The following answers some of the questions inmates and their families and friends may have regarding the Department ’s procedures: - Is smoking allowed anywhere on the Baltimore County Detention Center grounds or inside the facility?
- What is an Inmate ID Number or UID? Who uses these?
- I am a victim of a crime, and I want to be notified when an inmate is released. What do I do?
- How can I find out if someone is in your Detention Center or another facility?
- I am scheduled to report to the Detention Center at 6 p.m., and the judge has given me a 90-day sentence. What can I expect?
- What is the bail review process?
- My daughter is in the diagnostic unit; why can't I see her?
- How can I call an inmate?
- How much money does an inmate need for phone calls, and when can they make the outgoing calls?
- What if I do not want to receive phone calls from inmates?
- How can I put money into an inmate's commissary account?
- What if I mail a money order and it is received after the inmate is released or transferred before the money order is received?
- How can I find out if an inmate has visiting privileges?
- How many people can visit an inmate at one time?
- I am an attorney and would like to have a contact visit with my client. I am bringing my paralegal assistant and would like to bring a laptop computer to take down my client's information. Can this be arranged?
- How should I address mail to an inmate, and what are the guidelines in sending mail?
- Can I bring food, clothes, or hygiene products to an inmate?
- If an inmate does not have any money, how can he order commissary?
- My son told me that he ordered commissary but didn't get everything that he ordered. How can this issue be resolved?
- What medical services are provided to an inmate?
- Why can't my son use his own medications that he brought with him to the Detention Center? Won't this interfere with his prior treatment?
- My son called and complained of needing immediate medical care. What should he do?
- Who can I contact to discuss medical issues?
- What happens if a family emergency arises?
- Can inmates attend a family member's funeral?
- What types of programs are offered to inmates?
- What religious services are available?
- How can an inmate be placed on the Work Release and/or Home Detention Program, and are there any fees involved?
- The Court has sentenced me to the Community Service Program in Baltimore County. What can I expect?
- The Court ordered me to TASC. What does TASC stand for and how is it different from Parole and Probation?
- When can I bring clothes to my son for his court appearance?
- What happens to an inmate's property when they are brought to the Baltimore County Detention Center or when they are released or transferred to another facility?
- How is an inmate released from the Baltimore County Detention Center?
- What is the process for posting bail?
- How can I get proof of my former incarceration at the Baltimore County Detention Center?
Q. Is smoking allowed anywhere on the Baltimore County Detention Center grounds or inside the facility? A. No. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the Baltimore County Detention Center grounds, parking garage, or inside the facility. Back to top
Q. What is an Inmate ID Number or UID? Who uses these? A. These are numbers used for identifying inmates. The numbers are assigned by the Baltimore County Police Department and used by the Baltimore County Detention Center for inmate identification. Back to top
Q. I am a victim of a crime, and I want to be notified when an inmate is released. What do I do? A. You can contact the State’s Attorney’s Office at 410-512-6600 or our department’s Records Unit at 410-512-3422. Back to top Q. How can I find out if someone is in your Detention Center or another facility?
A. You can call our security desk at 410-512-3222 or 410-512-3223 to see if an individual is in our facility. If he/she is not here, then you may want to access the web site, www.vinelink.com and use their search engine or the Maryland Department of Public Safety at www.dpscs.state.md.us and select 'Online Services'. Back to top
Q. I am scheduled to report to the Detention Center at 6 p.m., and the judge has given me a 90-day sentence. What can I expect? A. Upon reporting to the Detention Center lobby, you will be escorted to the Processing area. After you are processed in, given basic hygiene items, viewed an orientation video, and received a medical screening, you will be escorted to a diagnostic housing unit. A Classification Unit Officer will meet with you for your initial intake and assessment for all programs and custody assignments. Back to top
Q. What is the bail review process? A. Persons who have been arrested and are committed to the Detention Center by a District Court Commissioner will have a bail review hearing before a judge on the next day the Court is in session. District Court bail reviews are conducted electronically in the Detention Center via closed circuit television at noon each business day the court is in session.
