Skip Navigation

Inmate Information

Processing

Upon reporting to the Detention Center lobby, you will be escorted to the Processing area. 

  1. Inmates and property will be searched upon admission, personal property will be inventoried and searched for contraband; any personal property not allowed inside the housing unit will be placed in the property room and a receipt will be issued for all stored property.
  2. Inmates will be given an opportunity to make at least two, free, five-minute phone calls.
  3. View an orientation video.
  4. Receive a medical screening.
  5. Escorted to a diagnostic housing unit.
  6. A Classification Unit Officer will meet with the inmate for initial intake and assessment for all programs and custody assignments to a housing unit.

Classification

While in the diagnostic housing unit, inmates will be interviewed and assessed by a Classification Officer within 48 hours. Based on the information obtained from the initial interview, the inmate’s criminal record, and the inmate’s file, an assessment will be completed by the Classification Officer to assist in determining custody status and housing assignments.

Funds

Inmate funds (any currency, checks, etc., are placed into non-interest bearing accounts, known as escrow accounts.) There is no minimum or maximum amount that may be placed into an inmate’s account and the amount of the deposit will be recorded on the inmate’s property envelope. Inmates can purchase commissary from any money in their escrow account.

Medical Services

The Department of Corrections (BCDC) provides comprehensive medical, dental and psychiatric services for all inmates.

  • For medical issues or more information—Contact the Medical Liaison at 410-512-3310
  • For immediate inmate medical care—Inform the Housing Unit Officer immediately. Inmates will be escorted to the Medical Department by an officer, or if warranted, medical staff will report to the unit where the inmate is housed.

Mail

All mail must be sent via the U.S. Postal Service or other approved mail carriers and must follow specific guidelines to be accepted. The following information must be included on the outside envelope for all inmate mail:

Inmate’s Name and Identification Number
Baltimore County Department of Corrections
720 Bosley Avenue
Towson, Maryland 21204

To obtain an inmate’s ID number, or if you have questions about these guidelines, call our security desk at 410-512-3200 and press “0” to speak with an operator.

Family Emergencies

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, call the Shift Commander at 410-512-3305. We will need the appropriate contact name and phone number to verify the information.

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.

Personal Property

All accepted inmate property is securely stored within the Detention Center. 

Releases

Inmates are released after all legal documentation has been checked and verified. Inmates may be released from the Detention Center in several different ways.

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.

Request Victim Notification of Inmate Release

If you are a victim of a crime that would like to be notified when an inmate is released, call the State’s Attorney’s Office at 410-512-6600 or our Records Unit at 410-512-3422.

Request Proof of Former Incarceration

Former inmates and individuals acting on their behalf can obtain an Incarceration Verification Form at the Detention Center. 

Explore Department of Corrections

Contact Us

Department of Corrections

720 Bosley Avenue
Towson, Maryland 21204

Hours:

Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Phone:

Director

Walt J. Pesterfield

Deputy Directors

Hilary Siakor-Sirleaf
Renard Brooks

Majors

Andrew Chiddick
David Greer