Baltimore Pretrial Complex
Baltimore Pretrial Complex
Physical Address
531 E. Madison StreetBaltimore, MD 21202
Jail Phone Number
410-209-4130Baltimore City Inmate Search: Central Booking and State Pretrial Custody
To find someone held in Baltimore City, search the state's DPSCS incarcerated individual locator, since the state runs the city jail; this page also covers booking photos, warrants, bail, federal and ICE custody and police numbers.
New arrests are booked at the Baltimore Central Booking and Intake Center, 300 E. Madison Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, 410-545-8080.
For ID numbers and custody status, DPDS customer service answers at 410-209-8122 or 410-209-8123.
Read inmate search answers
Read inmate search answers1. Where are city arrestees held?
- Baltimore Central Booking and Intake Center, 300 E. Madison Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, 410-545-8080: booking and intake.
- Other DPDS pretrial units in East Baltimore.
All are part of the Division of Pretrial Detention and Services.
↑ Back to the question list2. How does the DPSCS locator work?
Central Booking on East Madison Street is run by the state, so enter a first or last name on the DPSCS incarcerated individual locator. It primarily covers people committed to the Commissioner of Correction and includes some short-sentenced people housed in pretrial facilities. If a new booking is missing, call 410-209-8122. Court data is on Case Search.
For a recent arrest or a missing name, use the Baltimore Central Booking contact page. Ask whether intake is complete and which facility now has the person. The DPSCS locator itself explains that some people in department custody are outside its results.
↑ Back to the question list3. How does release work for city detainees?
Commissioners at 500 N. Calvert Street, 410-878-8990, set first terms, and judges review them. Our Baltimore City bail guide has more.
↑ Back to the question list4. How can I find out about a Baltimore City warrant?
Ask the Baltimore City Sheriff's Office warrant unit at 410-396-7591; the office is at 100 N. Calvert Street, Room 104, and its main number is 410-396-1155. For a police case, call the Baltimore Police Department. Bring the full legal name and birth date when you ask.
Every city arrest is booked at Central Booking on East Madison Street, and that is also where a planned surrender ends up. Talk with a lawyer before anyone walks in, so the person goes before a commissioner quickly. When the warrant is for a missed date, the clerk may offer a new one instead: Circuit Court clerk, 410-333-3722, at the 100 N. Calvert courthouse; District Court, 500 N. Calvert Street, 410-878-8900.
The Judiciary's case lookup shows a case once it is filed, along with charges and hearing dates, yet it says nothing about whether someone is wanted.
↑ Back to the question list5. How is bail set after Central Booking?
Commissioners at Central Booking look at charges, then choose personal recognizance, conditions, a secured bond, or detention. Those held see a judge at a bail review. Confirm status through the DPSCS locator or customer service lines. Our bail here page covers paying, bondsmen and refunds.
↑ Back to the question list6. Is there a free alert service for Baltimore City custody?
VINELink covers state-run pretrial units on Madison Street. Search by name, choose the right record, then register to hear by phone, SMS or email about release or transfer.
↑ Back to the question list7. What happens after a city arrest?
Everyone arrested in Baltimore, or on a city warrant, is booked at Central Booking on East Madison Street, run by the state's Division of Pretrial Detention and Services. Within 24 hours a commissioner at 500 N. Calvert Street, 410-878-8990, explains the charges and rights, checks public defender eligibility and sets terms. A judge reviews them for anyone still held. Our court guide explains later steps.
↑ Back to the question list8. Which downtown court has the case?
First appearances and misdemeanors are in one of four District Court buildings, including 500 N. Calvert Street, 410-878-8900. Courthouse East, 111 N. Calvert Street, holds the Circuit Court for felony and jury cases, 410-396-5188. A felony defendant not yet indicted has 10 days after appearing before the commissioner to request a preliminary hearing.
↑ Back to the question list9. Where do city detainees apply for a public defender?
