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 Suffolk County House of Correction.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Suffolk County 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 Suffolk County House of Correction.

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

   Mailing address:

   Suffolk County House of Correction
   20 Bradston St
   Boston, MA 02118
   Phone: (617) 635-1000

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Suffolk County House of Correction?

   Visiting hours at Suffolk County 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 (617) 635-1000 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 Suffolk County 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 Suffolk County House of Correction for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Suffolk County 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 Suffolk County House of Correction?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Suffolk County 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 Suffolk County 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 Suffolk County 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 Suffolk County 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

Through comprehensive substance use programming and anger management courses, South Bay House of Correction addresses the underlying issues that often contribute to criminal behavior. The facility’s educational offerings span from basic literacy instruction to college preparation classes, while English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses serve the diverse population. Vocational training programs work alongside job skills development to prepare inmates for employment opportunities upon release, and parenting skills classes help maintain and strengthen family connections during incarceration.

The facility’s reintegration programming takes a holistic approach to preparing inmates for successful community reentry, emphasizing both accountability for past actions and skill-building for future success. Medical and mental health services provide comprehensive care throughout incarceration, with discharge planning services ensuring continuity of treatment after release. The facility may also offer additional support services typical of Massachusetts correctional facilities, such as substance abuse counseling, life skills workshops, and pre-release planning assistance.

With its decentralized, direct supervision model across 27 separate housing units, South Bay House of Correction can tailor programming to meet individual needs through its comprehensive classification system. This approach allows for more targeted intervention strategies and may include specialized housing units for specific populations. The facility’s programs are designed not dedicated to address immediate needs during incarceration but to provide inmates with practical tools and resources necessary for successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The 27 separate housing units at South Bay House of Correction operate on a structured schedule that begins early each morning, with inmates assigned to their specific units through a comprehensive classification system. Within the eight-building facility that opened in 1991, residents typically start their day with breakfast service, followed by mandatory counts and the opportunity to participate in various programming activities. The facility’s direct supervision model means that correctional officers maintain close interaction with the population throughout the day, overseeing movement between the 674 cells and common areas as inmates attend educational courses, vocational training, or substance use programming sessions.

Programming forms a central component of the daily routine, with inmates having access to courses ranging from basic literacy to college preparation classes, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), anger management, and parenting skills development. The facility’s comprehensive approach to rehabilitation means that many residents spend significant portions of their day engaged in job skills training or reintegration programming designed to prepare them for successful community reentry. Medical and mental health appointments are scheduled regularly throughout the week, with the facility conducting more than 20,000 medical appointments annually to ensure proper healthcare for the population.

Visitation and communication with family members typically follow established schedules, though specific policies may vary based on housing unit assignments and individual circumstances. The facility generally provides opportunities for inmates to maintain contact with loved ones through supervised visits and phone calls, supporting the rehabilitation process by encouraging positive family connections. Evening hours often include additional programming opportunities, recreational activities, and personal time within the housing units before the final count of the day, maintaining the structured environment that characterizes life at this Suffolk County correctional facility.