Suffolk County - South Bay House of Corrections (ICE)

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Suffolk County – South Bay House of Corrections (ICE) basic information to help guide you through what you can do for your inmate while they are incarcerated. The facility's direct contact number: 617-635-1000

This facility is for adult inmates.

The Suffolk County – South Bay House of Corrections (ICE) is a medium-security detention center located at 20 Bradston St Boston, MA which is operated locally by the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Suffolk County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, municipalities, the US Marshal's Service and the Boston Police Department who do not have their own long-term lock-up.

House of Correction at South Bay was built to replace its antiquated predecessor on Deer Island. The seven-building facility houses adult male and female inmates convicted of crimes with a sentence of 2½ years or less. This decentralized, direct supervision correctional center is comprised of 27 separate housing units to which inmates are assigned in accordance with a comprehensive classification system. Since 1992, the House of Correction has steadily increased its population from 832 inmates to as high as 1,900 in 2000.

During their incarceration, inmates have the opportunity to progress from their initial classification as maximum-security inmates to minimum-security inmates as they conclude their sentence. For classification advancement, an inmate must demonstrate exemplary behavior, including adherence to institutional rules, compliance with staff orders, and active, voluntary participation in various rehabilitative programs available throughout the facility. Such programs include, six month therapeutic community, anger management classes, vocational training, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), educational courses ranging from basic literacy to general equivalency, AIDS education, and parenting skills. The programs are designed to emphasize accountability and responsibility for inmates. Medical services are also provided to inmates at the House of Correction. The medical staff provides standard health care, assistance with substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and mental health issues.

Inmate Property –

Inmates who are scheduled to appear in court may have clothing exchanged between the hours of 8am – 11:15am and 7pm – 9pm Monday through Friday.
Inmates may receive one set of clothes, which must be swapped for all clothing in the inmate’s property bag. When bringing in court clothes identification must be shown.
No inmate property will be accepted on Saturday Sunday or Holidays.
No food of any type will be accepted for inmates.
Soft covered books, magazines and newspapers are accepted from publishers only.

Inmate Funds

Funds to be placed in an inmate’s account will be accepted between the hours of 8am – 2pm and 4pm – 9pm daily.
Bank checks and money orders will be accepted for deposit into inmate’s account.
Cash, travelers’ checks and personal checks are not accepted.
Deposits into an inmate’s account shall be limited to and will not exceed $500.00 per transaction.

Women's Services – Women’s Program Services aims to deliver gender-specific, individualized reintegration programming to both detained and sentenced females at the Suffolk County House of Correction. All detained and sentenced females are enrolled in a 3-phase program model that begins with Phase 1 or Orientation.

The Orientation is a 2-day overview of the rules and regulations of the Department. Upon completing Orientation, detained and sentenced females immediately move on to Phase 2 where they participate in 2-weeks of daily psycho-educational workshops addressing 4 main topics: recovery; re-entry (life skills and job skills); domestic violence and anger management. After receiving a Phase 2 certificate of completion, inmates and detainees participate in the specific treatment programs of Phase 3.

Considered the main component of Women’s Services, Phase 3 program placement is determined by the results of comprehensive assessments and the development of an Individual Service Plan (ISP). Each woman receives an ISP at the conclusion of Phase 2 and is subsequently placed into longer-term programming that meets her individual needs. Phase 3 programs include recovery and relapse prevention; parenting; anger management; domestic violence; Education courses including- HSE(High School Equivalency), Literacy 1 and 2, ESOL(English for Speakers of Other Languages) ; Freedom from Violence; re-entry; creative writing and yoga.

House of Correction Inmate Programs –

GED prep class – Men and women incarcerated at the House of Correction (HOC) are constantly returning to communities throughout New England. Extensive rehabilitative efforts prepare thousands of offenders annually to become more productive and law-abiding upon release.

The average length of a male inmate’s sentence is 14 months and 10 months for a female inmate. Offenders are provided opportunities to participate in many rehabilitative programs offered at the HOC. These programs are designed to emphasize inmate accountability and responsibility. They include 90-day substance abuse rehabilitation, anger management classes, vocational training, educational courses, AIDS education, and parenting skills.

Each year, more than 4000 inmates are assessed by the HOC education department to determine, in part, if they must attend mandatory literacy courses in accordance with the Literacy Law, Chapter 452. Comprehensive education programs are offered to inmates in disciplines such as Adult Basic Education, General Equivalency Diplomas (GED), and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

Inmates also participate in Vocational Arts programs such as carpentry, computer literacy, keyboarding, computer-based drafting, and graphic technology. The Sheriff’s Department also collaborates with Bunker Hill Community College in a seven-week food sanitation program in which the National Institute of Food Industry certifies inmates. Many of these programs were funded through profits generated through inmate canteen sales. The Department also offers educational programs at the post-secondary level, with classes in psychology, parenting, creative writing, business and history.

