How to Get Approved to Visit Someone at Bristol County Corrections
Visiting someone at Bristol County Corrections starts with getting approved. For adult visitors, that means completing the facility's Application to Visit before your first visit.
If you're 18 or older, you need to complete an Application to Visit an Inmate before your first visit to Bristol County Corrections. Showing up without approval means your visit won't happen. Handle the paperwork early - especially if you're planning a weekend visit or during a busy period.
Warning: If you don’t accurately state information on the application, your visiting privileges may be revoked.
The application isn't just for basic identification. The facility uses it to obtain Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and other background details. Take your time, answer every question carefully, and double-check everything before submitting.
You can get the Application to Visit two ways: download it from the Bristol County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) website, or have the inmate mail you a copy. Downloading is faster if you have internet access. Otherwise, asking your loved one to mail it works too.
- ✓ Answer every question on the form (don’t skip anything)
- ✓ If something doesn’t apply to you, write “N/A” instead of leaving it blank
The completed form must be notarized before you mail it back. Don't skip this step - many applications get rejected because people send them in without notarization and have to start over.
- Complete the application - Fill in every field, using “N/A” where needed.
- Get the form notarized - The completed form must be notarized before it can be processed.
- Make a copy for your records - If anything gets lost in the mail, you’ll be glad you kept one.
- Mail the completed form - Send it to: BCSO, Attention: Communications Division, 400 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth, MA 02747.
After you mail your application, it goes through a review process. If you're denied, you can request a review by writing to Superintendent Joseph Oliver III at 400 Faunce Corner Road, Dartmouth, MA 02747. The Superintendent responds in writing, so keep an eye on your mail.
Once approved, bring a current, valid government-issued photo ID to every visit. Staff check it each time. If your ID is expired or you forget it, you won't be allowed in.
- ✓ For minors, bring a birth certificate to the visit
- ✓ If a minor (age 17 or younger) will be visiting, complete a separate Minor Request to Visit form for each minor, and have each form notarized
- ✓ Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult who has already been pre-approved to visit the inmate
Common Mistakes Tips
- ✓ Don’t mail an application that isn’t notarized - completed forms must be notarized before approval
- ✓ Don’t leave blanks anywhere on the form; write “N/A” if a question doesn’t apply
- ✓ Use the correct mailing destination: BCSO, Attention: Communications Division, 400 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth, MA 02747
- ✓ Keep a copy of everything you submit so you can quickly redo it if needed
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