Massachusetts Inmate Search

We appreciate you stopping by. Our goal is to give you the best help for your Massachusetts Inmate Search. We strive to make this task clear and easy for you. We will cover the main ways to find inmate data in the state.

To begin your Massachusetts Inmate Search right now, you can visit https://massachusettsinmaterecords.com/. This resource offers a way to check records promptly. If you need quick access to find details about an individual in custody within Massachusetts, this site provides a starting point for your search efforts. It is designed to help you locate the information you require efficiently.

Official Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) Inmate Search

The state runs prisons for those with longer terms. The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) manages these sites. They offer ways to find people in their care. This is often the first place to look for state prisoners. You need some basic facts to start. Knowing the right place to look saves time. State records cover many, but not all, jailed folks.

Using the MA DOC Online Inmate Locator Tool

Massachusetts uses the VINElink system. This tool helps you find inmates. It covers state DOC facilities. It also covers Essex County facilities. You need the inmate's full first and last name. Or, you can use their commitment number. Go to the VINElink website (https://vinelink.com/). Choose Massachusetts from the state list. Then select "Find An Offender". Enter the name or ID number. You can narrow results by date of birth or age. The site shows the inmate's location. It shows their custody status. Some offense data may be public too. Note that the DOC does not run VINElink. Contact VINElink support for site help. This service is free to use for a basic Massachusetts Inmate Search.

Contacting the MA DOC Directly for Inmate Information

You can also contact the DOC. Call the main headquarters line. The phone number is (508) 422-3300. This line is for DOC offices in Milford. Phone hours are Monday through Friday. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For specific inmate records requests, contact the Records Access Officer (RAO). The Primary RAO is Kate Silvia. The mailing address is: Department of Correction, 50 Maple Street, Milford, MA 01757. The RAO phone number is (508) 422-3436. The email is doc.rao@state.ma.us. Calling about records is up to the RAO's choice. Written requests are often best. Provide clear facts about the inmate. This helps staff find the right person. Direct contact can yield details not on VINE.

Massachusetts County Jail Inmate Search

County jails hold different people than state prisons. They often house those awaiting trial. They also hold people with short terms. Each county runs its own jail. These are usually called Houses of Correction. Searching for someone here is different. The process depends on the county. Not all counties use the same system. Some have online tools. Others require a phone call or visit.

Understanding County vs. State Incarceration

State prisons are run by the MA DOC. They hold people convicted of serious crimes. Terms are usually longer than one year. County Jails or Houses of Correction are run by County Sheriffs. They hold pre-trial detainees. They also hold people with shorter sentences. This is often less than two and a half years. If you cannot find someone in the DOC system, check county jails. Know the county where the person was arrested or tried. This helps narrow your county jail search.

How to Search for Inmates in County Jails

Methods vary greatly by county. Essex County uses VINElink (https://vinelink.com/), just like the state DOC. For other counties, you must check their specific Sheriff's Department. Many Sheriff's offices have websites. These sites may offer an online inmate search tool. If no online tool exists, you must contact them directly. Here are some key contacts:

• Suffolk County Sheriff's Department: Main phone (covers House of Correction and Jail) is (617) 635-1000. Jail direct line for info: (617) 635-1100 x3001. Website: https://scsdma.org/

• Middlesex Sheriff's Office: Main phone (Jail & House of Correction) is (978) 667-1711. Website: https://middlesexsheriff.org/

• Bristol County Sheriff's Office: Inmate Information phone is (508) 995-6400, extension 2535. Website: https://www.bcso-ma.us/

• Essex County Sheriff's Department: Main phone (Middleton facility) is (978) 750-1900. Inmate location inquiry: Ext 3400. Website: https://www.essexsheriffma.org/ Always check the relevant county Sheriff's website first. Look for "inmate lookup" or "inmate search" links. If none are found, use the listed phone numbers during business hours. Be ready to give the person's full name and date of birth.

Information Typically Available for County Inmates

The information you can get varies. Most county lookups provide the inmate's name. They list current housing location (jail or HOC). Booking date is often shown. Bail amount might be listed if applicable. Charges may or may not be public. Some counties provide more detail than others. Online tools might show less than a phone call. Accuracy depends on how often the county updates its data. Always confirm key details if needed for legal reasons.