Apply through a commissioner on form DC-099, then go to the city public defender at 201 N. Charles Street, 410-333-4900, with the written eligibility finding. District Court teams also work at the Eastside building, 410-878-8600, and the Hargrove building on Patapsco Avenue, 410-878-8400. Teens charged as adults have a separate youthful defendant unit at 410-209-8680.
↑ Back to the question list10. How do I learn the charges for a city detainee?
Cases from the Calvert Street courthouses appear on Maryland Judiciary Case Search by exact name; the DPSCS locator gives an ID number. Customer service for DPDS gives ID numbers and custody status at 410-209-8122. Case Search shows summaries only; the clerk's office has the full record. A Baltimore summons or must-appear citation, instead of arrest, sets a preliminary inquiry; Baltimore's limit, absent a printed time, is five business days.
↑ Back to the question list11. Can I visit someone in Central Booking?
Each Madison Street pretrial unit has its own visiting schedule, set by DPSCS, and sometimes cancels visits for weather or security. Call 410-545-8080 before going, and read our visitation guide.
↑ Back to the question list12. How do calls, mail and deposits work for state pretrial detainees?
- Calls out of Central Booking are collect or prepaid and recorded; see our phone guide.
- Tablet text messages may be offered; see our email guide.
- Letters need a full name and state ID number; see our mail rules.
- Use our money page and commissary page for funds.
13. Will DPSCS release a booking photo?
Central Booking's state locator does not show photos. Ask DPSCS public information through its website or the arresting agency. ICE booking photos must be requested through ICE's FOIA office. Federal booking photos are not released to the public or the press, except that the U.S. Marshals Service may publish one while looking for a fugitive.
↑ Back to the question list14. What if the Baltimore arrest is federal?
The federal courthouse is in the city at 101 W. Lombard Street. The clerk of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland answers at 410-962-2600 (Greenbelt division: 301-344-0660). The U.S. Marshals Service district headquarters, 410-962-2220, handles federal prisoners before trial. Once someone is sentenced, the BOP inmate locator shows the prison.
↑ Back to the question list15. What if ICE wants someone held at Central Booking?
- After Madison Street prints are checked, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may lodge Form I-247A.
- It seeks custody up to 48 hours after they would otherwise be released (8 CFR 287.7(d)). City bail doesn't dissolve it.
- If agents appear at Central Booking within that period, they take the person; otherwise release follows.
- ICE then decides placement. Search the ICE detainee locator with the A-number. The ICE Baltimore Field Office is at 31 Hopkins Plaza, 6th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201, 410-637-4000.
16. Does the same locator cover state prisons?
Yes; the DPSCS incarcerated individual locator that covers Central Booking also covers state prisons. Our Maryland prisons directory gives addresses.
↑ Back to the question list17. Where do juveniles go in Baltimore?
Youths are handled by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, 217 E. Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, 410-230-3100. The city's juvenile court sits at 300 N. Gay Street, and youths charged as adults can face separate rules on where they are housed.
↑ Back to the question list18. What is the Pretrial Release Services Program?
It is a state program inside DPDS, the agency that runs Central Booking in Baltimore. It reviews criminal history, rates risk for bail review hearings, and supervises defendants released in the community while they wait for trial. It also handles case diversion. Ask about a person's supervision through DPDS customer service, 410-209-8123.
↑ Back to the question list19. What health and treatment services exist in the city jail system?
The Baltimore City Detention Center offers mental health, social, educational and rehabilitative programs. A DPDS treatment program begun in 2008 was the first in a state prison system to win federal licenses for methadone use. Teens held on adult charges can attend the Eager Street Academy high school. Call 410-545-8080 about a specific health need.
↑ Back to the question list20. How can families avoid Central Booking scams?
