Harford County Detention Center

Harford County Detention Center holds in-person visitation Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Register and create an account on the GTL/VisManager portal, then schedule your visit online at least 2 days ahead. Each visit lasts 30 minutes, and inmates can have one visit per week with up to two visitors (including children). Anyone under 18 must come with an adult, and children need to stay seated during the visit. Arrive at the main entrance at least 15 minutes early with a valid government-issued photo ID. Leave prohibited items off-site—no purses, handbags, lighters, or tobacco/vape materials allowed. Cell phones and smartwatches must be silenced and locked in provided lockers. If a phone rings, your visit ends immediately. The dress code is strict: clothing must cover from neck to kneecaps, and repeat violations can cost you a visit. Park in the upper lot unless you have a valid handicap placard or plate. Visits can be canceled for security or health reasons, with email notice sent to registered visitors.

Video visits at Harford County Detention Center run through the GTL visitor portal. You can also register and join visits using the GTL VisMobile Android app. Can't make a scheduled video visit? Cancel it before the start time—otherwise you'll be marked as a no-show. One heads-up: ConnectNetwork/Telmate posted a notice about a 2020 data breach. A linked PDF explains what information may have been affected and what steps to take. For phone calls, Maryland facilities typically require you to set up an account with the facility's vendor and fund a prepaid or PIN-debit option. Expect calls and most video visits to be monitored and recorded. Log into the vendor app before your scheduled visit time.

All inmate mail for Harford County Detention Center goes to Harford County Detention Center, P.O. Box 1245, Bel Air, MD 21014. Include the inmate's first and last name plus their inmate ID number to avoid delays or returns. The facility only accepts commercially produced postcards that meet USPS standards—no handmade postcards or index cards. You can send photos, but limit it to five total and place them in an envelope clearly marked "Photos" or "Photographs." Books have strict rules: only paperbacks purchased from BarnesandNoble.com or BooksAMillion.com and shipped via U.S. Postal Service. As of 6/25/25, hardback and used books aren't accepted. Harford County also offers online mail through Access Corrections (securemail.accesscorrections.com). All incoming mail is routinely inspected.

Trying to confirm where someone is held and their current custody status? Harford County Detention Center points visitors to VINE (vinelink.com). Want updates without constantly checking? Register with VINE and set up automated alerts by phone, text, or email whenever custody status changes. For a broader search across Maryland, use the Maryland Incarcerated Individual Locator—enter the person's first and last name, then review results for housing location and custody status. If they don't show up in Maryland's tool, they may be in federal custody. Try the BOP public locator as a backup.