Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department – Boston, MA

Department Overview and Jurisdiction

Corrections and Public Safety

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department (SCSD), headquartered at 20 Bradston Street, is the oldest law enforcement agency in Suffolk County, with a history dating back to the 1850s. This location serves as the site of the Suffolk County House of Correction (often referred to as “South Bay”), which houses men and women who have been sentenced to incarceration for 2.5 years or less, as well as some pretrial detainees. The Department’s primary mission is to ensure the care, custody, and control of inmates while promoting public safety. Unlike municipal police departments that patrol streets, the Sheriff’s Department focuses on facility operations, prisoner transport, and the Civil Process Division (which handles evictions and service of legal papers). The SCSD is known for its emphasis on rehabilitation, offering extensive educational, vocational, and substance abuse programs designed to reduce recidivism and help individuals successfully re-enter their communities 👮‍♂️.

Inmate Services and Programs

The House of Correction provides a structured environment where inmates can access critical services. The Education Division offers courses ranging from basic literacy and HiSET (GED) preparation to culinary arts and graphic design. The Medical Division ensures that all individuals receive necessary healthcare, including mental health support and addiction treatment. Family members wishing to deposit money into an inmate’s commissary account can do so through the lobby kiosk or online; these funds are used by inmates to purchase hygiene products, snacks, and stationery. The Department also facilitates Video Visitation and in-person visits, recognizing the importance of maintaining family ties during incarceration.

• Custody Operations: Managing the security and daily life of the inmate population.
• Rehabilitation: Vocational training, anger management, and parenting classes.
• Civil Process: Serving summonses, subpoenas, and enforcing eviction orders.
• Women’s Programming: Specialized services for the female population at the facility.
• Community Works: Inmate work crews that perform cleaning and landscaping for city properties.

Visiting and Security Rules

Visiting the Suffolk County House of Correction requires strict adherence to security protocols. All visitors must be on the inmate’s pre-approved visitor list and must present a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID). Dress code is strictly enforced: no hooded sweatshirts, no revealing clothing, no medical scrubs, and no jewelry other than a wedding band. All visitors must pass through a metal detector. Personal belongings, including cell phones, keys, and purses, are not allowed in the visiting area; lockers are available in the lobby for a small fee (quarters required). Visitors should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled visiting time to complete processing. Failure to follow staff instructions will result in the termination of the visit.

Location and Transit Access

The facility is located at 20 Bradston Street in the Newmarket area of Boston, near the South Bay Shopping Center. Public transportation is available but requires a short walk. The Newmarket station on the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line is the closest rail stop. The Andrew station on the MBTA Red Line is approximately a 15-minute walk away. Several bus routes, including the CT3, 8, and 10, stop nearby on Massachusetts Avenue or Southampton Street. For those driving, there is a visitor parking lot adjacent to the facility, but space can be limited during peak visiting hours. The area is industrial and busy with truck traffic, so caution is advised for pedestrians.