The House of Correction’s education staff works with inmates whose average reading ability is less than the 5th-grade level and whose average mathematics ability is the 7th-grade level. A motivated inmate can take classes in many different areas of study and at several different education levels. Inmates who read at a very low level can take Adult Basic Education or Special Education classes. Title I classes are offered to young inmates (up to age 22) who need remedial instruction. An English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) curriculum is offered to inmates whose first language is not English. Inmates who have not earned a high school diploma can participate in pre-GED, GED classes and External Diploma classes.

The Education Division over the years has developed several major initiatives, including multiple collaboration efforts with other agencies such as Bunker Hill Community College, the External Diploma Program with Cathedral High School, and a post-release effort for younger inmates with Youth Options Unlimited, formerly Youth Opportunity Boston. The Department also acquired a curriculum, On Common Ground, which the Department helped pilot for the Department of Education. This program familiarizes students with constitutional issues. Two of the division’s teachers were trained in the nationally acclaimed curriculum, Facing History and Ourselves.

Common Ground Institute

Criteria: Referrals are accepted for inmates that meet program standards

The Common Ground Institute offers programs designed to provide students with specific instruction in the areas of Carpentry, Landscape, Building Maintenance and a 10-hour OSHA (Occupational, Safety and Health Education) class. Participants will receive certifications from the State of Massachusetts Department of Employment and Training, OSHA Certification along with Common Ground Institute Certificate.

Food Sanitation – Classes are offered on Monday and Wednesday for men and woman. The class provides instruction in the regulations governing sanitation: where bacteria is found; how food becomes contaminated; which foods are potentially hazardous; and methods for the elimination of those hazards. Upon completion of an examination the student will receive a NIFI (National Institute for Foodservice Industry) Certificate.

Keyboarding /Computer Literacy – Classes provide instruction in basic keyboarding along with use of Microsoft Office products. Classes are necessary for anyone transitioning into the Vocational training programs. Classes are Monday through Friday and run in periods 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 in the computer lab.

Graphic Arts – Morning and evening classes offer instruction in computer design, documents and web design. Additionally the course introduces print production, document mass production and screen print.

Golden Scissors Tailoring Program – This course is available to students on a first-come-first-serve basis. The program is limited to six students per cycle, with an emphasis on the art of clothing alterations and repair. This program will be taught in Building 3. The program will run for three hours per day three days per week. This is a four to five-month program facilitated by “Amar the Tailor” from K&G’s Somerville store. Only serious students with enough time to complete the program will be considered.

If you need information about a detainee that is housed at this facility, you may call (781) 359-7500 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. When you call, please have the individual’s biographical information ready, including first, last and hyphenated names, any aliases he or she may use, date of birth and country of birth.

Detainees cannot receive incoming calls. If you need to get in touch with a detainee to leave an urgent message, you must call (781) 635-1000 and leave the detainee’s full name, alien registration number and your name and telephone number where you can be reached. The detainee will be given your message.

Suffolk County House of Corrections – South Bay (ICE) – Immigration Detainee Locator

visitation Info

Suffolk County – South Bay House of Corrections – Visitation

Visitors should not come to the House of Correction without having scheduled an appointment in advance.

Approved visitors must arrive at the House of Correction 1 hour prior to the start of their scheduled visit for processing.

It is a felony in Massachusetts for a person to deliver an article to an inmate without the permission of the Superintendent. It is also a felony to procure an article to be delivered or to possess it with the intent to deliver it or to deposit or conceal it with the intent for an inmate to obtain it.
Any person who carries or attempts to carry any article into the facility without the expressed consent of the Department is subject to arrest, prosecution and/or loss of visiting privileges.
All inmates are eligible to receive visits; Depending on the inmate’s status, he/she may be eligible to receive up to three visits per week and one visit per day.
Each visit can last up to one hour within the limits of the scheduled visiting hours.
Any visitor who appears to be under the influence of an intoxicating substance will not be allowed to enter the facility.

Visitor Requirements

In the fall of 2004, a collaboration between the Sheriff’s Department and Boston Medical Center resulted in a survey being conducted among inmates, visitors and staff. All of the groups surveyed voiced concerns focusing on children visiting. In an attempt to balance security and access to inmate visits, we have determined that we will enact important operational changes to the visiting protocol.

The visitor registration process has been restructured beginning October 3, 2005. At this time, contact visits resumed under new guidelines that will include important safeguards.

Visitor Selection cards have been distributed to all inmates. Each inmate will have the opportunity to designate up to 3 adults from whom they wish to receive personal visits. Each visitor will be required to complete an application and will be subject to a criminal records check as well as an identification check. Applicants may have to provide additional documentation as requested. We hope that this change reduces the amount of time that visitors have to wait to come into the facility.

Visitor applications will be available at the lobby registration desk, daily between 3-11pm only. Each visitor application must be returned for processing with copy of their identification card and a self addressed stamped envelope (SASE). The application processing may take up to 10 days and the applicant will be notified of their visiting status via US Mail.

Visitors must make an appointment to visit inmates and children will only be allowed on institution property until 6:00 p.m. No children will be allowed at the 6:30 or 8:15 visiting periods.

