Massachusetts State Prisons

Overview

The Massachusetts state prison system is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Correction (MADOC), which oversees multiple correctional facilities of varying security levels.

The system aims to ensure public safety, provide rehabilitation programs, and facilitate the successful reintegration of inmates into society.

Number of State Prisons

As of 2023, Massachusetts operates 16 state correctional facilities, including:

• Maximum-security prisons
• Medium-security prisons
• Minimum-security prisons
• Pre-release centers

Prison System Management Structure

The Massachusetts Department of Correction (MADOC) is responsible for the administration of state prisons. The Commissioner of Correction oversees the department, supported by various deputy commissioners who manage different operational aspects such as security, health services, and rehabilitative programs.

Incarceration Rate

Massachusetts has an incarceration rate of approximately 144 per 100,000 people, which is lower than the national average. This reflects the state’s emphasis on alternative sentencing and rehabilitative approaches.

Locating a Prisoner

To locate an inmate in the Massachusetts state prison system, you can use the VINE (Victim Information and Notification every day) service. This online tool provides information on the custody status of inmates and allows users to register for notifications regarding changes in an inmate’s status.

Family Visitation Rules

Family visitation is encouraged to maintain familial bonds and support inmate rehabilitation. Key rules include:

• Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list.
• Visits are subject to scheduling and facility-specific rules.
• Visitors must comply with security protocols, including dress codes and identification requirements.
• Physical contact may be limited based on the security level and behavior of the inmate.

Classification of Prison Security Levels

Massachusetts state prisons are classified into several security levels:

Maximum Security: High-risk inmates with severe behavioral issues or long sentences.
Medium Security: Inmates with moderate risk and behavioral issues.
Minimum Security: Low-risk inmates nearing the end of their sentences.
Pre-release Centers: Inmates preparing for reentry into society, focusing on work release and community integration programs.

Parole and Factors Considered in Parole Decisions

Parole decisions in Massachusetts are made by the Massachusetts Parole Board. Factors considered include:

• Inmate’s behavior and disciplinary record in prison
• Participation in educational and rehabilitative programs
• Psychological evaluations
• Victim impact statements
• Risk assessment for reoffending
• Inmate’s release plan and support system

Educational and Vocational Programs

The Massachusetts prison system offers various educational and vocational programs aimed at reducing recidivism:

Educational Programs:

• GED preparation
• Adult basic education
• Literacy programs

Vocational Training:

• Automotive Repair
• Culinary arts
• Carpentry
• Computer skills

Rehabilitative Programs:

Rehabilitative programs focus on addressing the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior and include:

• Substance Abuse Treatment: In-patient and outpatient programs to address drug and alcohol addiction.Mental
• Health Services: Counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care.
• Anger Management: Programs designed to help inmates control their temper and reduce violent behavior.
• Reentry Programs: Assistance with job placement, housing, and life skills training to prepare inmates for reentry into society.

Pros and Cons of the Massachusetts State Prison System

Pros

Comprehensive Rehabilitative Programs: Focus on education, vocational training, and mental health services.
Lower Incarceration Rate: Reflecting a focus on alternatives to incarceration.
Family Visitation Programs: Encourage family connections, which can aid rehabilitation.

Cons

Overcrowding: Some facilities face issues with overcrowding, impacting living conditions and program availability.
Resource Limitations: Budget constraints can limit the availability and quality of rehabilitative programs.
Parole Challenges: Parole decisions can be complex and contentious, potentially leading to inconsistencies.

Massachusetts State Prison News (WBZ CBS – Boston News)

Prison rights advocates claim the Massachusetts prison system is setting inmates up to fail by failing to provide inmates with adequate education and job training to transition successfully back into society:

Sources:

Massachusetts Department of Correction
VINE – Victim Information and Notification System
Prison Policy Initiative – Massachusetts Profile
Massachusetts Parole Board

Massachusetts State Prisons

Bay State Correctional

Bay State Correctional Center
28 Clark Street
Norfolk, MA 02056

Telephone: (508)-668-1687

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Bay State Correctional Center
P.O. Box 73
Norfolk, MA 02056

Boston Pre-Release

Boston Pre-Release
430 Canterbury St.
Roslindale, MA 02131

Telephone: (617)-822-5000

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Boston Pre-Release 
430 Canterbury St.
Roslindale, MA 02131

Bridgewater State Hospital

Bridgewater State Hospital
20 Administration Road
Bridgewater, MA 02324

Telephone: (508)-279-4500

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Bridgewater State Hospital
20 Administration Road
Bridgewater, MA 02324

Lemuel Shattuck Hospital

Lemuel Shattuck Hospital Correctional Unit
180 Morton Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Telephone: (617)-522-7585

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Lemuel Shattuck Hospital Correctional Unit
180 Morton Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

MCI Cedar Junction

MCI Cedar Junction
Route 1A
South Walpole, MA 02071

Telephone: (508)-660-8000

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
MCI Cedar Junction
P.O. Box 100
South Walpole, MA 02071

MCI Concord

MCI Concord
965 Elm Street
Concord, MA 01742

Telephone: (978)-405-6100

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​MCI Concord
PO Box 9106
Concord, MA 01742

MCI Framingham

MCI Framingham
99 Loring Drive
Framingham, MA 01701

Telephone: (508)-532-5100

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​MCI Framingham
PO Box 9007
Framingham, MA 01701

MCI Norfolk

MCI Norfolk
2 Clark Street
Norfolk, MA 02056

Telephone: (508)-660-5900

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​MCI Norfolk
PO Box 43
Norfolk, MA 02056

MCI Plymouth

MCI Plymouth
Myles Standish Forest
South Carver, MA 02366

Telephone: (508)-295-2647

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
MCI Plymouth
PO Box 207
South Carver, MA 02366

MCI Shirley

MCI Shirley
1 Harvard Road
Shirley, MA 01464

Telephone: (978)-425-4341

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​MCI Shirley
PO Box 1218
Shirley, MA 01464

NCCI/Gardner

NCCI/Gardner
500 Colony Road
Gardner, MA 01440

Telephone: (978)-630-6000

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​NCCI/Gardner
PO Box 466
Gardner, MA 01440

Northeastern Correctional

Northeastern Correctional Center
976 Barretts Mill Road
West Concord, MA 01742

Telephone: (978)-371-7941

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Northeastern Correctional Center
PO Box 1069
West Concord, MA 01742

Old Colony Correctional

Old Colony Correctional Center
1 Administration Road
Bridgewater, MA 02324

Telephone: (508)-279-6000

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Old Colony Correctional Center
1 Administration Road
Bridgewater, MA 02324

Pondville Correctional

Pondville Correctional Center
Industries Drive
Norfolk, MA 02056

Telephone: (508)-660-3924

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Pondville Correctional Center
PO Box 146
Norfolk, MA 02056

South Middlesex Correctional

South Middlesex Correctional Center
135 Western Avenue
Framingham, MA 01701

Telephone: (508)-879-1241

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​South Middlesex Correctional Center
PO Box 850
Framingham, MA 01701

Souza-Baranowski Correctional

Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center
Harvard Road
Shirley, MA 01464

Telephone: (978)-514-6500

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center
PO Box 8000
Shirley, MA 01464

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