Bristol County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Bristol County?
Inmate records in Bristol County are official government documents maintained by the Bristol County Sheriff's Office that track and document individuals who are in custody within the county's correctional system. These comprehensive records contain detailed information about persons who have been arrested, booked, and detained in Bristol County detention facilities. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 127, § 2, correctional facilities are required to maintain accurate records of all persons committed to their custody.
Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways:
- Court records document judicial proceedings, charges, and case dispositions
- Inmate records document the physical custody and supervision of detainees
- Court records are maintained by the Bristol County Superior Court or District Courts
- Inmate records are maintained by the Bristol County Sheriff's Office
The creation and maintenance of inmate records follows a standardized process:
- Records are initiated during the booking and intake process
- Information is updated throughout the period of incarceration
- Documentation includes classification assessments, disciplinary actions, and program participation
- Records are finalized upon the inmate's release from custody
The Bristol County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements and departmental policies. The Massachusetts Department of Correction provides oversight and establishes standards for inmate record management throughout the Commonwealth.
Are Inmate Records Public In Bristol County?
Inmate records in Bristol County are partially public under Massachusetts public records law. According to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, G.L. c. 66, § 10, government records are presumed to be public unless specifically exempted by statute. However, certain portions of inmate records may be withheld under exemptions related to privacy, security, and ongoing investigations.
The following inmate information is typically available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (names of individuals currently in custody)
- Basic booking information (name, age, gender)
- Primary charges
- Custody status
- Expected release date (for sentenced inmates)
- Facility location
Information that is generally not publicly accessible includes:
- Detailed medical records
- Mental health evaluations
- Disciplinary reports
- Classification documents
- Social security numbers and other personal identifiers
- Information that could compromise facility security
The Bristol County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate locator system that provides limited public information about current inmates. More detailed records may require formal public records requests submitted in accordance with state law. The Massachusetts Supervisor of Public Records oversees compliance with public records requirements and can review denied requests.
What's Included Inmate Records in Bristol County
Inmate records in Bristol County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the correctional system. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Gender and physical description
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints and other biometric data
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of admission
- Arresting agency
- Booking officer information
- Classification status and housing assignment
- Security level designation
- Disciplinary history within the facility
- Program participation and work assignments
Charge Information:
- Current charges and case numbers
- Warrant information
- Criminal history (prior arrests and convictions)
- Probation or parole status
- Pending cases in other jurisdictions
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount and type
- Bond status (posted or not posted)
- Bail hearing dates
- Conditions of release (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case numbers
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court orders related to custody
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction details
- Sentence length and terms
- Credit for time served
- Parole eligibility date
- Good time/earned time calculations
- Maximum release date
Release Information:
- Scheduled release date
- Release type (bail, completion of sentence, transfer)
- Post-release supervision requirements
- Conditions of release
These records are maintained in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 127, § 28, which establishes requirements for inmate record management.
Bristol County Prison System
The Bristol County correctional system operates under the authority of the Bristol County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the administration of all county detention facilities. The system primarily houses pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings and individuals serving sentences of up to 2.5 years for misdemeanors and certain felony convictions.
Bristol County's correctional system is distinct from the Massachusetts state prison system:
- County facilities house pre-trial detainees and those serving shorter sentences
- State prisons, operated by the Massachusetts Department of Correction, house individuals serving longer sentences for more serious offenses
- County facilities focus on community reintegration and short-term rehabilitation
- State facilities provide more extensive long-term programming
The Bristol County Sheriff's Office maintains multiple correctional facilities to accommodate different security levels and inmate populations. All facilities operate under the administrative oversight of the Sheriff and adhere to standards established by the Massachusetts Department of Correction and national correctional accreditation organizations.
Bristol County Sheriff's Office
400 Faunce Corner Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747
Phone: (508) 995-6400
Bristol County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Bristol County
Bristol County maintains several distinct correctional facilities to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations:
Bristol County House of Correction
400 Faunce Corner Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747
Phone: (508) 995-6400
Bristol County House of Correction
This medium-security facility houses both pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving terms up to 2.5 years. The facility provides various rehabilitative programs, educational opportunities, and vocational training.
Bristol County Jail
400 Faunce Corner Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747
Phone: (508) 995-6400
Bristol County Jail
Located on the same campus as the House of Correction, this facility primarily houses pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings. It operates with enhanced security measures appropriate for individuals who have not yet been sentenced.
Women's Center at Bristol County
400 Faunce Corner Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747
Phone: (508) 995-6400
Women's Center
This specialized facility houses female inmates, both pre-trial and sentenced. It offers gender-responsive programming and services designed to address the specific needs of women in custody.
Ash Street Jail
226 Ash Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: (508) 996-6704
Ash Street Jail
One of the oldest operating correctional facilities in the United States, the Ash Street Jail primarily houses pre-trial detainees and inmates requiring specialized housing arrangements.
Immigration Detention Facility
400 Faunce Corner Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747
Phone: (508) 995-6400
Immigration Detention Facility
This facility houses individuals detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under an intergovernmental service agreement. The facility operates according to federal detention standards.
