How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Baltimore County Department of Corrections.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Baltimore County Department of Corrections is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Baltimore County Department of Corrections.

Frequently asked questions about Baltimore County Department of Corrections

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Baltimore County Department of Corrections.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Baltimore County Department of Corrections?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Baltimore County Department of Corrections?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Baltimore County Department of Corrections. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Baltimore County Department of Corrections. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Baltimore County Department of Corrections?

   Mailing address:

   Baltimore County Department of Corrections
   720 Bosley Ave
   Towson, MD 21204
   Phone: (410) 512-3200

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Baltimore County Department of Corrections?

   Visiting hours at Baltimore County Department of Corrections vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (410) 512-3200 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Baltimore County Department of Corrections?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Baltimore County Department of Corrections for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Baltimore County Department of Corrections?

   You can send money to an inmate at Baltimore County Department of Corrections through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Baltimore County Department of Corrections?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Baltimore County Department of Corrections, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Baltimore County Department of Corrections?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Baltimore County Department of Corrections for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Baltimore County Department of Corrections, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

The Baltimore County Department of Corrections emphasizes self-improvement opportunities for community reentry through its comprehensive division structure, which includes the Pre-trial Services Division, Community Corrections Division, and Alternative Sentencing Division. These specialized units work together to manage alternatives to incarceration while providing residents with pathways toward successful rehabilitation. The facility’s approach centers on preparing individuals for their return to the community through structured programming and support services.

Educational and vocational programming typically forms the foundation of rehabilitation efforts at Baltimore County Corrections. Residents may have access to GED preparation classes, adult basic education, and literacy programs designed to improve their academic skills. The facility often collaborates with local educational institutions to provide correspondence courses and may offer vocational training in areas such as construction trades, food service, or computer skills. These programs aim to equip individuals with marketable skills that can support their reintegration into society upon release.

Counseling and support services likely include substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling, and life skills workshops that address topics such as anger management, financial literacy, and job readiness. The facility may also provide religious services and chaplaincy programs to support residents’ spiritual needs. Family reunification programs and parenting classes are commonly offered to help maintain and strengthen family relationships during incarceration. Additionally, pre-release planning services typically assist residents in securing housing, employment, and continuing treatment services as they prepare to return to their communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at the Baltimore County Detention Center navigate their days within a facility designed to provide clean, safe, and secure accommodations while maintaining opportunities for self-improvement and community reentry preparation. The facility operates under strict Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards certification, ensuring that daily operations meet established guidelines for housing both pretrial detainees and sentenced offenders. Correctional staff, trained through the Baltimore County Department of Corrections Entrance Level Training Academy, maintain security protocols while facilitating programs aimed at helping individuals prepare for their eventual return to the community.

Family connections remain an important aspect of life at the facility through the inmate visitation program, though specific scheduling and procedures typically require advance coordination with facility staff. Those seeking to visit or locate information about an inmate can contact the security desk at 410-512-3200, though the facility maintains privacy protocols and does not provide personal details such as charges or release dates over the phone. The Department of Corrections operates several divisions including Pre-trial Services, Community Corrections, and Alternative Sentencing, which may offer various programs and services to support different populations within the facility.

The facility maintains a fully trained Emergency Response Team (ERT) that provides specialized response capabilities, while regular staff receive ongoing training in areas such as security functions, established aid, and emergency procedures. This training structure helps ensure that daily operations run smoothly and that both staff and inmates can navigate their routines in a structured environment. The facility’s focus on providing self-improvement opportunities suggests that educational, vocational, or counseling programs may be available to help individuals work toward successful community reintegration during their time at the detention center.