Visiting Rules

Visitors shall listen to and follow all orders of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department personnel. Failure to comply with their directions will result in the termination of your visit. Visits conducted in the Contact Visiting room are limited to TWO (2) adults and TWO (2) children. One of the children must be able to fit on your lap. Visits conducted in the Non Contact visiting rooms are limited to ONE (1) adult and ONE (1) small child up to age five.

Visitors are expected to closely supervise their children while on the premises. Children should not be left unattended at any time. A visit shall be terminated if a child is ill, is disruptive, unruly, or disturbing other visitors.

Visitors are expected to behave in a manner that is not offensive to others. Offensive language or inappropriate physical contact is cause for termination of the visit.

There is no kissing of any kind while in the visiting room. During the visit, visitors and inmates shall remain seated in separate seats and are required to keep their hands visible at all times.

All visitors’ personal property (wallet, pocket book, money, cell phone, etc.) are not allowed beyond the main lobby. Personal property may be secured in the lockers located in the main lobby.
No article other than the orange locker key is allowed in the visiting room. No article is to be passed to the inmate at any time.
Any person entering this facility is subject to being searched.
Any person who refuses to be searched will not be allowed to visit and will be asked to leave.

Identification Requirements

A valid and current PHOTO IDENTIFICATION CARD i.e., Massachusetts Driver’s License, Massachusetts Identification card, or Passport is required for all adults. Children under the age of 18 are considered minors and must be accompanied by a parent or documented legal guardian unless a completed minor consent form is presented. All minors must have an original birth certificate while on visiting and on our premises.

Application for visiting privileges from individuals that meet one or more of the following will not be granted:

The applicant has been confined to a penal facility within the past six months;
The applicant has a criminal complaint pending;
The applicant is a convicted felon who, as a condition of probation, is prohibited from associating with other felons; and/or;
The applicant is the “victim/witness” of any individual incarcerated at the facility;
The applicant has an active restraining order (MGL c. 209A/CORI-A) issued against any individual incarcerated at the facility.

Any applicant with a prior felony conviction or with an incarceration history with the Department may submit a written request for visiting privileges through the office of the Superintendent. Approval of the request must be granted before visitation privileges are granted.

Dress Code

Visitors must conform to the following dress code or the visit will not be allowed:

Women

NO: Shorts, culottes, capris, halter tops, hip-hugger pants, sweat suits, mini skirts, wrap around skirts or dresses, full zippered shirts, hooded shirts, uniforms or bare feet. All skirts must be below the knees. Nothing is to be worn in the hair. Hats and scarves are not allowed.

The only jewelry allowed is one (1) wedding ring and one (1) religious medallion.

Men

NO: Shorts, jumpsuits, sweat suits, fatigues, hooded shirts or hats.The only jewelry allowed is one (1) wedding ring and one (1) religious medallion.

Any other article of clothing deemed inappropriate at the discretion of the visiting supervisor.

(ICE) – Friends and Family Visits

DAY	VISITATION TIME
Fridays	8:15 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.
Sundays	5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

To ensure adequate time to process visitors through security, all visitors must arrive 45 minutes prior to the scheduled visit time.
Visitors must present a valid verifiable government-issued identification card to enter the facility.
Visits shall not exceed 1 hour.
Minors who are visiting the facility must be accompanied by an adult guardian (18 years or older). Minors must not be left unaccompanied in the waiting room, visiting room or any other area.

Adult visitors must present a valid, verifiable government-issued identification card to enter the facility.

Minors who are visiting the facility must be accompanied by an adult guardian (18 years or older). Minors must not be left unaccompanied in the waiting room, visiting room or any other area.

Attorney Visits

Legal representatives of detainees are authorized to visit their clients during the following hours:

Legal representatives of detainees are authorized to visit their clients during the following hours:
Daily, 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.

A list of pro bono (free) legal organizations will be posted in all detainee housing units and other appropriate areas. This list shall be updated quarterly. If a detainee wishes to see a representative or paralegal from that organization, it is the detainee’s responsibility to contact them for an appointment.

Consular Visits

Consular officials may meet with their detained nationals at any time. It is requested that prior arrangements be made with the Supervisory Detention and Deportation Officer to the extent possible, and that consular officials bring appropriate credentials when they come to the facility. The Supervisory Detention and Deportation Officer for this facility can be reached at (781) 359-7500.

Clergy Visits

Clergy may visit detainees at any time, but must make prior arrangements with the Chaplain’s Office.

Visiting Restrictions

All family or other social visits are Non-contact.
No firearms or weapons of any kind are permitted in the facility.
If visitors are or appear to be intoxicated, visitation will not be allowed.
All visitors are subject to search while in the facility.
Visitors are not allowed to pass or attempt to pass any items to detainees.
Visitors are not allowed to carry any items into the visitation area.

Search Procedures (prior to or during all visitations)

All individuals requesting admittance to the facility or the visitation area are subject to a pat-down search of their person, an inspection of their belongings, and a metal scan search. Individuals refusing to cooperate with a reasonable search will not be admitted. No firearms or weapons of any kind are permitted. No electronic devices (cell phones, pagers, radios, etc.) are permitted in the secure areas of this facility.