At bail review, the judge will decide whether to release the inmate pending trial and on what conditions. To assist the judge in making that decision, a Pretrial Investigator will present a report summarizing information provided by the inmate and verified by references, and his or her criminal history.
The Court has several options in deciding on release. Among the most common is setting of a bail, which is an amount of money that must be posted to the court to “secure” the defendant’s return to court. If he or she appears in court as required, the bail is refunded when the case is over. If the defendant fails to appear, the bail is forfeited and a warrant is issued for his or her arrest. Back to top Q. My daughter is in the diagnostic unit; why can’t I see her? A. Inmates currently housed in the diagnostic housing unit are not permitted visits until they are classified and/or assigned to another housing unit. Back to top Q. How can I call an inmate? A. Inmates are not allowed to receive any incoming phone calls. In the event there is an emergency in the family, such as a death or severe illness or injury to a family member, a relative of the inmate should contact the Shift Commander at 410-512-3305. We will need the appropriate contact name and phone number to verify the information. Back to top Q. How much money does an inmate need for phone calls and when can they make the outgoing calls? A. Telephone calls made from the housing units are collect calls only. If you do not have Verizon as your phone service carrier, you must contact Correctional Billing Services to set up an account to receive collect calls. The telephone number to Correctional Billing Services is: 1-800-844-6591, or you may visit their website at www.correctionalbillingservices.com for more information. In a regular housing unit, inmates are allowed to make outgoing calls from 8 a.m. until 10:45 p.m. Inmates are allotted 20 minutes per call. The system will notify inmates when they have 1 minute remaining and will automatically shut off after 20 minutes have elapsed. Back to top Q. What if I do not want to receive phone calls from inmates? A. To block calls from inmates, you must call 1-800-844-6591. Back to top Q. How can I put money into an inmate’s commissary account? A. Deposits to inmate accounts may be mailed to our facility at: Baltimore County Detention Center
720 Bosley Avenue
Towson, MD 21204 Make sure the inmate's name and ID number appear on the front of the envelope. You may also bring in your completed money order and place it in the drop box provided in the lobby. Deposits must be in the form of a money order, payable to Baltimore County Detention Center. The inmate's name and ID number must be noted and legible. View the sample money order form (PDF). Anything other than a money order will be returned to the sender. Anything other than money orders placed in the lobby drop box will be discarded. Deposits received will be credited to the inmate’s account within 72 hours of receipt. Back to top Q. What if I mail a money order and it is received after the inmate is released or transferred before the money order is received? A. Upon release or transfer from the facility, any money orders received will be returned to the sender marked 'no longer at this facility'. If no return address is provided, the money order may be deposited into the inmate’s account. Then, only the inmate may come in and claim the money with photo ID. The Finance office is open Monday through Friday (except holidays) from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Back to top Q. How can I find out if an inmate has visiting privileges? A. Please call our security desk at 410-512-3200 for information on whether an inmate has visiting privileges. Back to top Q. How many people can visit an inmate at one time? A. A maximum of two children and two adults, or three children and one adult are permitted per visit. Review the Visitors page for more information. Back to top Q. I am an attorney and would like to have a contact visit with my client. I am bringing my paralegal assistant and would like to bring a laptop computer to take down my client’s information. Can this be arranged? A. Please call the Shift Commander’s office at 410-512-3305 at least 48 hours in advance for special contact visit requests. Back to top Q. How should I address mail to an inmate, and what are the guidelines in sending mail? A. Inmate’s Name and Identification Number
Baltimore County Department of Corrections
720 Bosley Avenue
Towson, MD 21204 There is no restriction on the volume of mail an inmate may receive. All mail must be sent via the U.S. Postal Service or other approved mail carriers; items larger than 11-1/2" x 14" will not be accepted. Inmates at the Detention Center may not correspond with each other without the approval of the Director. Legal mail will be opened and inspected by correctional staff in the presence of the inmate. Incoming non-legal mail will be opened and inspected for contraband. Incoming or outgoing mail will not be read or rejected unless there is probable cause to believe the contents are a threat to the order and security of the facility or that the mail is being used for illegal activity. The Director or designee may order the mail to be opened and inspected. Mail containing sexually explicit materials will be returned to the sender in its entirety. Calling cards or prepaid phone cards sent in the mail are not permitted and will be returned. Packages arriving in the mail will not be accepted without prior approval; packages not approved will be returned to sender. Mail containing unauthorized items will be returned to sender in its entirety. Books sent through the mail directly from the publisher will be accepted, inspected, and delivered to the inmate if appropriate. Books from bookstores or other sources will not be accepted. Photographs (no Polaroid's), pages from crossword books, and coloring books are permitted. Weapon or gang-related material will not be permitted. Newspapers and magazines are not permitted. Inmates may receive religious reading materials from the Chaplain or designee, or through the mail when they are sent directly from the publisher. Inmates may not engage in contracts by mail on a delayed billing basis. Mail received for inmates who have been released or transferred to another jurisdiction will be returned to sender. Mail privileges will be denied only if restricted by court order.
