-
What is Boston Jail, and who is held here?
is a City/Municipal Jail that primarily houses individuals arrested by local law enforcement. It holds pretrial detainees, individuals serving short sentences (less than 12 months), and those awaiting transfer to county or state facilities.
-
How can I find out if someone is in custody at Boston Jail?
To check if someone is detained at , use the inmate locator on the website or call 617-343-4200. You may need the person’s full name and date of birth to obtain information.
-
How long can someone be held at Boston Jail?
Most individuals are held for less than 72 hours before being released, transferred to a county jail, or appearing before a judge. However, those serving short sentences may stay longer, depending on municipal policies.
-
What happens during the booking process at Boston Jail?
Booking includes fingerprinting, photographing, medical screening, warrant checks, and recording of charges. The individual is then assigned to a holding cell or general population while awaiting further processing.
-
Can I post bail for someone being held at Boston Jail?
Yes, bail can be posted at if the detainee is eligible. Bail payments may be made using cash, credit, or through a bail bondsman. Contact 617-343-4200 for specific bail procedures.
-
What are the visitation rules at Boston Jail?
Visitation is subject to facility-specific guidelines. Visitors must be pre-approved, provide valid identification, and comply with dress codes. Some city jails allow video visitation through the prison phone provider.
-
How can I send money to an inmate at Boston Jail?
Funds can be deposited into an inmate’s commissary account via an outside third-party money transfer company like JailATM, InmateCanteen, Western Union money orders, or lobby kiosks. Check their website for deposit instructions and allowable limits.
-
Can inmates at Boston Jail make phone calls?
Yes, detainees are allowed outgoing calls using their contracted phone carrier. Calls may be collect or prepaid, with time limits enforced. All calls are monitored and recorded.
-
Can I send mail to an inmate at Boston Jail?
Yes, inmates may receive letters, photographs, and approved reading materials. All mail is screened for contraband. Polaroids, explicit content, and certain materials are prohibited. Try this InmateAid app for sending letters, postcards or selfies to an inmate.
-
Are attorneys allowed to visit inmates at Boston Jail?
Yes, legal visits are allowed. Attorneys can visit in person during designated hours and must present bar credentials and client information. Legal calls may also be arranged.
-
What medical care is available at Boston Jail?
Basic medical, mental health and prescription medication services are provided. Inmates needing urgent care may be transported to a hospital for treatment.
-
Are there work programs or educational services at Boston Jail?
Many city jails focus on short-term detention, so educational or work programs may be limited. Some facilities offer substance abuse counseling, GED prep, or reentry support for eligible inmates.
-
Can an inmate request a transfer from Boston Jail?
No, inmates cannot request transfers. Transfers are determined by court orders, sentence length, and facility capacity. Some detainees are moved to county jails or state prisons based on their legal status.
-
What happens when an inmate is released from Boston Jail?
Upon release, individuals may be discharged from the facility, transferred to another institution, or placed under probation supervision. Some detainees must appear in court for pending cases.
-
Can someone be held at Boston Jail for unpaid fines or warrants?
Yes, individuals with outstanding warrants or unpaid fines may be held until their case is resolved or a bond is posted. Warrant checks are conducted during the booking process.
-
What happens to personal belongings when someone is booked into Boston Jail?
Personal property is collected, inventoried, and stored during booking. Upon release, individuals receive their belongings unless items are held as evidence.
-
Can I pick up an inmate’s property if they are transferred from Boston Jail?
Yes, with written authorization from the inmate, a designated individual may retrieve personal property. Contact 617-343-4200 to arrange a pickup.
-
How can I report concerns about an inmate’s safety at Boston Jail?
Concerns can be reported to the Boston Jail administration or the municipal police department overseeing the jail. In serious cases, contact legal representatives or advocacy groups for assistance.
-
What should I do if I believe someone was wrongfully arrested and is being held at Boston Jail?
Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. The attorney can request court hearings, review charges, and determine the best legal course of action.
