Parking and Arriving at Bristol County: Dartmouth vs. Ash Street

Bristol County operates two separate facilities, and families mix them up all the time. The parking rules differ between them, so double-check before you head out. The Dartmouth Correctional Complex is at 400 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth, MA 02747. The Ash Street Jail is at 226 Ash Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. Not sure which one you need? Call the Bristol County Sheriff's Office main switchboard at (508) 995-6400 to confirm.

At the Dartmouth Correctional Complex, use the Visitor lot - it's on the right as you pass the security booth. If you're not sure where to go when you pull in, slow down near the booth and look for the Visitor lot sign. Parking anywhere else on the property can cause problems quickly.

• ✓ Park only where visitor parking is allowed - vehicles parked in violation will be towed.
• ✓ Any vehicle on Bristol County Sheriff’s Office property is subject to search.

At the Ash Street Jail, expect street parking only. There's no on-site visitor lot, so plan accordingly.

• ✓ Follow the parking rules - vehicles parked in violation will be towed.

Arrive early? You can wait up to 30 minutes in your car or in the Security Reception Area. Beyond that, keep things moving - loitering before or after visits is prohibited on BCSO property. Disabled and elderly visitors may be accommodated differently, so let staff know if that applies to you.

Brought something you can't take inside? Use the lockers. They're available for a small fee, and you get that fee back when you return the key.

Leave pets at home - they're not allowed on BCSO property. Service animals are the exception. And don't think you can leave a pet in the car while you visit. Anyone who does will be asked to leave the premises.