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 Bristol County Jail and House of Correction.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Bristol County Jail and House of Correction 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 Bristol County Jail and House of Correction.

Frequently asked questions about Bristol County Jail and House of Correction

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 Bristol County Jail and House of Correction.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Bristol County Jail and House of Correction?

   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 Bristol County Jail and House of Correction?

   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 Bristol County Jail and House of Correction. 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 Bristol County Jail and House of Correction. 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 Bristol County Jail and House of Correction?

   Mailing address:

   Bristol County Jail and House of Correction
   400 Faunce Corner Rd
   Dartmouth, MA 02747
   Phone: (508) 995-6400

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Bristol County Jail and House of Correction?

   Visiting hours at Bristol County Jail and House of Correction 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 (508) 995-6400 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 Bristol County Jail and House of Correction?

   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 Bristol County Jail and House of Correction for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Bristol County Jail and House of Correction?

   You can send money to an inmate at Bristol County Jail and House of Correction 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 Bristol County Jail and House of Correction?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Bristol County Jail and House of Correction, 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 Bristol County Jail and House of Correction?

   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 Bristol County Jail and House of Correction 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 Bristol County Jail and House of Correction, 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 Bristol County Sheriff's Office operates a comprehensive accountability-based classification system that allows inmates to progress through various programs, ultimately earning placement in specialized units like the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program and Pre-Release Program. At the Women's Center, incarcerated individuals can access Pre-GED and GED classes through certified adult education instruction, while a vocational Culinary Arts Program prepares participants for careers in the food service industry. The facility also provides specialized support through a federal grant program that offers counseling and safe reentry planning specifically for victims of domestic violence.

Programming extends across multiple areas of personal development and recovery. The Women's Center facilitates structured programs including Parenting classes, Life Skills training, HIV Prevention and Awareness, Anger Management, and both Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings. Faith-based services are also available to support spiritual needs during incarceration. The Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Unit operates with highly structured treatment and work schedules, providing intensive support for individuals working toward recovery.

Bristol County's facilities may offer additional support services typical of Massachusetts correctional institutions, such as mental health counseling, job readiness training, and family visitation programs. The classification system appears designed to incentivize positive behavior and program participation, with work crew opportunities available for those who demonstrate progress. While educational and substance abuse programming is confirmed at the Ash Street facility for pre-trial detainees, the system likely provides continuity of care and programming across all three locations to support successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

At the Bristol County House of Correction and Jail in North Dartmouth, inmates begin their days within one of several decentralized housing units, each designed with varying security levels to accommodate the facility's diverse population of 1,100 residents. Those who have progressed through the accountability-based classification system may find themselves in specialized housing areas, including the 400-bed Modular Unit where participants in the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Unit, Pre-Release Program, and Work Crews typically follow highly structured daily schedules. The facility's medical unit ensures that health needs are addressed as part of the daily routine, while sentenced inmates serving terms of 2½ years or less, along with pre-trial detainees, navigate their days according to their housing assignment and program participation.

For women housed at the Bristol County Sheriff's Office Women's Center, daily life revolves around a more intimate setting accommodating up to 106 residents in medium security conditions. Participants in the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program experience particularly structured days with dedicated treatment and work schedules in their separate housing unit. Educational opportunities may include Pre-GED and GED classes with certified instruction, while some women participate in the vocational Culinary Arts Program to develop food service industry skills. The facility's Programs and Services staff regularly facilitate various activities including Parenting classes, Life Skills training, HIV Prevention and Awareness sessions, Anger Management, AA, NA meetings, and faith-based services, creating a framework for personal development within the daily routine.

Communication with family and the outside world typically follows standard correctional facility protocols, though specific visitation schedules and phone policies may vary by housing unit and security level. At the Ash Street Jail and Regional Lock-Up in New Bedford, which houses over 200 pre-trial detainees along with approximately a dozen sentenced inmate workers, daily life often centers around court appearances and legal proceedings, with educational and substance abuse programming available to help structure the time while awaiting trial.