- State Prison
- Massachusetts
- PO Box 850, Framingham, MA 01701
- 508-879-1241
- Official Website
- Featured
MA DOC – South Middlesex Correctional Center basic information to help guide you through what you can do for your inmate while they are incarcerated. The facility's direct contact number: 508-879-1241
This facility is for adult inmates.
The inmates housed at South Middlesex Correctional located at 135 Western Ave in Framingham, MA are placed according to their custody level (determined by a number of factors including the past criminal history and the length of their sentence). There are ample educational and vocational training programs for all inmates, especially ones that show a willingness to learn new things that will prepare them for a better life when they are released. The mission is to promote and prepare the offender to leave in better shape than when they arrived, giving them the best chance to never come back and thus lower the state's recidivism rate.
South Middlesex Correctional Center is a two-hundred-bed facility for minimum status and pre-release female inmates within the Department of Correction. Originally a facility for inmates with Prerelease status, SMCC occupied the Hodder House, now a part of MCI-Framingham. In August of 1981, the institution transferred to its current location. In 1990, a new wing was added, and the institution was able to incorporate a minimum unit within its operations. The mission of South Middlesex has always been one that seeks to protect the public from criminal offenders while providing inmates with rehabilitative opportunities that will aid in their return to society.
On July 1, 2002 South Middlesex Correctional Center's population became all female. South Middlesex Correctional Center consists of one large three-story building with a basement. The first floor consists of administrative offices, while the second and third floors are used as inmate living quarters. Most of these rooms are double occupancy, with some additional rooms that are either used as singles or house several women. As a Minimum Security and Prerelease facility, SMCC is not within a secure perimeter and there are no lock-in cells.
The work release inmate population at South Middlesex Correctional Center hold jobs within the surrounding community, and those workers are paid an average wage of $7 per hour. Many of the employment opportunities are offered by area fast food restaurants. In turn, these inmates contribute 15% of their earnings to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts General Fund in order to help offset the cost of room and board. Minimum status inmates work within the institution as cooks, janitors, or carpenters, or in the community under direct staff supervision for a stipend of $3 per day.
Programs Available at This Facility
Aid to Incarcerated Mothers: Volunteers from Aid to Incarcerated Mothers provide child custody education workshops and transportation for children from the Boston area to visit their mothers. These workshops and services are available at MCI Framingham and South Middlesex Correctional Center.
DSS Visit Coordination: Staff coordinate meetings between inmates and DSS social workers, in addition to supervising inmate/child visits and coordinating foster care reviews. These services are available at MCI Framingham and South Middlesex Correctional Center.
Fully Alive Program: Staff coordinated, volunteer facilitated program that focuses on spiritual growth and choosing responsible living. Topics include relationships, recovery, anger management and understanding the relationship between attitudes, choices and consequences. This program is facilitated at MCI Framingham and South Middlesex Correctional Center.
Girl Scouts Beyond Bars: Volunteers from the Patriots Girl Scout Council hold a Girl Scout meeting with inmates and their daughters every other Saturday. There is also a community Girl Scout Troop for the daughters. This program is designed to promote positive parenting and encourage communication. Inmates are required to attend parenting sessions weekly while involved in this program. This program is facilitated at MCI Framingham and South Middlesex Correctional Center.
Greenhouse and/or Garden Program: Staff supervised program during which inmates grow flowers and vegetables in designated individual garden plots. In some institutions volunteers provide basic horticultural education and/or the produce grown is donated to local charities. This program is available at Bay State Correctional Center, Bridgewater State Hospital, Massachusetts Treatment Center, Old Colony Correctional Center – Minimum Unit and South Middlesex Correctional Center.
Parenting/Family Services: Volunteers and staff provide programs, which range from skill building, basic education, and reintegration information to support groups. This program is facilitated at MCI Framingham, MCI Norfolk, MCI Plymouth, MCI Shirley, North Central Correctional Institution, North Central Correctional Institution – Minimum Unit, Northeastern Correctional Center, South Middlesex Correctional Center and Souza Baranowski Correctional Center.
Self Help/Twelve Step Programs: Volunteer facilitated substance abuse support groups based on abstinence. Self Help/Twelve-step programming includes Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Al Anon. Programming is available in both Spanish and English. This program is facilitated at Bay State Correctional Center, Boston Pre-release Center, Bridgewater State Hospital, Massachusetts Treatment Center, MCI Concord, MCI Framingham, MCI Norfolk, MCI Plymouth, MCI Shirley, North Central Correctional Institution, North Central Correctional Institution – Minimum Unit, Northeastern Correctional Center, Old Colony Correctional Center, Old Colony Correctional Center – Minimum Unit, Pondville Correctional Center, South Middlesex Correctional Center and Souza Baranowski Correctional Center.