Each facility operates under the authority of the Bristol County Sheriff's Office and in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 126, § 16, which establishes requirements for county correctional facilities.
Who's in Prison In Bristol County
The Bristol County correctional system houses a diverse population of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The inmate population typically includes:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals awaiting arraignment, trial, or sentencing
- Persons unable to post bail or denied bail
- Detainees held on probation or parole violations pending hearings
- Individuals awaiting transfer to other jurisdictions
Sentenced Inmates:
- Persons serving sentences of up to 2.5 years for misdemeanor convictions
- Individuals serving sentences for certain felony convictions
- Offenders sentenced for probation or parole violations
- Inmates serving "split sentences" with incarceration followed by probation
Specialized Populations:
- Female inmates (housed in the Women's Center)
- Immigration detainees held under federal authority
- Individuals with mental health needs requiring specialized housing
- Inmates participating in treatment programs for substance use disorders
- Work release participants who leave the facility for employment
According to data from the Massachusetts Department of Correction, the Bristol County correctional system typically houses approximately 1,000-1,200 inmates across all facilities. The population fluctuates based on arrest rates, court processing times, and sentencing patterns.
The demographic composition of the inmate population generally reflects broader criminal justice trends in Massachusetts, with disproportionate representation of individuals from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds and communities of color. The Sheriff's Office maintains statistical data on the inmate population in compliance with state reporting requirements under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 127, § 1B.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Bristol County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Bristol County may utilize several methods to access this information. The Bristol County Sheriff's Office currently maintains multiple channels for inmate record searches:
Online Inmate Locator:
- Visit the Bristol County Sheriff's Office official website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Information" or "Inmate Lookup" section
- Enter the required search criteria (name, date of birth, or inmate ID number)
- Review the results, which typically include basic custody information
- Note that the online system provides limited information for security and privacy reasons
Telephone Inquiry:
- Contact the Bristol County Sheriff's Office at (508) 995-6400
- Request to speak with the Records Division or Inmate Information
- Provide the name and, if possible, date of birth of the individual
- Be prepared to explain your relationship to the inmate and reason for inquiry
- Understand that certain information may not be disclosed over the telephone
In-Person Request:
- Visit the Bristol County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Proceed to the public information desk or records division
- Complete an information request form with the inmate's name and your contact information
- Present valid government-issued identification
- Specify the information being requested
Formal Public Records Request:
- Submit a written request citing the Massachusetts Public Records Law
- Include specific information about the inmate and records being sought
- Provide your contact information for response
- Address the request to the Records Access Officer at the Sheriff's Office
- Be aware that processing may take up to 10 business days under state law
- Anticipate potential fees for document retrieval and copying
The Sheriff's Office processes all requests in accordance with the Massachusetts Public Records Law and applicable exemptions related to privacy and security concerns.
How To Find an Inmate in Bristol County for Free?
Members of the public can locate inmates in Bristol County custody without charge through several official channels. The following methods provide free access to basic inmate location information:
Bristol County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Locator:
- Access the Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the inmate search function
- Enter the inmate's name (last name, first name)
- Review search results showing custody status and facility location
- Note that the system updates information daily, not in real-time
VINELink Notification System:
- Visit the VINELink website
- Select Massachusetts from the state dropdown menu
- Enter the inmate's name in the search fields
- Review custody information and register for notifications if desired
- Understand that VINELink provides victim notification services and basic custody information
Telephone Information Line:
- Call the Bristol County Sheriff's Office main information line at (508) 995-6400
- Request inmate location information from the operator
- Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the individual
- Receive basic information about custody status and facility location
- Be aware that detailed information may require formal records requests
Massachusetts Court System:
- Access the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access
- Search for the individual's criminal case
- Review docket information, which may include custody status
- Note that court records indicate case status but may not provide specific facility information
- Understand that recent arrests may not immediately appear in court databases
These free resources provide basic location information to assist family members, legal representatives, and other interested parties in locating individuals in custody. For more detailed information about an inmate's status, formal records requests may be necessary through the procedures outlined by the Bristol County Sheriff's Office.