The Baltimore City Sheriff's Office and the city courts don't ask for payment by phone, text or email, and won't send you a link or QR code to close a case. Scammers have copied real court numbers. Hang up, then call the court or the Sheriff's Office at 410-396-1155 yourself. Report fraud to the Attorney General at 410-528-8662. Our money guide lists real ways to send funds.
↑ Back to the question list21. How do mail and visits work at Central Booking?
Letters to Central Booking need the person's full name and state ID number; see our mail rules. Visiting schedules are set by facility and can be canceled for weather or security, so call 410-545-8080 first and read our visitation guide. Funds go through the commissary page. For property taken at booking, ask DPDS customer service, 410-209-8122.
↑ Back to the question list22. Which police agencies make arrests in Baltimore City, and what are their numbers?
- Baltimore Police Department, 601 E. Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, 410-637-8875 (Alternative number: 410-369-2020); city services 311.
- Baltimore City Sheriff's Office, 100 N. Calvert Street, Room 104, Baltimore, MD 21202, 410-396-1155.
- Baltimore City School Police, 410-396-8590.
- Maryland Transit Administration Police, 410-454-7720, for buses and rail.
The city has no separate towns inside it; every neighborhood is covered by the Baltimore Police Department. Emergencies: 911.
↑ Back to the question listBaltimore City Bail: Central Booking, Commissioners and Bail Review
Bail and release in Baltimore City are decided by District Court commissioners, and the central station at 500 N. Calvert Street, 410-878-8990, is open day and night.
Arrestees are processed at the Baltimore Central Booking and Intake Center, 300 E. Madison Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, 410-545-8080.
Unlike every county jail in Maryland, this one is run by the state Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services through its Division of Pretrial Detention and Services.
1. Who sets bail after an arrest in the city?
A District Court commissioner. The centralized station is at 500 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, 410-878-8990, and is staffed 24 hours a day. A second commissioner post works inside Central Booking at 300 E. Madison Street, 410-545-8294. Anyone arrested without a warrant must appear before one within 24 hours under Maryland Rule 4-212.
↑ Back to the question list2. What release terms are possible in the city?
Following Rule 4-216.1, a commissioner can release on recognizance, set an unsecured bond, order pretrial supervision or other conditions, require a secured bond, or deny bail. DPSCS's Pretrial Release Services Program screens many defendants and supervises those released with conditions.
↑ Back to the question list3. How do I pay bail at Central Booking?
- Look up the person with the DPSCS incarcerated individual locator or call DPDS customer service at 410-209-8122.
- Ask the commissioner at 410-878-8990 for the bail figure and accepted payment.
- Bring a photo ID and the defendant's legal name and date of birth.
- Save every receipt.
Money placed on a detainee's account is separate from bail; our money guide has details.
↑ Back to the question list4. When is the bail review?
A detainee who could not get out sees a District Court judge at a bail review, usually the next court day, often at the courthouse at 500 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, 410-878-8900. Pretrial staff give the judge a risk report. A job, school, or family duties can be raised by the defense.
↑ Back to the question list5. Who represents defendants at bail review in Baltimore?
The Office of the Public Defender handles many city cases. District offices include Eastside, 1400 E. North Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21213, 410-878-8600; Hargrove, 700 E. Patapsco Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21225, 410-878-8400; and Wabash, 5800 Wabash Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215, 410-878-8114. Felony matters go to 201 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, 667-406-2374.
↑ Back to the question list6. Are bondsmen used in the city?
Yes. A licensed surety posts a secured bond for a premium, which the company keeps whatever the outcome. Compare terms, read the collateral clause, and refuse payment requests through apps or gift cards from strangers who call.
↑ Back to the question list7. How is cash bail refunded in Baltimore City?
Cash returns to the name on the receipt once the case closes, provided each hearing was attended. Restitution or court costs may be paid out of it first. A missed hearing can mean forfeiture. Circuit Court bail questions go to the clerk's office at the Courthouse East, 111 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, 410-396-5188.
↑ Back to the question list8. What if the arrest was by federal agents?
