What Happens If You're Denied Visiting Privileges at Bristol County

A denial could mean you're barred entirely, suspended temporarily, or placed under restrictions. Either way, you have the right to request reconsideration. Submit a letter to Superintendent Joseph Oliver III at 400 Faunce Corner Road, Dartmouth, MA 02747.

Before your first visit, you'll need to complete an Application to Visit an Inmate. Bristol County requires the form to be notarized before returning it to the Superintendent for approval. Be accurate - the form authorizes the facility to pull your Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI).

Need to follow up on paperwork or ask a question? Here are the facility contacts: Dartmouth Correctional Complex at 400 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth, MA 02747, and Ash Street Jail at 226 Ash Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. The main switchboard is (508) 995-6400, and you can find more information at bcso-ma.us.

Common Reasons

• ✓ You (and your property) are subject to a search as part of the visiting process.
• ✓ Refusing a search can lead to your visiting privileges being revoked.
• ✓ Failing a search can also lead to your visiting privileges being revoked.

Former inmates face an additional waiting period. You must wait six months after release - or six months after completing parole or probation - before Bristol County will consider approving you for visits.

1. Write down what happened - Note the date, the approximate time, and exactly what you were told about the denial (or restriction/suspension), while it’s still fresh.
2. Prepare your reconsideration letter - Address it to Superintendent Joseph Oliver III and explain that you’re requesting a review of the barring, suspension, or restrictions.
3. Mail it to the Superintendent - Send your letter to 400 Faunce Corner Road, Dartmouth, MA 02747. If you need to follow up, you can use the main switchboard or the Sheriff’s Office website contact information.