How To Visit an Inmate In Bristol County
Visitation with inmates in Bristol County correctional facilities is governed by established policies designed to maintain security while supporting important family and community connections. The following information outlines current visitation procedures:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
- Inmates may submit visitor applications during their initial classification
- Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an authorized adult
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy) follow separate protocols
Visit Schedule:
- Visitation days and hours vary by facility and housing unit
- Most housing units have 2-3 designated visitation days per week
- Visits are typically limited to 30-60 minutes
- Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visitation time
- Late arrivals may result in shortened or canceled visits
- Holiday schedules may differ from regular visitation hours
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- Vehicle keys (all other items must remain in vehicles or lockers)
- Medical necessities with prior approval (medications, medical devices)
- Baby supplies if visiting with an infant (limited to essentials)
- Visiting order or approval documentation if applicable
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Electronic devices (phones, tablets, smartwatches, cameras)
- Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $50 (for vending machines where available)
Dress Code:
- Conservative, appropriate attire is required
- No revealing, provocative, or gang-related clothing
- No uniforms resembling staff or inmate attire
- No sleeveless shirts, tank tops, or halter tops
- No shorts above mid-thigh or skirts above the knee
- No see-through, tight-fitting, or spandex clothing
- Appropriate footwear required (no flip-flops)
Visit Types:
- Contact visits (available for certain classifications)
- Non-contact visits (through glass partition)
- Video visitation (available at some facilities)
- Special visits (with administrative approval)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, service providers)
Visit Restrictions:
- Visitors with criminal histories may be denied entry
- Former inmates must wait 12 months after release before visiting
- Visitors appearing to be under the influence will be denied entry
- Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
- Violation of rules may result in suspension of visiting privileges
All visitation policies are established in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 127, § 36 and facility-specific regulations. For the most current information, visitors should contact the specific facility prior to planning a visit.
How To Send Money to a Bristol County Inmate
Bristol County provides several secure methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds enable inmates to purchase commissary items, make phone calls, and access certain services within the facilities.
In-Person Deposits:
- Visit the Bristol County House of Correction lobby during business hours
- Complete a deposit slip with inmate name and ID number
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Cash deposits are accepted in exact amounts only
- Money orders must be made payable to the inmate with their ID number
- Receipts are provided for all transactions
- No personal checks are accepted
Online Deposits:
- Visit the Access Corrections website
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Select Massachusetts and Bristol County as the facility
- Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
- Follow the prompts to complete the transaction
- Credit/debit cards and electronic checks are accepted
- Service fees apply to all online transactions
Telephone Deposits:
- Call Access Corrections at 1-866-345-1884
- Provide the inmate's name and ID number
- Follow automated prompts to complete the transaction
- Credit/debit card information will be required
- Service fees apply to all telephone transactions
Mail Deposits:
- Send money order or cashier's check only (no personal checks)
- Make payable to the inmate with their ID number
- Include sender's full name and return address
- Mail to:
Bristol County Sheriff's Office
Inmate Accounts
400 Faunce Corner Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747
Amount Limits:
- Maximum single deposit: $300
- Maximum weekly deposit total: $500
- Maximum account balance: $1,000
- Additional restrictions may apply to disciplinary status inmates
Transaction Fees:
- In-person deposits: No fee
- Online/mobile deposits: $3.95-$8.95 (based on amount)
- Telephone deposits: $4.95-$9.95 (based on amount)
- Money order by mail: No fee
Prohibited Items:
- Personal checks
- Cash sent through mail
- Foreign currency
- Third-party checks
- Traveler's checks
Approved Uses of Funds:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing)
- Telephone calls
- Tablet rentals and services
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts and other personal services
- Educational materials
Restricted Uses:
- Funds cannot be transferred between inmates
- Money cannot be used for bail or bond payments
- Funds cannot be used for court fees or fines
- Withdrawals to outside parties require administrative approval
All financial transactions are processed in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 127, § 3 and Bristol County Sheriff's Office policies.
How To Send Jail Mail In Bristol County
Correspondence with inmates in Bristol County facilities follows strict guidelines to ensure security while maintaining important connections with family and community. The following procedures apply to all mail sent to Bristol County inmates:
General Mailing Instructions:
- Address envelopes clearly with inmate's full name and ID number
- Include complete facility address
- Provide your full name and return address on the envelope
- All mail without a return address will be rejected
- Use standard white envelopes only (no padded or colored envelopes)
- Mail is processed Monday through Friday, excluding holidays
Mailing Address Format:
Bristol County House of Correction
Inmate Name, ID Number
400 Faunce Corner Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747
Ash Street Jail
Inmate Name, ID Number
226 Ash Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
Approved Mail Items:
- Personal letters (limited to 5 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
- Up to 5 photographs per envelope (4x6 maximum size, no Polaroids)
- Money orders (following financial deposit procedures)
- Legal correspondence (clearly marked as "Legal Mail")
- Religious materials (subject to security review)
- Paperback books and magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages of any kind
- Hardcover books
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes
- Stickers or labels
- Crayon or marker writings
- Perfumed or scented items
- Polaroid photographs
- Laminated items
- Cards larger than 8"x10"
- Sexually explicit materials
- Gang-related content
- Items containing glitter, glue, or tape
- Blank paper, notebooks, or stationery
Mail Inspection Procedures:
- All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband
- Mail may be read for security concerns
- Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
- Prohibited items will be returned to sender or discarded
- Mail containing threats or criminal content may be forwarded to law enforcement
Electronic Messaging (where available):
- Access the GTL ConnectNetwork
- Create an account and add the inmate to your contacts
- Purchase message credits through the online system
- Compose and send messages through the secure platform
- Messages are subject to monitoring and security review
- Photos may be attached for additional fees
- Video messages may be available at certain facilities
All mail procedures comply with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 127, § 87 and facility-specific regulations. For the most current information on mail policies, contact the specific facility where the inmate is housed.