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 Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County 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 Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County.

Frequently asked questions about Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County

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 Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County?

   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 Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County?

   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 Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County. 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 Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County. 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 Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County?

   Mailing address:

   Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County
   200 Nashua St
   Boston, MA 02114
   Phone: (617) 635-1100

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 – 10:30 AM
   • 1:00 – 2:45 PM
   • 3:30 – 5:00 PM
   • 7:00 – 8:45 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 – 10:30 AM
   • 1:00 – 2:45 PM
   • 3:30 – 5:00 PM
   • 7:00 – 8:45 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 – 10:30 AM
   • 1:00 – 2:45 PM
   • 3:30 – 5:00 PM
   • 7:00 – 8:45 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 – 10:30 AM
   • 1:00 – 2:45 PM
   • 3:30 – 5:00 PM
   • 7:00 – 8:45 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 – 10:30 AM
   • 1:00 – 2:45 PM
   • 3:30 – 5:00 PM
   • 7:00 – 8:45 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 – 10:30 AM
   • 1:00 – 2:45 PM
   • 3:30 – 5:00 PM
   • 7:00 – 8:45 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 – 10:30 AM
   • 1:00 – 2:45 PM
   • 3:30 – 5:00 PM
   • 7:00 – 8:45 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County?

   Visiting hours at Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County 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 (617) 635-1100 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 Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County?

   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 Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County?

   You can send money to an inmate at Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County 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 Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County, 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 Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County?

   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 Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County 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 Jail Officers & Employees Association of Suffolk County, 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 Suffolk County Jail at Nashua Street demonstrates its commitment to cultural and religious diversity through specialized meal preparation for various ethnic, religious, and cultural holidays, reflecting a broader approach to supporting the diverse needs of its approximately 700 pretrial detainees. This attention to cultural sensitivity typically extends to other programming areas, where the facility may offer religious services, cultural programming, and chaplaincy services to help individuals maintain their spiritual and cultural connections during their time in custody.

Educational and vocational programming at the facility often includes basic literacy classes, GED preparation, and life skills training designed to help pretrial detainees maintain their educational progress while awaiting court proceedings. The jail may also provide access to legal resources, including law library services and assistance with court preparation, which is particularly important given the pretrial status of most residents. Mental health and substance abuse counseling services are typically available, recognizing that many individuals in the criminal justice system benefit from therapeutic support during this challenging period.

The facility's modern infrastructure, built in 1990 with full compliance to health and safety codes including the Americans with Disabilities Act, supports various support services that may include medical care, mental health treatment, and accessibility accommodations. With its 13 housing units and maximum security designation, the jail likely offers structured programming that can be adapted to different security levels and individual needs. Reentry planning services may also be available to help pretrial detainees prepare for their eventual release, whether through case resolution or bail, ensuring continuity of care and support as they transition back to the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

Within the 13 housing units of the Suffolk County Jail on Nashua Street, approximately 700 pretrial detainees navigate structured daily routines in this maximum-security facility that opened in 1990. The modern kitchen staff prepares over 2,000 meals daily, including special accommodations for ethnic, religious, and cultural holidays throughout the year. Detainees typically wake to scheduled meal times, with breakfast often served early morning, followed by structured periods for medical appointments, legal visits, and limited recreational activities within the secure environment.

The facility's 453 cells, containing 654 beds across the 249,540 square foot building, house individuals awaiting trial who may spend considerable time coordinating with legal counsel and preparing for court appearances. Transportation operations run continuously as detainees move throughout Suffolk County and the Commonwealth for court hearings and facility transfers. Communication with family members typically occurs through scheduled phone calls and video visitation systems, though specific visiting hours and policies may vary and should be confirmed by contacting the facility at (617) 635-1100.

Located at 200 Nashua Street in Boston, the jail maintains compliance with health and safety codes, including Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, while utilizing modern correctional technology to ensure security. The facility undergoes regular audits by multiple agencies including the Department of Corrections, National Commission on Correctional Health Care, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Department of Public Health, reflecting the institution's commitment to maintaining standards for the care and custody of pretrial detainees.