Using VINElink for Massachusetts Inmate Search and Notification

VINElink is a key tool for Massachusetts Inmate Search. It stands for Victim Information and Notification Everyday. It serves victims of crime primarily. But the public can use it too. It tracks custody status changes. It helps people stay informed and safe. This system covers many states, including Massachusetts to some extent. It is a reliable source for DOC and Essex County inmate status. Knowing how it works helps you use it well.

What is VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday)?

VINE is a free and confidential service. It tracks inmates in jails and prisons. It notifies registered users about changes. These changes include release, transfer, or escape. The goal is to enhance safety for victims. It gives peace of mind through timely alerts. VINE operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Information comes from jails and prisons directly. It is available online or by phone. Many languages are supported via phone operators.

How to Use VINElink in Massachusetts

You can use VINElink in two main ways. First, visit the website: https://vinelink.com/. Select Massachusetts from the map or dropdown menu. Click "Find an Offender". Search using the person's name or inmate ID number. Second, you can call the toll-free number. The number is 1-866-277-7477. Live operators can help you search. They can also help you register for alerts. Registration allows you to get automatic updates. You can choose email, text, or phone call alerts. Remember, in Massachusetts, VINElink only covers inmates in state DOC facilities and those in Essex County custody. For other counties, you must contact the local Sheriff's office. Using VINElink is free for searching and registering.

Accessing Massachusetts Inmate Records and Information

Finding an inmate's location is one thing. Getting detailed records is another. Massachusetts law governs access to public records. This includes some inmate information. Not all data is public. Some details are kept private for safety or legal reasons. Understanding what is public helps manage expectations. Knowing how to ask is also key.

Publicly Available Information vs. Confidential Records

Basic locator information is usually public. This includes the inmate's name. It includes their current facility location. Their DOC commitment number is often public. Custody status (in custody, released) is public via VINElink for DOC/Essex. More detailed records are often restricted. These might include disciplinary reports. Medical records are confidential. Details about victims are private. Specifics of criminal history beyond basic offense might be limited. The state uses systems like the Inmate Management System (IMS). It also uses the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). These hold much data, but access is controlled.

Massachusetts Public Records Law and Inmate Information

Access to government records falls under the Massachusetts Public Records Law. This is found in the Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L.), Chapter 66, Section 10 (https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleX/Chapter66/Section10). The law presumes most government records are public. However, there are specific exemptions. These are listed in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7, Clause 26 (https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleI/Chapter4/Section7). Exemptions might cover records that risk safety. They might cover privacy violations. They can cover ongoing investigations. Inmate records are subject to these rules. Some data is public, some is exempt. You can learn more via the Secretary of the Commonwealth's guide (https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/public-records/public-records-law/public-records-request.htm).

How to Request Public Records

To request records beyond the online locator, contact the agency's Records Access Officer (RAO). For the Department of Correction, the RAO is Kate Silvia. Contact details are listed above (Milford address, phone, email). You can request records by mail or email. Phone requests may be accepted sometimes. Your request must reasonably describe the records you seek. Be specific about the inmate and the type of record. The agency must respond within 10 business days. They will say if they have the records. They will note any fees. The first four hours of search time are free. After that, the fee can be up to $25 per hour. They will also cite exemptions if records are denied. You can appeal denials to the Supervisor of Records.

Limitations and Disclaimers on Inmate Data Accuracy

Information from online locators is generally reliable. But it might not be real-time. Data updates depend on the facility and system. VINElink notes it relies on data from agencies. There can be delays or errors. Always verify critical information. Contact the facility directly if needed. For example, confirm release dates or transfer details. Do not rely solely on online databases for major decisions. Official records requests may provide more verified data. But even those depend on accurate input by staff.

Contacting and Visiting Inmates in Massachusetts Facilities

Once you locate an inmate using a Massachusetts Inmate Search, you might want to contact or visit them. Each facility has specific rules. These cover mail, phone calls, and visits. Knowing the rules prevents problems. Rules ensure safety and order in the facility. Always check rules before acting.