Federal defendants go to the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland at 101 W. Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, 410-962-2600. A magistrate judge decides detention, and the city commissioner is not involved. Use the BOP inmate locator after sentencing.
↑ Back to the question list9. Can ICE hold a person after city bail is posted?
Yes. With a Form I-247A, ICE asks the state facility to keep someone for up to 48 hours after they would otherwise be released (8 CFR 287.7(d)). The ICE Baltimore Field Office is a few blocks away at 31 Hopkins Plaza, 6th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201, 410-637-4000. Search the ICE detainee locator.
↑ Back to the question list10. Where are sentenced city residents sent?
DPSCS moves sentenced people into its prisons. Look them up on the DPSCS incarcerated individual locator and check our Maryland state prisons list. For more local help, see our Baltimore City inmate search guide and court guide.
↑ Back to the question listBaltimore Pretrial Complex Inmate Visitation Schedule & Guidelines
531 E. Madison Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-209-4130
COVID Family Hotline questions: 410-724-5722
- Inmates can't have visits for their first 30 days incarcerated.
- Confirm the facility your inmate is housed in.
- Schedule an in-person visitation appointment by email. Instructions and Contact information.
- Inmates are allowed only one visit per day.
- Max of two visitors per inmate
- During the visit, the use of bathrooms are not allowed by the inmate or their vistors. A bathroom visit = the end of the visit.
- Expect to wear a mask, so bring one. Don't even think of bringing in your phone.
- Expect to be searched by a metal detector and/or a drug sniffing dog.
- Anyone under 18 must be a relative of the inmate or the visitor. Anyone 16 or older must have a state issued photo ID.
- Attorneys can visit inmate 24/7.
- Dress codes can be found on the bottom of our Inmate Visitation page. Review the complete list of rules and guidelines.
Call 410-209-4130 for updated visitation schedule.
Baltimore Pretrial Complex Remote (from your home) Video Inmate Visits
- Inmates and their friends and family members can communicate by video remotely by using a service called Microsoft Teams. Maryland Corrections has a full page describing how it works.
- Download the app for iphones. Follow the instructions.
- Download the app for Android. Follow the instructions.
- To Access Microsoft Teams from your computer:
- No application download is required.
- Open the invitation email as you would normally open any other email from your computer's browser.
- Click the link that states "Click here to join the meeting" from your email at the time of your meeting.
Remote Video Visitation for Inmates at Baltimore Pretrial Complex using Microsoft Teams
Baltimore Pretrial Complex Remote (from your home) Video Inmate Visits
- Inmates and their friends and family members can communicate by video remotely by using a service called Microsoft Teams. Maryland Corrections has a full page describing how it works.
- Download the app for iphones. Follow the instructions.
- Download the app for Android. Follow the instructions.
- After registering, invitations and a link for your Virtual Visit will be sent to the email address on file.
- Open the email invitation;
- You can join the virtual visitation by:
- Click the link that states "Click here to join the meeting" from your email at the time of your meeting; or download the attached .ics file. This will place the meeting information into your calendar application. When it is time for the virtual visitation, you can access the meeting link via Event Details in your calendar application; - To Access Microsoft Teams from your computer:
- No application download is required.
- Open the invitation email as you would normally open any other email from your computer's browser.
- Click the link that states "Click here to join the meeting" from your email at the time of your meeting.
Baltimore City Courts: District Court Locations and Circuit Court
Baltimore City cases are heard in four District Court buildings, including 500 N. Calvert Street, 410-878-8900, and in the Circuit Court at Courthouse East, 111 N. Calvert Street, 410-396-5188.
The city is its own judicial circuit, Maryland's Eighth.
Look up a case on Maryland Judiciary Case Search.
1. Where are the District Court buildings in the city?
- Hubbard (North Calvert): 500 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, 410-878-8900.
- Eastside: 1400 E. North Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21213, 410-878-8500.
