Bristol County Inmate Search

We are glad you came to this page. Our goal is to give you the best help for your Bristol County Inmate Search. We will lay out the key facts you need. We want to make this task clear for you. Thank you for your visit.

If you need to find someone right now, you can start your Bristol County Inmate Search right away. Visit https://massachusettsinmaterecords.com/bristol-county-inmate-search/ to use their search tool. This link helps you check records fast. It is made to aid your search for people in the Bristol County system. Use it if you want to get started now.

Performing a Bristol County Inmate Search

Direct Phone Inquiry (Primary Method)

The most direct way to get inmate information is by phone. Call the Bristol County Sheriff's Office (BCSO). Use their special line for inmate details. The number to call is 508-995-6400. Ask for extension 2535. This line is set up just for these questions. Be ready to give the full name of the person. You might also need their date of birth. This helps the staff find the right record. They can tell you if the person is there. They may give some status facts too. This phone call is often the best first step. It gives you current data fast.

Using Official Resources

The main web home for the Sheriff's Office is key. Visit the official Bristol County Sheriff's Office website at https://www.bcso-ma.us/. This site has lots of helpful links. Find details on inmates, visits, and rules. Look for sections like "Jail Information" or "Visitor/Inmate Information". These parts list ways to find and help inmates. The site aims to keep the public well told.

You can also check VINELink. Find it online at https://www.vinelink.com/. Or call them toll-free at (866) 277-7477. VINE stands for Victim Information and Notification Everyday. It tracks custody status in many places. But note, some sources say VINE in MA only covers state prisons (MA DOC) and Essex County. Check the VINE site or call them. See if they cover Bristol County jails now. It is best to check first. For a Bristol County Inmate Search, the BCSO phone line is often the most sure way.

Bristol County Sheriff's Office Contact Information

Knowing how to reach the Sheriff's Office is vital. They run the county jails. They handle inmate care and records. Use the right contact for your need. This saves time and gets you the right help. Staff can guide you on rules and steps. Keep these numbers and spots handy.

Main Office (Dartmouth)

The central office manages most tasks. It is the hub for the Sheriff's work. Find top staff and admin help here.

• Address: 400 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth, MA 02747

• Main Phone Number: 508-995-6400

• Website: https://www.bcso-ma.us/

• Hours: For administrative office hours, please call the main phone number.

Civil Process Division

This part handles legal document service. They serve court papers in the county. They also make civil arrests. Use this contact for civil case needs.

• Address: 421 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth, MA 02747

• Phone Number: 508-992-6631

• Email: civildivisionservice@bcso-ma.org

Inmate Information Line

This is the key number for your search. Use it to ask about a person in custody.

• Phone Number: 508-995-6400, extension 2535

Bristol County Correctional Facilities

Bristol County runs more than one jail site. Knowing the main spots helps. Each holds different groups of people. Some hold men, some hold women. Some hold people waiting for trial. Others hold those with short jail terms. The main hub is in North Dartmouth. An older jail is in New Bedford.

Bristol County Jail and House of Correction (Dartmouth)

This is the main jail complex. It holds most inmates in the county system. Both pre-trial and sentenced people stay here. It has various housing units. The Sheriff's main office is also here. This large site handles many tasks. It is key for inmate housing and programs.

• Address: 400 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth, MA 02747

• Main Phone: 508-995-6400

• Superintendent: Steven J. Souza (as per recent public data)

Ash Street Jail and Regional Lock-Up (New Bedford)

This site serves as an extra jail. It is an older place in New Bedford. It often holds pre-trial people. It also acts as a regional lock-up spot. This means police may bring new arrests here first. It is part of the county jail system. It works under the Sheriff's command.

• Address: 226 Ash Street, New Bedford, MA 02740

• Phone Number: 508-996-6704

Dartmouth Women's Center

This center is part of the main Dartmouth site. It holds female inmates. Both pre-trial and sentenced women stay here. It has its own programs and staff. It meets the needs of women in custody.

• Address: 400 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth, MA 02747 (Located at the main HOC campus)

• Phone Number: 508-995-6400 (Use main HOC number)

Visiting an Inmate in Bristol County

Seeing someone in jail needs planning. You must follow strict rules. The Sheriff's Office sets these rules. They aim for safety for all. This means staff, visitors, and inmates. You need to know the steps before you go. Check the visit times first. Get the right forms filled out. Dress the right way for your visit. Bring valid ID with you. Know what you can and cannot bring in. Breaking rules can stop your visit. It could even ban future visits. Plan well for a smooth time.

Visiting Rules and Regulations

Always check the latest rules. Find the official Visitor's Handbook online. It lists all you need to know. This includes dress code and ID needs. It tells what items are banned. Read it with care before your first visit. The Sheriff's Office website has it. Look on the "Visitor/Inmate Information" page. They offer it in three tongues.

• Visitor's Handbook Links (from https://www.bcso-ma.us/visitors.htm):

  • English (pdf)

  • Portuguese (pdf)

  • Spanish (pdf)

• Follow all staff directions during your visit. They keep the place safe. Show respect to staff and rules.

