Berkshire County MA Jail & House of Correction

County Jail

Last Updated: February 16, 2025
Address
467 Cheshire Rd, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Beds
500
County
Berkshire
Phone
413-443-7220
Fax
413-499-7200

Berkshire Jail & House of Correction is for County Jail offenders sentenced up to twenty four months.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for County - medium facility.

The phone carrier is Securus Tech®, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of Berkshire County MA Jail & House of Correction

You can support your loved ones at Berkshire Jail & House of Correction on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 413-443-7220.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Berkshire Jail & House of Correction is a detention center located at 467 Cheshire Rd Pittsfield, MA which is operated locally by the Berkshire 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. Berkshire County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Pittsfield Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for Massachusetts here.

The Berkshire County Jail and House of Correction, inaugurated in 2001, serves as a modern correctional facility located at 467 Cheshire Road in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Spanning 160,000 square feet across a 25-acre site, the facility provides housing for approximately 500 inmates within 288 cells organized into eight two-tiered housing pods. This innovative pod design, which replaced the traditional linear cell block structure of the former Second Street jail, features two levels of cells encircling a central day room. Each pod includes amenities essential for secure and efficient management, such as an officer's station, counseling rooms, an office, and an attached recreation deck, enhancing both functionality and inmate supervision.

This facility marks a substantial upgrade from its predecessor, built in 1870 by Civil War veterans. The historic Second Street jail, which served for over a century, faced significant challenges, including chronic overcrowding and limitations in meeting the demands of a growing inmate population. The new facility at Cheshire Road, described as a leap “from Civil War to Star Wars,” utilizes advanced security technology and a modern design to meet today’s correctional needs, prioritizing safety and efficiency.

Individuals who do not post bail within the first twenty-four hours are required to appear before a judge. During this first appearance, conducted either in person or via telephone, the judge informs the arrested person of the charges against them and sets the bond amount.

Following the intake process, which includes property inventory, medical screening, and booking, inmates are assigned to the general population. Housing assignments are based on the classification of their charges, whether felony or misdemeanor, to ensure proper management and safety within the facility.

After processing, inmates are assigned to a housing area based on classification. Compliance with jail rules typically results in a lower classification and more privileges, while rule violations or additional charges lead to a higher classification and fewer privileges. Inmates serving as trustees within the jail undertake various tasks, including cooking, laundry, and commissary management, often receiving minimal compensation or sentence reduction for their services.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences. Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

Rehabilitation remains a core mission at the Berkshire County Jail and House of Correction. The facility offers extensive education and treatment programs designed to support successful reintegration post-release. Inmates have access to classroom and vocational education, job skills assessments and training, as well as substance abuse counseling and treatment. These initiatives are central to the facility's commitment to providing inmates with tools for personal development, promoting positive change and reducing recidivism.

Inmate Locator

To utilize the Inmate Search page on InmateAid, begin by selecting the relevant prison facility in Massachusetts. This allows you to view the current list of inmates housed at Berkshire County MA Jail & House of Correction.

The second section features the InmateAid Inmate Search tool, providing a user-generated database of inmates. You can access this resource to utilize any of InmateAid's services. If you require assistance in creating an inmate profile to maintain communication, please contact us at aid@inmateaid.com, and we'll gladly help you locate your loved one.

As a last resort, you might have to pay for that information if we do not have it. The Arrest Record Search will cost you a small amount, but their data is the freshest available and for that reason, they charge to access it.

Visitation Information

At the Berkshire County Jail and House of Correction, inmates are permitted three one-hour visits per week. Each visitation session allows for up to two adult visitors and two minors. To gain entry, visitors must be listed on a pre-approved visitors list, with inmates allowed a maximum of five individuals on their list. Valid state photo identification is mandatory for all adult visitors. For minors under 17 years old, an accompanying adult is required, along with the presentation of valid state photo identification or a long-form birth certificate. Visiting hours are prominently displayed in the main lobby, click these links for the latest updates to changes in visitation:

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkshire County MA Jail & House of Correction - 25 FAQs

  1. How can I find out if someone is in jail at Berkshire County MA Jail & House of Correction?
    To determine if someone is currently incarcerated at Berkshire County MA Jail & House of Correction, start by checking the facility’s online inmate search database, which is typically updated with recent booking information. If your search does not yield results, try using VINELink, a nationwide inmate locator that provides custody status for individuals in participating correctional facilities. If online searches are unsuccessful, calling Berkshire County MA Jail & House of Correction directly and providing the individual’s full name and date of birth is another reliable way to confirm their custody status. If all else fails, you can use the Arrest Record Finder for a small fee, which can provide broader search results across multiple jurisdictions. 

  2. What are the visitation hours at Berkshire County MA Jail & House of Correction?
    Visitation schedules vary by facility and housing unit. Some jails offer in-person visits on specific days, while others have transitioned to video visitation. Always check with the jail in advance, as visits may require scheduling and approval.

  3. How do I send money to an inmate at Berkshire County MA Jail & House of Correction?
    Inmates can receive funds through various methods, including online deposits via jail-approved services, kiosks at the facility, or by mailing a money order. Some jails require funds to be added by specific family members or approved contacts.

  4. Can I call an inmate at Berkshire Jail & House of Correction?
    Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls, but they may initiate collect calls or use a prepaid account provided by the jail’s phone service provider. Calls are generally recorded and monitored, and inmates must adhere to time limits. Communication gets costly, you might qualify for discounts on inmate calls if your inmate is calling you a lot.