Finding Facility Addresses and Phone Numbers

The MA DOC website lists state prison locations. Find the list here: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-correction/locations. This page gives addresses and phone numbers. Some examples include:

• MCI-Norfolk: 2 Clark St., P.O. Box 43, Norfolk, MA 02056. Phone: (508) 660-5900. (Medium security, males)

• MCI-Framingham: 99 Loring Dr., P.O. Box 9007, Framingham, MA 01701. Phone: (508) 532-5100. (Medium security, females)

• Boston Pre-Release Center: 430 Canterbury Street, Roslindale, MA 02131. Phone: (617) 822-5000. (Minimum/Pre-release, males) For county jails, check the Sheriff's Department website. Examples:

• Suffolk County House of Correction: 20 Bradston Street, Boston, MA. Phone: (617) 635-1000.

• Middlesex Jail & House of Correction: 400 Treble Cove Rd, Billerica, MA 01862. Phone: (978) 667-1711.

• Middleton House of Correction (Essex County): 20 Manning Ave, Middleton, MA 01949. Phone: (978) 750-1900.

General Visiting Rules and Procedures (DOC & County)

Visiting rules are strict. They ensure safety for all. Visitors must usually be on an approved list. Inmates request approval for visitors. Background checks may occur. Valid photo ID is always required for adults. Minors need specific paperwork. Strict dress codes apply. Do not wear revealing clothes. Avoid colors like khaki or orange (may resemble uniforms). Check the facility's specific code. You must arrive early for processing. Suffolk County HOC suggests arriving one hour early. Personal items are usually not allowed in visiting areas. This includes phones, bags, and wallets. Lockers are often available. All visitors are subject to search. Rules can change without notice. Always call the facility or check their website before visiting. Some facilities require appointments. For instance, MASAC at Plymouth requires appointments and background screening.

Facility Visiting Hours

Visiting hours vary widely. They depend on the facility. They depend on the inmate's housing unit. Security level also plays a role. Hours often differ on weekdays and weekends. Holidays always have special schedules. There is no single source for all facility hours. You must check the specific facility's website or call them. For DOC facilities, the locations page suggests calling the facility number listed (https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-correction/locations). For county jails, check the sheriff's site. Examples:

• Suffolk County HOC visiting info: https://scsdma.org/south-bay-house-of-correction/ (Check under 'Visiting Hours'/'Visiting Policies').

• Bristol County visitor info/forms: https://www.bcso-ma.us/visitors.htm.

• Suffolk County Jail visiting info: https://scsdma.org/facilities/nashua-street-jail/. Confirm hours right before you plan to go. They can change due to lockdowns or other issues.

Sending Mail and Money to Massachusetts Inmates

Staying in touch involves mail and phone calls. Inmates may also need money for commissary items. Procedures for sending mail and money are very specific. Following rules ensures delivery. It avoids contraband issues. DOC and county jails may have different systems.

MA DOC Procedures for Mail and Money

To send mail to a DOC inmate: Use the inmate's full name. Include their commitment number. Use the complete prison address. Find addresses on the DOC locations page (https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-correction/locations). Content is inspected. Do not send prohibited items. Check DOC policy for details. To send money: The DOC uses approved vendors. Securus Technologies handles inmate phone accounts (Call 1-800-844-6591 or visit their site). Access Corrections is used for depositing funds (Call 866-345-1884 or visit their site). Do not send cash or checks directly to the inmate or facility unless specified. Check the DOC website's "Resources for Family and Friends" section for current vendor links and rules.

County Jail Procedures (Highlight potential variations)

County Jails set their own rules for mail and money. These often differ from DOC rules. They can differ between counties too. Always check the specific County Sheriff's website. Look for sections on "Inmate Mail," "Sending Funds," or "Commissary." For example, the Middlesex Sheriff's Office website notes funds can be sent via Access Corrections (https://middlesexsheriff.org/35/Jail-House-of-Correction). They also mention a lobby kiosk accepting MasterCard and Visa. Bristol County has forms and info on their visitor page (https://www.bcso-ma.us/visitors.htm). Mail rules will specify address format. They list prohibited items. Money rules name approved vendors or methods (kiosk, online, money order). Never assume rules are the same across counties. Verify procedures with the specific jail before sending mail or money.

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