and fund an inmate's phone account. Local jails also allow mail and phone contact, with specific rules available on their websites or by contacting jail administrators.

Getting Approved for Inmate Visitation in Massachusetts Prisons and Jails

To visit an inmate in a Massachusetts state prison, visitors must be on the inmate's pre-approved visiting list. This requires the inmate to submit the visitor's name to the prison administrator. Visitors must complete a Visitor Application Form and send it to the prison where the inmate is held. Minors do not need approval but must be accompanied by a legal guardian and present a birth certificate.

County jails have their own visitation procedures. Interested persons should contact the jail administrator, county sheriff, or police department head to learn about visitation hours and guidelines. Some county sheriff's offices provide this information on their websites.

How to Locate Someone Incarcerated in Massachusetts

To locate an incarcerated individual in Massachusetts, one can use the Massachusetts Department of Corrections' inmate search tools or contact local law enforcement agencies. Providing the inmate's full name or identification number is necessary for the search.

For federal inmates, the Federal Bureau of Prisons offers an online "find an inmate" portal. This service requires the inmate's name or number to perform a search. Local police departments and county sheriffs also maintain records for city and county jails.

Finding a County Inmate Roster in Massachusetts

County inmate rosters in Massachusetts are maintained by county sheriff's offices. These rosters include summarized information about individuals incarcerated in a specific county. Most county inmate rosters are not available online, so interested persons need to contact the county sheriff's office directly.

Contact information for county sheriff's offices is usually available on their websites. Inquirers can obtain details about inmates, including mugshots, by reaching out to the sheriff's office.

How to Conduct a Massachusetts Prison Inmate Search

Massachusetts does not have a central online repository for inmate records. Interested persons can use independent service providers or call the toll-free line provided by the Massachusetts Department of Corrections. Basic information, such as the inmate's full name and identification number, is required for the search.

For federal prison inmates, the Federal Bureau of Prisons' "find an inmate" portal can be used. This service allows searches by name or number and provides information on adult inmates only.

How to Find an Inmate’s Release Date in Massachusetts

A free jail inmate search by name can provide information about an inmate, including their release date. However, access to exact release dates may be restricted for privacy or security reasons. Eligible persons, such as immediate family members, crime victims, attorneys, and authorized law enforcement officials, may have access to this information.

Facilities Managed by the Massachusetts Department of Corrections

The Massachusetts Department of Correction (MADOC) oversees 16 correctional institutions across the state. These include various state prisons and specialized facilities. The department also manages several county, city, and town jails, along with Houses of Correction for pretrial detainees and individuals awaiting sentencing.

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