Steps to Recovery: Short-term substance abuse treatment program for female inmates at MCI Framingham and South Middlesex Correctional Center designed for the female offender addict, and services the gender-specific and unique characteristics displayed by female offenders. Included among the primary treatment goals of this program is: abstinence from alcohol and other drugs; recognizing one-self as an alcoholic/addict; confronting and breaking through denial; beginning the recovery process; maintaining sobriety; and the promotion of pro-social norms and behaviors. This program is facilitated at MCI Framingham and South Middlesex Correctional Center.
Teacher Assistance Program: Through the coordination of the Catholic Chaplain at MCI Framingham and South Middlesex Correctional Center, the volunteers will reach out to 8-12 primary school teachers about classroom needs, bulletin boards, posters, classroom decorations and other projects similar in nature. This program will benefit various communities by providing school districts and teachers with a resource to help with the classroom aids. Inmates benefit by providing them with the opportunity to participate in a positive and meaningful activity that benefits the community. This program is facilitated at MCI Framingham and South Middlesex Correctional Center.
Women's Visiting Cottage: On-site trailer located at the level 2/3 female facility used for overnight and weekend visits between female inmates and their children. The inmates are required to successfully complete the Parenting Education Program before being eligible for this program. In addition, there are various resources and support services that work with the offender and their child(ren) while participating in the Visiting Trailer Program. This program is facilitated at South Middlesex Correctional Center.
visitation Info
MA DOC – South Middlesex Correctional Center – Visitation
INSTITUTIONAL VISITING HOURS
Visiting days and times may be subject to change. Please call the facility to verify visiting schedules.
- Monday – Thursday 6:00 – 9:00 pm – all inmates
- Saturday afternoons 1:00 – 4:00 pm – inmates with last name beginning A – M only
- Saturday evenings 6:00 – 9:00 pm – inmates with last name beginning N – Z only
- Sunday afternoons 1:00 – 4:00 pm – inmates with last name beginning N – Z only
- Sunday evenings 6:00 – 9:00 pm – inmates with last name beginning A – M only
- Holidays: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
INSTITUTION RULES AND REGULATIONS
In addition to the rules and regulations of 103 CMR 483, the following rules are applicable:
A. There will be no limitations on the number of visits an inmate may receive at one time or on a weekly basis.
1. Inmates anticipating receiving five (5) or more visitors during one session should make prior arrangements with the Shift Commander.
2. Visitors may only visit with one inmate at a time unless the inmates are related.
B. The Shift Commander may at his/her discretion terminate visits if overcrowding occurs. Criteria for terminating visits shall be as follows:
1. Visitors who arrived first will be asked leave first.
2. Visitors will have a minimum of one (1) hour visiting time before the visit is terminated.
3. The Shift Commander shall write an Information Report any time a visit is terminated.
C. In the event an inmate is unable to receive visits, for any reason, she shall be responsible for notifying her visitors.
D. No child who was a victim of the inmate's offense shall be authorized to visit without the authorization of the Commissioner, or his designee.
E. Visitors may not bring in property for inmates during a visit. Additionally, visitors may not bring in:
1. Alcohol,
2. Weapons,
3. Drugs,
4. Drug related paraphernalia,
5. Electrical appliances, tv's, radios, cameras
6. Handcuff keys
7. Beepers and/or Cellular phones.
8. Cigarettes, Tobacco or Tobacco products
**Visitors using public transportation may store cigarettes, tobacco products, beepers and / or cellular telephones in the lockers provided. This institution is not responsible for any articles placed in the lockers.
F. The following personal items may be brought into the facility and retained by visitors during the course of a visit:
1. Children's articles (diapers, bottles, etc.);
2. Money for use in vending machines. Visitors must use the Debitek System for vending purchases. Visitors may not give e money directly to inmates at any time or leave inmates their Debitek Card. Money may be left for inmates in accordance with (G), below;
G. Visitors may leave money for inmates (NO CASH) by placing the money order, bank check, certified check or personal check in the locked box in the lobby between the pay phones. All money orders, and checks must be signed and contain the address of the person leaving the money in order to be processed.