- Hargrove: 700 E. Patapsco Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21225, 410-878-8300.
- Wabash: 5800 Wabash Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215, 410-878-8000.
Bail reviews, misdemeanor and traffic trials are held at these sites.
↑ Back to the question list2. Where does the Circuit Court hear criminal cases?
- Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Courthouse East, 111 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, 410-396-5188.
The court also uses the Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. Courthouse at 100 N. Calvert Street, and its juvenile court is at 300 N. Gay Street.
↑ Back to the question list3. Which court will my relative's case be in?
Misdemeanors stay in District Court. Felonies are usually indicted to the Circuit Court. A District Court defendant facing more than 90 days may also request a jury trial, moving the case.
↑ Back to the question list4. How do I search for a Baltimore City case?
Search Case Search by name and choose Baltimore City. Open a case to view charges, dates and bond. Some juvenile and shielded files are hidden.
↑ Back to the question list5. How are Baltimore City warrants served and cleared?
In the city, the Baltimore City Sheriff's Office at 100 N. Calvert Street, Room 104, handles court warrants. Its child support and criminal warrant unit is at 410-396-7591, and the main desk is 410-396-1155. Police cases may be checked with the Baltimore Police Department.
Circuit Court's clerk is based in the Mitchell Courthouse complex at 100 N. Calvert Street, with the office itself in the Cummings Building, 410-333-3722. District Court criminal matters are at 500 N. Calvert Street, 410-878-8900. Whoever issued the warrant is the office to phone about being given another date.
Most city warrants end with a surrender at Central Booking, 300 E. Madison Street, where a commissioner reviews the case. Talk to a lawyer first so the surrender is planned.
Case Search gives charges, court dates and dispositions for filed city cases. Treat it as a docket, never as a wanted list; when an indictment is sealed because its warrant is active, the case appears only after the arrest.
↑ Back to the question list6. Where are public defender offices in the city?
- Eastside District Court office, 1400 E. North Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21213, 410-878-8600.
- Felony division, 201 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, 667-406-2374.
- Juvenile division, 300 N. Gay Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, 443-263-6360.
7. Where are city defendants held before trial?
Most stay in state custody at the Baltimore Central Booking and Intake Center, 300 E. Madison Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, 410-545-8080, or in other DPDS housing nearby. See our bail page and our inmate search page.
↑ Back to the question list8. Where is federal court in Baltimore?
The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, Northern Division, 101 W. Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, 410-962-2600. Track sentenced federal prisoners with the BOP locator.
↑ Back to the question list9. Will ICE custody stop a Baltimore City prosecution?
No. A detainer under Form I-247A lets ICE ask the state to hold someone for up to 48 hours after they would otherwise be released (8 CFR 287.7(d)), but the city case stays open. A defense lawyer can explain how to keep court dates. See the ICE locator.
↑ Back to the question list10. What happens after a city prison sentence?
DPSCS classifies and transfers sentenced people. Use the DPSCS locator and our Maryland prisons list.
↑ Back to the question list
Access Securepak is an authorized correctional commissary care-package program that allows families to purchase customized food, snack, hygiene, apparel, and electronics packages sent directly to an incarcerated loved one. Every package is custom-packed to meet the strict security regulations of the specific jail or state prison.
Important: Delivery Schedules and Package Quotas
Jail package guidelines are not uniform across detention centers. Some facilities permit orders year-round, while others restrict deliveries to quarterly cycles or strict weekly deadlines that you should confirm with the facility directly. If you delay setting up your account, you risk missing the upcoming delivery cutoff, leaving your loved one waiting an extra cycle for fresh food, warm thermals, or personal toiletries.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Register and Access Service
- Visit the official Access Securepak online store at www.accesscatalog.com.
- Select the state and the specific jail or correctional institution from the dropdown menu.
- Enter the inmate's legal last name and inmate ID to verify their active housing and package eligibility.
- Browse the catalog of approved meats, cheeses, ramen soups, cookies, toiletries, and clothing.