Visiting Schedule

Visit times can change. Always check the current schedule. Look on the Sheriff's website. Go to the "Visitor/Inmate Information" page. Or call the jail's main line at 508-995-6400. Ask for current visiting hours. Schedules often depend on where the inmate lives. They can vary by housing unit or day of the week. Do not just show up. Check the time first. This avoids a wasted trip. Be sure you know the right day and time slot. Arrive early to allow time for check-in.

Visitor Request Forms

You must apply to visit. Download the forms before you go. You cannot get them at the jail desk now. Print them out and fill them in. Bring the forms with you or mail them. Check the website for how to turn them in. There are forms for adults. There is a special form for kids under 18. Minors must have an adult with them. They also need the right form signed.

• Download Forms Here (from https://www.bcso-ma.us/visitors.htm):

  • "Request to Visit" Form (pdf)

  • "Minor Request" Form (pdf)

• Approval can take time. Send forms in early if you can. Call to check on your status if needed.

Communicating with Inmates

Staying in touch matters. There are set ways to talk to inmates. Mail is a common way. Phones are also used often. Some jails now offer email too. All contact is watched by jail staff. Rules apply to keep things safe. Learn how each method works. Follow the rules closely. This keeps communication open.

Sending Mail

You can send letters to inmates. Use the U.S. Mail service. Address mail the right way. Include the inmate's full name. Add their inmate ID number if you know it. Use the jail's correct mailing address. Check the Sheriff's website for the right address. It might be the main Dartmouth site. Do not send banned items. This includes cash, checks, or contraband. All mail is opened and checked first. Except for legal mail with a lawyer. Photos may be allowed but check rules. Some types of photos may be banned. Find mail rules on the BCSO site. Or call the jail for details.

Inmate Phone System

Inmates can make phone calls. They cannot receive calls coming in. Calls are usually collect calls. Or they use a pre-paid phone account. The inmate or their family sets this up. Look for info on the phone vendor used. Find details on the BCSO website. The "Visitor/Inmate Information" page may list it. Phone calls have time limits. They are recorded and watched. Unless it is a call with a lawyer. Rates for calls can be high. Check the costs before using the system. Find the phone service provider's name. Then check their site for account setup.

Sending Email (if applicable)

Some jails use systems for email. Check if Bristol County offers this. Look on the BCSO website. Or call the inmate information line. If they have it, there will be a set way. You may need to use a special vendor site. There are often fees for emails. Emails are also read by staff. This is not like private email use. It is one more way to keep in touch if offered.

Financial Matters for Inmates

Inmates need money sometimes. They use it for commissary items. This means snacks, toiletries, or phone time. There are rules for sending money. Bail is also a key money issue. It allows release before trial. Know the right steps for both.

Sending Money to an Inmate

Do not send cash or checks in the mail. Use the jail's approved methods. This often involves specific vendors. Or maybe a kiosk at the jail lobby. Check the BCSO website's "Visitor/Inmate Information" page. It should list how to send funds. Common ways include online deposits. Phone deposits might be an option. Money orders sent to a special address might work. Follow the jail's exact rules. This makes sure the money gets to the inmate account. There may be limits on how much you can send. Fees often apply to these services.

Bail Information

Bail allows some people to leave jail. They must wait for their court date at home. Bail amounts are set by a judge. Information on how to post bail is key. Check the BCSO website. The "Visitor/Inmate Information" page may have details. Or call the main jail number 508-995-6400. Ask how and where to pay bail. Bail can often be paid at the jail. Sometimes specific hours apply. You might need cash or a bail bond. Understand the terms before paying bail. Bail commissioners may be involved after hours. Ask jail staff about the process.

Additional Resources and Information

Beyond finding and contacting inmates, other resources exist. Know about property rules. Understand your right to public records. Be aware of safety reporting like PREA. Victims have rights and notification options too. These tools help navigate the system. They protect rights and provide support.

Inmate Property Exchange

Inmates have limits on personal items. Sometimes property needs to be dropped off. Or picked up when someone leaves jail. There are rules for this exchange. Check the BCSO website's "Visitor/Inmate Information" page. It might explain the process. Or call the jail for specific rules. Times for property drop-off or pickup are often limited. You will likely need ID. Know what items are allowed in or out. Plan ahead for any property needs.

Public Records Access

You have a right to see many public records. This is under Massachusetts state law. See Part I, Title X, Chapter 66, Section 10 of the General Laws. Link: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleX/Chapter66/Section10. Arrest records are often public. But access rules can vary. The Bristol County Sheriff's Office handles its records. They have a process for requests.

• BCSO Public Records Request Page: https://www.bcso-ma.us/public_records_requests.html

• You can request specific records here. Fees may apply for copies. Some records might be kept private by law.

PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act)

PREA aims to stop sexual abuse in jails. It applies to inmates and staff. Bristol County facilities must follow PREA rules. There are ways to report abuse or harassment. This can be done by inmates or outsiders. Look for PREA information on the BCSO website. The "Visitor/Inmate Information" page may link to it. Reporting options protect those in custody. It helps keep the jails safer for all.

Victim Information (VINE)

VINE helps crime victims stay informed. It tells them if an offender's custody status changes. This includes release, transfer, or escape. As noted before, check VINE's coverage for Bristol County jails.

• VINELink Website: https://www.vinelink.com/

• VINELink Phone: (866) 277-7477 (Toll-Free)

• Register to get alerts by phone or email. This service is free and private. It gives victims peace of mind. It helps them plan for safety if needed.