Criminal activities connected with inmate mail will be reported to the appropriate authorities. Back to top Q. Can I bring food, clothes, or hygiene products to an inmate? A. The public is not permitted to bring food or hygiene products to inmates. Additionally, the public is not permitted to bring non-work release inmates clothing. Inmates wear uniforms issued by the facility. Any clothing items permitted must be purchased from the commissary vendor. Back to top Q. If an inmate does not have any money, how can he order commissary? A. Funds can be sent to an inmate from family or friends in the form of a money order only (no cash, checks, debit cards), which will be deposited into an inmate’s fund account known as an escrow account. Visit the Inmate Services page to find out more information about inmate funds. Back to top Q. My son told me that he ordered commissary but didn’t get everything that he ordered. How can this issue be resolved? A. Inmates must check to see that they have received all ordered items in the presence of the issuing Officer at the time of delivery. Any discrepancies must be reported immediately. Inmates will sign a form acknowledging receipt of their order. The Department of Corrections is not responsible for lost or stolen items after the inmate acknowledges receipt. Any commissary discrepancies must be submitted by the inmate on an Inmate Request Form to Capt. Maultsby for review and investigation. Back to top Q. What medical services are provided to an inmate? A. The Department of Corrections provides comprehensive medical, dental and psychiatric services for all inmates. These services and resources include: Health screening and physical upon admission. A contractual medical staff of over 50 full-time qualified health care professionals. A medical observation unit to keep a close watch on anyone with serious medical conditions. Chronic Care clinics operated by our physician and physician assistants for inmates with chronic conditions such as diabetes, aids, asthma, etc. A team of psychiatrists and other mental health staff to address the mental health needs of the inmates. In-house specialty clinics including: dentistry, oral surgery, optometry, x-ray services, and OB/GYN care. If hospitalization or outpatient care is needed, inmates are sent to area hospitals or to specialized outpatient treatment facilities. Sick Call is provided six days per week. Sick call boxes are located on every housing unit. Inmates may submit Sick Call slips when needed. They are picked up daily and medical staff will see the inmate within 24 hours. There is a $4 charge for sick call for all inmates who have money in their accounts. However, nobody is ever denied medical care because they are unable to pay. Inmates who need immediate medical care are escorted to the Medical Department by the Housing Officer, or if warranted, medical staff will report to the unit where the inmate is housed.