- Add items to your cart up to the facility's maximum weight or dollar limit (usually $50 to $125 per order).
- Check out using your debit or credit card and save the order confirmation tracking number.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The inmate does not need to order anything themselves. Securepak ships the sealed package directly to the correctional facility's commissary warehouse. Jail staff inspect the box and deliver it to the inmate during regular pod commissary distribution, where the inmate signs for the package.
Official Provider: Access Corrections / Keefe Group Official Website
Customer Service Telephone: 1-800-546-6283
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 11:30 PM EST; Saturday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by Access Corrections / Keefe Group
In addition to Access Securepak (Commissary & Gift Packages), Access Corrections / Keefe Group provides several other communication, financial, and visitation services at participating correctional facilities:
- Inmate Trust Money Deposits: Send cash directly to their personal account so they can buy items independently.
• Learn more on our website: Inmate Trust Money Deposits Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Access Corrections / Keefe Group Inmate Trust Money Deposits - Digital Messaging & Photos: Send fast electronic letters and digital pictures to their tablet.
• Learn more on our website: Digital Messaging & Photos Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Access Corrections / Keefe Group Digital Messaging & Photos
Buy Commissary for an Inmate in the Baltimore Pretrial Complex
Baltimore Pretrial Complex Inmate Commissary - Sending Money or Purchasing Commissary for an Inmate
Baltimore Pretrial Complex allows inmates to purchase commissary. Ask the jail what its commissary sells; snacks and hygiene items are common.
You can buy commissary for an inmate using an online service called Access Securepak.
Call the facility at 410-209-4130 to ask whether there is a limit on how much an inmate can spend on commissary.
Access Securepak's site shows whether friends and family can order commissary for an inmate at this jail.
Scroll down for information on the Baltimore Pretrial Complex's service they use for you being able to purchase commissary items online and have them shipped directly to the inmate.
You can also go to our Inmate Money page for information on how to send money to an inmate.
Access Secure Deposits (Smart Deposit) allows families and friends to securely transfer money directly into an incarcerated person's jail trust account using a debit or credit card. Deposited funds become immediately available for your loved one to purchase essential hygiene goods, over-the-counter medication, food items, and writing materials from the facility commissary.
Important: Inmate Banking Policies Vary by Facility
Once a person is booked and moved to a cell, facilities do not always allow cash drop-offs or phone payments directly to the jail. Some might and you should confirm this by calling the facility and asking. But if you do not register online and fund your loved one's trust account immediately, they may be forced to wait days or weeks for standard paper processing, leaving them without essential soap, clean undergarments, basic medical sundries or snacks.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Register and Access Service
- Obtain the inmate's legal first and last name, date of birth, and official six- to ten-digit Booking or Inmate ID number.
- Visit the official Access Corrections portal at www.accesscorrections.com or download the Access Corrections mobile app.
- Select the state and the exact detention facility or county jail where the inmate is currently housed.
- Add the inmate as a contact and confirm their identity from the facility roster.
- Enter your debit or credit card billing information, choose your deposit amount, review the facility processing fee, and submit your payment.
- Save and print your transaction confirmation number for verification.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The inmate does not need internet access to receive your deposit. Once approved, the funds post directly to their facility account balance. The inmate can verify their balance at the dayroom kiosk or on their trust statement and start ordering items on the next designated commissary day.
Official Provider: Access Corrections / Keefe Group Official Website
Customer Service Telephone: 1-866-345-1884
Support Hours: 24/7/365
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by Access Corrections / Keefe Group
In addition to Access Secure Deposits (Trust Money), Access Corrections / Keefe Group provides several other communication, financial, and visitation services at participating correctional facilities:
- Digital Messaging & Photos: Send digital letters and pictures straight to the inmate's kiosk or tablet.
