Massachusetts Inmate Search

The corrections system in Massachusetts comprises state prisons, county jails, and federal prisons. There are 16 state prisons alongside numerous county jails in this jurisdiction. A vast majority of incarcerated individuals serve time in state prisons, with an average daily inmate population of 9000. On the other hand, county jails primarily hold fewer offenders, with the average daily inmate population being 1500 offenders and detainees.

Massachusetts inmate records are official files containing personal and administrative information regarding persons incarcerated in detention and correctional facilities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Typically, personal details are identifying information, such as the inmate's full name, race, age, gender, date of birth, nationality, ethnicity, and physical description, including hair color, eye color, height, weight, tattoos, scars, and other body markings. Administrative details typically comprise official information, such as the offender's registration number, booking date and time, arresting agency, bail or bond amount, current charges, criminal history, sentence information, court dates, mugshots, fingerprint, custody status, and projected release date.

According to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, the general public or interested parties can view or obtain inmate records, provided these records are non-confidential. Some inmate records are confidential, for example, medical records or information on juveniles. The Massachusetts Department of Correction (MADOC) is generally responsible for maintaining these records at the state level. At the county level, you can obtain inmate records from the county sheriff's office or local police department.

Locating an incarcerated loved one can be difficult, especially if you do not know where to search effectively. Here are some platforms you can use to search for your incarcerated loved one:

Massachusetts State Offender Locator

The Massachusetts Department of Correction maintains and disseminates information regarding all inmates incarcerated in state-run correctional facilities. Unlike other corrections departments, MADOC does not maintain a central online repository or online inmate search tool. Therefore, the general public or interested parties who wish to obtain inmate information are advised to rely on independent service providers.

Instead, this Department directs interested parties to use VINELink to locate an inmate being held in one of its facilities. You should note that only the Massachusetts Department of Correction and Essex County are involved in the Massachusetts VINE program. It is also important to note this service is not run by MADOC, and all inquiries should be directed to VINELink support.

To conduct an inmate search, you only need to provide the inmate's first and last name or commitment number. You can find an incarcerated individual using the following options:

• By Phone: Call (866) 277-7477
• Online: VINELink

Massachusetts County Jail Inmate Search

County sheriff's offices usually operate and manage county jails in Massachusetts. Typically, county jails house offenders and detainees awaiting trial, bond, or serving short sentences of less than a year. This is where most arrestees spend their night before they are taken to court.

Therefore, if you believe that someone you know or a loved one is in county jail, consider beginning your search on the jail's or sheriff's office's official website. Most county jails have an online inmate roster containing a list of all current inmates at the facility. Others allow you to search for a loved one using an inmate search tool. They will require you to provide the offender's name and registration number.

If you cannot find an inmate, directly call the jail or sheriff's office to inquire.

Massachusetts Federal Prisoners

Massachusetts features one stand-alone federal prison with an adjacent federal prison camp. BOP's Northeast Regional Office oversees FMC Devens and Camp. Using the BOP's "Find an Inmate" search tool, you can locate an incarcerated loved one in this facility.