Back to top Q. Why can’t my son use his own medications that he brought with him to the Detention Center? Won’t this interfere with his prior treatment? A. Medications that an inmate brings to the Detention Center are not used. There is a full pharmacy service for the provision of all medications needed, and the department’s medical contractor will provide all medications to the inmate. Medical staff will try to obtain a list of medications from their previous medical provider. A relative can help ensure continuation of medications when possible by having the inmate’s medical provider fax the medical information to the Medical Records Department. Their fax number is 410-823-0453. Back to top Q. My son called and complained of needing immediate medical care. What should he do? A. He should inform the Housing Unit Officer immediately. Inmates who need immediate medical care are escorted to the Medical Department by the Housing Officer, or if warranted, medical staff will report to the unit where the inmate is housed. Back to top Q. Who can I contact to discuss medical issues? A. James B. Anzalone is the Medical Liaison for BCDC. You can contact him at 410-512-3310. Back to top Q. What happens if a family emergency arises? A. We at the Baltimore County Department of Corrections understand that family emergencies may arise at any time. In the event of a family emergency such as death or hospitalization of a family member, please contact the Shift Commander at 410-512-3305. We will need the appropriate contact name and phone number to verify the information. Back to top Q. Can inmates attend a family member’s funeral? A. Inmates are not permitted to attend funerals unless court ordered by a judge. An inmate may be permitted to attend a private viewing if approved by the agency and the sentencing or administrative judge. Back to top Q. What types of programs are offered to inmates? A. The department offers a wide range of programs to the inmate population. Those programs are as follows: G.E.D. Program
The Baltimore County Office of Adult Education provides G.E.D. instructors to the facility to assist inmates in completing their high school education. Additionally, state law requires the Department of Corrections to provide continuing high school education for all detainees under the age of 21 who have not yet earned a G.E.D. or High School Diploma.
Baltimore County Public Library
The Department of Corrections’ Detention Center has within its confines a branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. The library provides educational and recreational reading materials for the inmate population.
Substance Abuse Counseling
Through partnerships with both the Baltimore County Office of Substance Abuse and Gaudenzia, LLC, substance abuse services are offered at the Detention Center as well as Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous. This includes court assessments as well as counseling. Religious Services
The Department of Corrections will provide religious opportunities for all denominations through volunteer religious providers. Additional Programs
Through partnerships with other County agencies including the Health Department, Social Services, Community Colleges of Baltimore County, and several non-profit agencies, self-improvement programs are offered in anger management, healthy choices, domestic violence, job skills, and many others. Inmates can access any of the above programs by sending a #118 form to their Classification Officer. For additional information, please call the Programs Manager at 410-512-3400. Back to Top Baltimore County Work Release Program
An inmate sentenced to the Baltimore County Department of Corrections may participate in this program if he/she is recommended by the sentencing judge and meets the Department’s eligibility criteria. The program offers an inmate the opportunity to continue working while incarcerated, allowing financial support to be provided to his/her family. The unit remains supervised by the Department of Corrections and is supported by local community businesses. For additional information, please call the Work Release Unit at 410-512-3340. Home Detention Program
Court ordered pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates may be eligible. This program offers a less expensive alternative to incarceration. The unit utilizes computerized tracking and electronic monitoring to monitor the location of inmates. As in the Work Release Program, the inmate also has the opportunity to work and provide financially for his/her family. For additional information please call the Home Detention Unit at 410-512-3429. Pre-Release
The pre-release designation was implemented in 1986, expanding on the same principles of work release to include inmate work details. Qualified inmates near the end of a sentence are housed in a less restrictive environment and used for inter-agency work details. The Department of Recreation and Parks has employed some inmates after the completion of their sentence. Pre-release workers are also a major part of the Maryland Environmental Services recycle facility work force in Cockeysville. For additional information, please call the Community Corrections Unit at 410-512-3340. Weekenders
The Detention Center houses male and female offenders sentenced by the court to serve "weekends" usually from Friday at 6 p.m. until Sunday at 6 p.m. Occasionally the "weekend" sentence will be served on weekdays to accommodate the offender's work schedule of regular days off. Pretrial Services
Baltimore County Pretrial Services operates within the Department of Corrections. It serves both the District and Circuit Courts of Baltimore County by providing verified background information and criminal histories on defendants scheduled for bail reviews. Qualified defendants are placed on Pretrial Services supervision in lieu of bail, and conditions of release are monitored. For additional information, please call the Classification Unit at 410-3241. Alternative Sentencing Program
