What Happens During Intake at Middle River Regional Jail: The First 48 Hours
The first day or two after someone is booked into Middle River Regional Jail can feel like a black box from the outside. Here’s what the jail says happens early on—especially around phone calls, the visitation list, and what items are issued at admission.
After someone is booked in at Middle River Regional Jail, they’re given the opportunity to make two phone calls during intake. In some situations - like if the person is intoxicated and/or violent - those calls can be delayed for a reasonable time, but the standard practice is two initial calls at booking.
Visitation starts with classification. During the classification interview, the incarcerated person is asked to provide a visiting list with up to five people, plus one religious visitor. If you’re waiting to be added, that’s the point in the process when the list gets set. One thing that trips families up: the jail won’t tell you who is (or isn’t) on someone’s visitation list over the phone. That means the quickest way to get on the list is usually for your loved one to add you during classification, rather than you trying to confirm it from the outside.
Issued Items
- ✓ 1 roll of toilet paper
- ✓ 1 toothbrush
- ✓ 1 toothpaste
- ✓ 1 bar of soap
- ✓ 1 cup
- ✓ 1 spork
- ✓ 1 comb
- ✓ 1 laundry bag
- ✓ 1 blanket
- ✓ 2 sheets
- ✓ 1 towel
- ✓ 1 washcloth
- ✓ 1 pair of shoes
- ✓ 1 mattress/pillow
- ✓ 1 inmate uniform (shirt and pair of pants)
- ✓ 1 pair of shorts
- ✓ 1 pair of white socks
- ✓ 1 pair of white underwear
In the first couple of days, it helps to set expectations around two things: property and classification. On admission, your loved one is issued basic hygiene items and jail clothing (including socks and underwear), so they’re not relying on outside help for those essentials right away. For visits, focus on the classification step. That’s when they’re asked to name up to five visitors (plus one religious visitor), and that list is what drives who can visit. Since the jail won’t disclose the visitation list over the phone, you may need to coordinate with your loved one directly about getting added and about timing.
Quick tip: Be ready for the first phone contact to happen fast - MRRJ gives people the opportunity to make two phone calls once they’re booked. If you miss the call, keep your phone close and try calling back promptly.
Find an Inmate at Middle River Regional Jail
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