H. Visitors must park their vehicles in the Visitor's Parking Area. All vehicles must be secured at all times. Neither SMCC nor the Department of Correction is responsible for theft or damage incurred while parked on the property. All vehicles while on State property are subject to search.
I. Visitors are expected to dress appropriately. Inappropriate clothing includes, but is not limited to:
See Visitor Dress Code under State Correctional Facilities.
NOTE: The Shift Commander has the authority to refuse entrance or terminate a visit when he/she feels a visitor is inappropriately attired.
J. Inmates must dress appropriately for visits. Inmates must wear pants, shoes and a shirt. Inmates may not wear only an undershirt. The Shift Commander has the authority to terminate a visit when he/she feels the inmate is inappropriately dressed.
1. During summer months, inmates may wear shorts of acceptable length. Inmates shall not remove their shirts, lay under blankets with visitors, or sit on top of picnic tables.
K. Personal radios, walkmans, hot pots or tv's may not be used in the Visiting Room.
L. Visiting in the parking lot area(s) is prohibited.
M. Visiting will take place in the Visiting Room or the designated outside visiting area only. All visitors and inmates must return to the Visiting Room at dusk or when the Shift Commander closes the yard.
N. All visitors must be off SMCC grounds by 4:15 p.m. during afternoon visiting hours, 9:00 p.m. during evening hours.
O. Visitors are not allowed in the inmate cafeteria and are not to partake of meals from the cafeteria.
P. Visitors with children must ensure that the children are supervised and remain with them at all times.
Q. Smoking is prohibited at SMCC.
R. Conduct or behavior that is disruptive to the orderly running of the facility will not be tolerated and may result in the termination of the visit.
S. Inmates and visitors are expected to conduct themselves reasonably and not engage in physical contact that is inappropriate or excessive. Deviations from appropriate standards of behavior may result in disciplinary action, termination of the visit, or suspension or loss of visiting privileges.
T. In order for a minor to gain permission to visit SMCC, he/she must demonstrate that they have consent of a parent or legal guardian that has physical custody. In addition, he/she must be accompanied by the parent or legal guardian or by an adult pre-approved by the parent or legal guardian to visit.
In cases where the parent or legal guardian is accompanying the minor child, he/she must present the minor child's birth certificate verifying parentage or guardianship. In cases where the parent or legal guardian is not accompanying the minor, a "Minor Authorization to Visit Form"(Attachment I) must be completed/notarized and submitted to the Superintendent for approval and the copy presented each time they visit.
U. A copy of the institutions visiting rules and procedures shall be made available to any visitor requesting one.
V. Food and property items (with the exception of games)may not be brought from the inmates room into the visiting room or outside visiting area. Exceptions can only be authorized at the discretion of the Shift Commander.
Special Visits
1. Attorney visits
a. All attorney visits will be conducted during normal visiting hours, except where prior approval has been granted by the Superintendent or his / her designee.
b. Attorney visits shall normally occur in the designated visiting areas. On special request, a separate area may be provided to insure attorney / client privacy.
c. All attorneys requesting special visiting accommodations may be asked to provide appropriate credentials such as : Mass Bar Assoc Card, evidence of attorney intern status, or other documentation giving him / her attorney privileges.
2. Person Coming from Long Distances
a. Any person intending to visit, and who may have to travel a long distance may request special permission from the Unit Team Supervisor for an extended and / or alternative visiting period. Such requests shall be made at least two weeks prior to the intended visit and must be approved by the Director of Security (Attachment 3).
3. Visits to Hospitalized Inmates
a. Notwithstanding the general policy 103 CMR 483, the Superintendent of the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital Correctional Unit, or of any reception / diagnostic center, may restrict visiting to family members, and attorneys and others visiting in a professional capacity.
b. No one may visit an inmate temporarily confined in an outside hospital (other than the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital Correctional Unit, as noted above), without the prior approval of the Superintendent of South Middlesex Correctional Center or of the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner.
4. Visits to Inmates in Disciplinary Status
a. Unless otherwise stipulated by a disciplinary sanction (i.e., loss of visiting privileges, room restriction), inmates with pending disciplinary matters or appeals may continue to receive visits as usual.
SIGN IN REQUIREMENTS:
In addition to the requirements of 103 CMR 483.12: Identification and Sign In Requirements, the following is applicable:
A. All visitors must report directly to the Shift Control Center upon arrival and completed a "VISIT REQUEST FORM" (Attachment II).