The Baltimore County Department of Corrections’ Alternative Sentencing Program supervises offenders who are court-ordered to one of two program components: Community Service or T.A.S.C. (Treatment Alternative to Street Crimes.) An offender can be supervised by one or both components of the Alternative Sentencing Program. Community Service
The Community Service Program provides a court-ordered means for offenders to work without compensation for a specific number of hours in a non-profit community or government agency. Its goals are to provide non-violent offenders an opportunity to make a positive contribution to the community in lieu of fines and/or incarceration. For additional information please call the Alternative Sentencing Office at 410-512-3343. T.A.S.C. (Treatment Alternatives To Street Crime)
The T.A.S.C. (Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime) Program provides evaluation and supervision to substance abuse dependent individuals referred by the Baltimore County Circuit Court, District Court, and/or the Office of the State’s Attorney. Through treatment referral and closely supervised community reintegration, T.A.S.C. aims to permanently interrupt the cycle of addiction and encourage positive societal behaviors. Case Management occurs in our Towson office as well as in Dundalk, Essex, and Catonsville. For additional information please call the Alternative Sentencing Office at 410-512-3343. Back to top Q: What religious services are available? A: The Department of Corrections will provide religious opportunities for all denominations through volunteer religious providers. Back to top Q: How can an inmate be placed on the Work Release and/or Home Detention Program and are there any fees involved? A. If an inmate is recommended by the court, meets the eligibility criteria of the department, and is recommended by Classification staff, his/her name will be submitted to the Medical Unit for medical clearance. Upon receiving a medical clearance, he/she will be approved for participation and transferred to the Work Release Housing Unit. There is a one-time $25 non-refundable urine testing lab fee for inmates on home detention and for inmates who will be working outside employment. There is no urine testing lab fee for inmates who work Baltimore County work details such as MES, Highways, etc. If an inmate is on the Work Release Program and has paid his/her lab fee, then he/she is not charged the same fee again if transferred to the Home Detention Program. Additionally, for the Work Release Program there is a $50 weekly board fee for inmates employed outside the facility. For the Home Detention Program there is a one-time $34 non-refundable fee of which $25 is for a urine test and $9 for the ankle bracelet. Additionally, there is a $70 weekly fee of which $50 is paid towards the program and $20 is set up as a security deposit to be returned to the inmate at the end of the program. Back to top Q. The Court has sentenced me to the Community Service Program in Baltimore County. What can I expect? A. The following is a synopsis of the Baltimore County’s Community Service Program: You will call the Community Service Office at 410-512-3343 to make an appointment. All offenders will be seen in the Towson Office regardless of whether you were sentenced in Baltimore County or transferred from another County or State. If you need to have your hours transferred to another jurisdiction, your Community Service Case Manager will make that determination. Since your case originated in Baltimore County, we retain custody of your case reporting any infractions directly to the court. We have a list of private non-profit and government worksites that have agreed to our established criteria. Where you will work and what type of work is determined by your skills, where you live, your employment and/or school schedule, and where we have openings. Work assignments are made in your community if possible; however, many times it is not. Your Community Service Case Manager has the final decision of where you will perform the hours. If you are unemployed and/or employed part-time or are a part-time student, you will be required to work at least 16 hours per week on a regular predetermined schedule. If you are employed full-time and/or a full-time student, you will be required to work at least eight hours per week on a regular predetermined scheduled. You will set up a work schedule with your worksite supervisor giving specific dates and times for each week. If you do not adhere to the rules and regulations, you will be terminated from this program. Termination will result in you returning to court for a violation of probation or your case being returned to the State’s Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Then you may receive one or more of the penalties you were trying to avoid. The Community Service Program charges all offenders a non-refundable $25 dollar administrative processing fee due at the time of the interview. The fee can only be paid at the Baltimore County Detention Center Finance Office. Only cash or money orders (made payable to Baltimore County, MD) are accepted. Back to top Q. The Court ordered me to TASC. What does TASC stand for and how is it different from Parole and Probation? A. The letters stand for Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime. It is a program unique to Baltimore County in the State of Maryland. TASC is primarily assigned by judges for drug offenders who would benefit from intensive case management services to get treatment and monitoring.
