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Guide to Massachusetts Department of Correction (MA DOC)

A Comprehensive Resource for Inmate Family Members

Overview of the Facility

The Massachusetts Department of Correction (MA DOC) oversees the state prison system in Massachusetts. It administers various correctional facilities, managing the custody and care of incarcerated individuals. The department focuses on public safety by ensuring secure facilities and rehabilitation opportunities for inmates to reintegrate into society successfully.

Contact Information

  • Address: 50 Maple Street, Suite 3, Milford, MA 01757, USA
  • Phone Number: +1 (508) 422-3300
  • Website: MA DOC Website
  • Email: docmedia@massmail.state.ma.us

How to Locate an Inmate

To locate an inmate housed in a MA DOC facility, use the Inmate Locator. You will need the inmate’s full name and either their DOC ID number or their birth date.

Visitation Information

Visitation hours vary by facility. Generally, you must be on the inmate's visitation list and schedule your visit in advance. Confirm specific guidelines and schedule with the individual facility and check the latest DOC Visitor Information page.

How to Send Money

Funds can be deposited into an inmate’s account through the Access Corrections website. You can use a credit or debit card online or send a money order through the mail.

Phone Calls and Video Options

Inmates can make outgoing phone calls using a prepaid account or collect calls. Video visitation can also be available and can be scheduled via the facility's system. Check specifics for each institution on the DOC website.

Inmate Services and Programs

MA DOC provides educational programs, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and various rehabilitation programs aimed at aiding inmates in their reentry into society.

Security and Management Information

The MA DOC employs a range of security measures, including surveillance systems, controlled movements, and rigorous staff training to ensure the safety and security of both inmates and staff.

Legal and Visitation Rights

Inmates are entitled to legal representation and are granted rights to visitation according to MA DOC regulations. It's important for both inmates and visitors to understand these rights to ensure they are upheld.

Booking and Release Process

The booking process includes documentation, a health screening, and assignment to a correctional facility based on classification. The release process involves preparing the inmate for reentry through transitional programs and finalizing parole or release papers.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What items can I bring during a visitation?

Visitors are generally permitted to bring only essential items, such as a form of identification. All other items should be left outside the facility.

Can I contact an inmate via email?

No, direct email communication with inmates is not available. However, you can send letters, or use the approved electronic messaging services provided by some facilities.

Leave a Review

If you are a current or former inmate, employee, family member or a friend of someone who is in prison, please share your feedback so others can get better understanding how the institution works. The survey is completely anonymous and your personal information will never be shared or publicly shown.

How to lookup someone in prison or jail

Steps to follow for finding
an Inmate

Step 2


Enter inmate id and personal information

Enter the inmate personal informations in the required fields

Step 3


Enter inmate id and personal information

Click on the 'Submit' button

General Stats for Massachusetts

Massachusetts Total Number of Inmates

14,803

Massachusetts Total No. of Inmates

Number of people under Probation Supervision

34,624

Number of people under Probation Supervision

Prison population rate

96

Prison population rate: 100,000 residents

Parole Population

1,316

Parole Population

Incarcerated individuals with sentences of 50 years or longer

2,091

Incarcerated individuals with sentences of 50 years or longer

Sex

Sex

%

Total

Male

97.22

5,389

Female

2.78

154

Youth

Type

%

Total

Committed

46.88

135

Detained

43.75

126

Diverted

8.33

24