Essex County-Lawrence Correctional Alternative Center

You can support your loved ones at Lawrence Correctional Alternative on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 978-750-1900.

The Essex County-Lawrence Correctional Alternative Center in Lawrence, MA, focuses on successful offender reintegration into society, crucial for effective crime control. With high recidivism rates, evidence-based practices tailor programs for medium to high-risk individuals, reducing repeat offenses. Reentry and Treatment Centers offer structured environments and various programs aiding rehabilitation and community reconnection efforts. Collaborating with the Essex Sheriff's Department, the Massachusetts Department of Corrections, and sometimes the US Marshal Service/Federal Bureau of Prisons, comprehensive reentry services prioritize education, substance abuse treatment, and workforce development. Facilities assist officers in monitoring compliance and serve as alternatives to pretrial detention, considering cost-effectiveness and reducing overcrowding. Emphasizing individual needs, family support, and community integration, the center aims for holistic support, empowering successful reintegration.

The Lawrence Correctional Alternative Center, located at 165 Marston St in Lawrence, MA, is dedicated to facilitating successful transitions for offenders from incarceration to the community. Emphasizing the importance of reentry for effective crime control, the center focuses on personal development, employment, education, treatment services, family support, and community engagement to support successful reintegration. Reentry, the process of reintegrating offenders from correctional facilities into society, is a critical aspect of public safety. With more than three-quarters of state offenders being re-arrested within five years of release, successful reintegration is imperative. Evidence-based practices focus on individuals at medium to high risk of reoffending, tailoring programs to address their specific needs, thus lowering recidivism rates. Reentry and Treatment Centers play a vital role in this process by providing structured environments and various programs to aid residents in their rehabilitation and community reconnection efforts.

Aligned to reduce recidivism, the MA DOC, in collaboration with the BOP in certain cases, emphasizes comprehensive reentry services. The center prioritizes core program areas such as Education, Substance Abuse Treatment, and Workforce Development, supplemented by various other reentry-oriented programs, job placement, and health services.

Moreover, these facilities assist probation and pretrial services officers in monitoring individuals' activities to ensure compliance with release conditions and reduce violations, particularly for those deemed higher risk. Additionally, they serve as alternatives to pretrial detention, offering a solution for individuals whose appearance cannot be reasonably ensured or who may pose a danger to the community under less restrictive conditions. Judicial policies consider factors like cost-effectiveness, reducing jail overcrowding, and the suitability of RRC placement for certain defendants, balancing these against individual circumstances and needs. Ultimately, successful reentry not only benefits the individual but also contributes to enhanced public safety and more effective correctional practices. With a commitment to addressing individual needs, family dynamics, and community integration, the center aims to provide holistic support to returning citizens. By offering comprehensive services and support, the center endeavors to empower individuals to successfully reintegrate into society.

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.

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.