TASC is considered more intensive case management than Parole and Probation. Offenders are required to report for the entire length of their probation. There are no call-ins and completion of a treatment program is usually required. Additionally, random urinalysis testing is conducted on a regular basis. Back to top Q. When can I bring clothes to my son for his court appearance? A. Court clothing is accepted Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:30 to 11 a.m. and from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Court clothing will be exchanged item for item. Clothing for "sentenced" inmates may be exchanged prior to release. Jackets will be accepted during winter months for offenders incarcerated during the summer months. Persons delivering court clothing must have valid identification. Inmates will be required to sign for items received and released. Back to top Q. What happens to an inmate's property when they are brought to the Baltimore County Detention Center or when they are released or transferred to another facility? A. All accepted inmate property is securely stored within the Detention Center. Inmates may release property to anyone except other inmates. To release property, an inmate must complete and sign an Inmate Property Release Form. Property may be released during normal visiting hours while the inmate is still incarcerated. Inmates being transferred to another facility will fill out a Property Control Transfer Form and have 30 days for someone to pick up the property before it is disposed of. Inmates being released will receive their property as they leave the Detention Center. Inmates that have already been released have 30 days to pick up their property during normal visiting hours at the front lobby with a valid proper ID. Inmates who had their property confiscated by the Police Department, or their property was not accepted by the Detention Center, must contact the Baltimore County Police Department HQ located at 700 E. Joppa Road Towson MD 21286 to retrieve their property. The Property Room can be reached at (410) 887-2276. Back to top Q. How is an inmate released from the Baltimore County Detention Center? A. Inmates may be released from the Detention Center in several different ways. Time Served. An inmate’s sentence has expired and he/she has no outstanding charges or detainers. Court Release. While at court, an inmate is released by order of the judge. Bail Release. An inmate who has a bail or fine with no other outstanding charges, warrants, sentences, or detainers may have someone pay the bail and be released. Other Agencies. An inmate is released to another agency that has lodged a detainer, charge, or warrant for that inmate. DOC. An inmate has been sentenced to the Maryland Division of Correction and is awaiting transfer there. Inmates are released after all legal documentation has been checked and verified. Most inmates are afforded an opportunity to place a local phone call before leaving the Detention Center to arrange transportation home. Inmates may also be provided a local bus token if they cannot pay for transportation. Inmates being sent to another agency will not receive a phone call before they leave due to security reasons. Back to top Q. What is the process for posting bail? A. Once an interested person determines an inmate at the Detention Center has a bail and is interested in posting it, the individual posting the bail needs to report to the Commissioner’s office located in Towson, Maryland. Directions and hours to the Commissioner’s office, may be obtained by calling 410-512-2030 and following the prompts provided to receive the necessary information. Once the interested individual has reported to the Commissioner’s office, the Commissioner will verify the information with the Detention Center. After verification, the individual will give the bail money to the Commissioner who will in turn prepare the proper forms and a release. Once the Commissioner hands over the release to the individual, that person is responsible for bringing the release to the front lobby of the Detention Center. After the release is received, checked and verified by the Department of Corrections, the release process is allowed to continue, provided the inmate has no other outstanding cases or detainers. This process can take from 20 minutes to an hour or more for the person to be released from custody. It is the department’s goal to expedite the process accurately, safely, and quickly as possible, but some delays are inevitable. Interested parties may contact the facility at 410-512-3200 to inquire if a bail has been received; however, the facility will not know if a bail has been posted until the Bail Release is received at the front lobby. Back to top Q. How can I get proof of my former incarceration at the Baltimore County Detention Center? A. You can obtain this verification form at the Detention Center. Additionally, other individuals, on behalf of an incarcerated inmate, may obtain this verification form too. In order to obtain an Incarceration Verification Form, former inmates must report to the Baltimore County Department of Corrections in person. With them they must bring their temporary Baltimore County Department of Corrections issued ID (these are only valid for 15 days from the issue date), or a valid photo ID issued by a government or state agency, and provide their current address and telephone number. The information will be reviewed and verified and then the pertinent document will be generated and given to the former inmate. For inmates who are incarcerated, they may have an individual retrieve this information. That person will complete a waiver form, and the waiver will be taken to the inmate for his/her signature and approval. If the inmate denies the request, it will not be granted. The person requesting the information on an inmate’s behalf must also provide a valid photo ID issued by a government or state agency and provide a current address and telephone number. Photo IDs will be accepted or denied at the discretion of the facility. Back to top Revised July 31, 2009 | 
Courthouse 