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.