  5. What items can I send to an inmate at Berkshire Jail & House of Correction?
    Approved items typically include letters, legal documents, and photographs. Some jails also permit care packages from authorized third-party vendors. Items such as greeting cards with glitter, stickers, or Polaroid photos may be prohibited.

  6. Are books and magazines allowed at Berkshire Jail & House of Correction?
    Yes, inmates can receive books and magazines directly from approved vendors such as Amazon or InmateAid. Hardcover books and explicit content are typically prohibited to maintain facility security. Some jails also have restrictions on the number of reading materials an inmate can possess at one time.

  7. What is the mailing address for inmates here?
    Each facility has a designated mailing address for inmate correspondence. It is important to include the inmate's full name, booking number (if applicable), and facility-approved format to ensure proper delivery. Mail containing contraband, including staples or stickers, may be rejected.

  8. What is the process for bonding someone out of Berkshire County MA Jail & House of Correction?
    Bail or bond amounts can be paid at the facility’s designated payment location, online, or through a licensed bail bondsman. Some jails accept cash, cashier’s checks, or credit card payments, while others require payments to be made at a county clerk’s office.

  9. How do I deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account at Berkshire Jail & House of Correction?
    Commissary funds allow inmates to purchase personal hygiene products, snacks, and other approved items. Deposits can be made online, at facility kiosks, or through phone services. Some facilities limit the amount that can be added per week.

  10. What clothing and personal items can an inmate have at Berkshire Jail & House of Correction?
    Inmates are generally issued standard jail clothing. Personal items are often restricted, and necessary hygiene products must be purchased through commissary unless the inmate is deemed indigent. Some jails allow inmates to have religious items, such as prayer beads or a Bible.

  11. How long do inmates stay at Berkshire County MA Jail & House of Correction before being transferred?
    The length of stay varies based on the nature of their charges, sentencing, and case status. Some inmates serve their full sentences in county jail, while others may be transferred to a state or federal facility after sentencing.

  12. Can an inmate at Berkshire Jail & House of Correction receive visits from children?
    Most jails allow minors to visit inmates but require them to be accompanied by a legal guardian. Some facilities impose restrictions based on the nature of the inmate's charges or have specific visitation hours for families with children.

  13. How can I schedule a visit with an inmate at Berkshire Jail & House of Correction?
    Many jails require visitation to be scheduled in advance through an online portal or by phone. Some facilities operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others enforce strict scheduling rules and background checks for visitors.

  14. What happens if an inmate gets sick or needs medical care at Berkshire Jail & House of Correction?
    Jails provide basic medical care, and inmates can request medical attention as needed. Emergency cases are treated immediately, while routine care is provided through medical staff. Some jails charge small medical co-pays deducted from an inmate’s commissary funds.

  15. Can inmates work while incarcerated here?
    Some inmates qualify for work programs within the facility, such as kitchen duty, janitorial work, or laundry services. In some counties, low-risk inmates may participate in work-release programs that allow them to work in the community and return to jail afterward.

  16. How can I find court dates and case information for an inmate at Berkshire Jail & House of Correction?
    Court dates and case details can usually be found through the county court website, public records, or by contacting the court clerk. Inmates are typically transported to court on scheduled hearing dates.

  17. What are the rules for inmate phone calls at Berkshire Jail & House of Correction?
    Inmate phone calls are monitored and recorded for security purposes. Calls must be made through facility-approved phone services, and any attempt to arrange three-way calls or circumvent restrictions may result in loss of phone privileges.

  18. Can an inmate be released early from Berkshire Jail & House of Correction?
    Early release may be granted through good behavior, completion of rehabilitative programs, or at the discretion of the court. In some cases, inmates may qualify for electronic monitoring or house arrest programs.

  19. What types of rehabilitation programs are available at here?
    Many county jails offer educational programs, GED classes, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training to help inmates reintegrate into society after release.

  20. What are the consequences of bringing contraband into the jail?
    Introducing contraband, such as drugs, weapons, or cell phones, is a criminal offense and can lead to legal charges, visitation bans, or enhanced security measures within the jail.

  21. Are there special accommodations for disabled inmates at Berkshire County MA Jail & House of Correction?
    Yes, jails are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide reasonable accommodations, including wheelchair accessibility, sign language interpreters, and medical care.

  22. How do I report an issue or concern about an inmate at Berkshire County MA Jail & House of Correction?
    Family members and advocates can report concerns to jail administration, a prisoner rights organization, or a legal representative. Some jails have grievance procedures inmates can follow if they experience mistreatment.

  23. Can an inmate at Berkshire Jail & House of Correction receive religious services or counseling?
    Yes, most jails provide chaplain services, religious counseling, and access to faith-based programs. Some facilities have multi-denominational services or allow clergy members to visit inmates upon request.

  24. What are the disciplinary procedures at Berkshire Jail & House of Correction?
    Inmates who violate jail rules may face disciplinary actions such as loss of privileges, placement in solitary confinement, or additional charges. Disciplinary hearings are typically conducted before penalties are imposed.

  25. How do I obtain an inmate’s release records from Berkshire County MA Jail & House of Correction?
    Release records may be available through the facility’s records department, the sheriff’s office, or the county clerk. Requests may require an application and a processing fee.

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