B. Visitors are required to present picture identification that in the opinion of the Control Center Program Officer is adequate. This includes a current Massachusetts (or other state) driver's license, passport, Massachusetts Identification Card, Department of Transitional Assistance Identification Card, etc.
C. All visitors will be asked by the Control Center Program Officer if they are in possession of any weapons, cuff keys, or medication.
1. Inmate visitors in possession of a weapon may not visit. The weapon cannot be kept on the premises.
2. Visitors with medication shall turn it in to the Control Center Officer until the end of the visit. The visit may come to the Control Center during the course of the visit and the medication shall be made available, as needed.
3. If a visitor needs to keep medication on them at all times, a letter from a physician, stating the type of medication and the amount to be retained, must be presented at the time of visiting to the officer on duty.
D. The introduction of guns or other weapons, controlled substances, alcohol, or any other contraband into or out of SMCC may result in the loss of visiting privileges, as well as criminal prosecution.
5. VISITOR SEARCHES:
A. INITIAL SCREENING OF VISITORS:
1. Visitors entering SMCC shall present all personal effects to the Control Center Program Officer for inspection at the time they are signing in. Refusal to present any item to the Officer for inspection may result in denial of the visit.
B. SUBSEQUENT SEARCHES:
PERSONAL SEARCHES
1. In the event a staff member suspects (either by the visitor's behavior, physical appearance, or other observation) that the visitor may be concealing personal effects and failed to present them for inspection, he/she shall notify the Shift Commander immediately and request that a personal (pat) search be conducted.
2. Personal searches of visitors may not be conducted without the authorization of the Shift Commander.
3. A visitor shall be granted the opportunity to leave the institution rather than submit to a personal search, unless:
a. The employee has those arrest powers granted under the authority of MGL Chapter 127, Section 127; (ARREST PROCEDURES).
b. The employee has probable cause to believe that the visitor has committed an arrestable offense;
c. The employee has probable cause to believe that the visitor has seizable evidence concealed on his person.
Under these conditions, a personal search incidental to arrest may be conducted.
4. Any Shift Commander approving the use of a personal search prior to the entry of a visitor to SMCC shall file an Incident Report. The observing Officer shall file a full report of his/her observations with the Shift Commander prior to the end of the tour of duty. The report shall contain the name of the visitor, the names of the searching officer(s), the extent of the search and what, if anything, was found.
STRIP SEARCHES
1. As part of the admission criteria, Correction Program Officers may ask a visitor seeking admission to submit to a strip search, in order to ensure that the visitor is not smuggling any articles or personal effects.
2. Before conducting a strip search of a visitor, the observing Officer shall relate to his/her Shift Commander the reasons the for request.
3. Strip searches of visitors may only be conducted upon the authorization of the Superintendent or his designee, during business hours and the Institution Duty Officer during non-business hours.
4. A visitor shall be granted the opportunity to leave the institution rather than submit to a strip search, unless:
a. The employee has those arrest powers granted under the authority of MGL Chapter 127, Section 127;(ARREST PROCEDURES).
b. The employee has probable cause to believe that the visitor has committed an arrest able offense;
c. The employee has probable cause to believe that the visitor has seizable evidence concealed on his person.
Under these conditions, a strip search incidental to arrest may be conducted.
5. The Officer(s) conducting the strip search shall file an Information Report concerning the search with the Superintendent prior to the end of the tour of duty. The report shall contain the name of the visitor, the names of the searching Officer(s), the administrator who approved the search, the extent of the search and what, if anything, was found.
6. Officers may only conduct a visual inspection of a visitor's oral, anal, or genital cavities. Any more intrusive form of search requires a search warrant. The assistance of the District Attorney of Middlesex County shall be requested in that event.
C. Any person refusing to submit to any aspect of the search procedures shall be denied entrance to SMCC for visitation. Where the refusal occurs under circumstances indicating the most likely motive for refusal may be to prevent the discovery of concealed articles, where a suspicious pattern of refusals is apparent, or where a visitor engages in offensive or assaultive behavior during the search process, his visiting privileges may be suspended or terminated.
D. Employees conducting searches shall do so in a professional and courteous manner.
E. All personal and strip searches shall be conducted by employees of the same sex as the visitor.
F. All personal and strip searches will be conducted in private.
G. Papers and documents carried in or out by a judge, attorney, law student, paralegal, the Governor, any legislator, or member of the Parole Board, may be inspected for concealed articles but shall not be read.