• Learn more on our website: Digital Messaging & Photos Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Access Corrections / Keefe Group Digital Messaging & Photos - Commissary Care Packages: Order pre-approved food boxes, thermal clothes, and snack bundles directly to the jail.
• Learn more on our website: Commissary Care Packages Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Access Corrections / Keefe Group Commissary Care Packages
Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Baltimore Pretrial Complex
The Easiest and Securest Way of Depositing Money for an Inmate
There are several methods for depositing money on an inmate's account:
1. To send money online to an inmate in the Baltimore Pretrial Complex use Access Corrections.
2. If you prefer to use your credit or debit card and deposit money over the phone, you can call them at 866-345-1884.
3. Some jails have an Access Corrections kiosk for cash or card deposits. Call the Baltimore Pretrial Complex to ask whether it has one and where it is.
4. Access Corrections also has Kiosk machines that you can find in check cashing stores and retail outlets across the country.
5. The Baltimore Pretrial Complex may also allow you to *mail an inmate a money order or cashier’s check from a trusted source such as the Post Office, a local bank, or Western Union. Ask the jail who the money order should be made out to and what to write on it. To confirm this option call the facility at 410-209-4130.
*When mailing a money order or cashier’s check, send it an envelope by itself. Never send it with a letter or photos for your inmate, unless the facility allows it. Never send personal checks or cash.
6. To ask whether the Baltimore Pretrial Complex takes deposits in person, and when, call 410-209-4130.
The Baltimore Pretrial Complex holds people from Baltimore City, Maryland who are waiting for trial, under the state's Division of Pretrial Detention and Services. It is what remains of the old Baltimore City Detention Center, which took the complex's name after its Men's Detention Center closed in 2015. Teens facing adult charges go to school here at Eager Street Academy, a high school inside the complex.
Personal mail, legal papers and publications:
Inmate's Full Name & SID #
Baltimore Pretrial Complex (BPC)
531 East Madison Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
- Who it's from: Put your whole name and mailing address in the upper left corner. Mail without it may be destroyed.
- Who it's for: The detainee's full name, their SID number and the letters "BPC" all belong on the front.
- Pen color: Write only with a pen in blue or black ink. Letters done in felt marker, crayon or colored ink are sent back.
- Leave off: Glue, tape, string, cloth, scented paper, lipstick marks and any liquid stain.
- Stamps: Don't mail stamps. Detainees buy them through commissary, and those with no money get two or three stamps a week with paper and envelopes.
- Reading material: Only new paperbacks, magazines and newspapers sent directly by the publisher or a retailer. A hard cover means the book is sent back.
- What can't be in a letter: Sexual material, gang signs, coded writing, or anything about escapes, weapons or making drugs.
- Money orders: They are not accepted at the complex. Mail them to the state's money-order lockbox with the detainee's name, SID number and "BPC" written on them, or deposit money online.
- Delivery: Detainees receive their mail on weekdays, and the complex puts no cap on the number of letters.
Breaking the mail rules can cost a detainee their mail privileges. Questions about the complex go to 410-209-4130.
ViaPath AdvancePay Phone Calling Accounts
Provider: ViaPath Technologies • Formerly ConnectNetwork / Global Tel*Link (GTL)
AdvancePay is the primary prepaid telecommunications service operated by Global Tel*Link (GTL) and ConnectNetwork, which have unified under the corporate identity of ViaPath Technologies (and the myViaPath platform). By funding an AdvancePay account, telephone charges are deducted per minute whenever an incarcerated loved one calls your specific telephone number, preventing calls from being rejected by cellular carriers.
Important: Cell Carriers Automatically Block Jail Collect Calls
Inmate telephone networks do not permit incoming calls, and wireless cell providers automatically block traditional collect billing by default. While select traditional landlines may support operator billing, cell phones and internet-based lines require an active AdvancePay balance, which you can verify with your carrier. If you do not register your number online and add funds immediately, your loved one will hear an automated operator announcement stating your line is blocked from receiving correctional calls.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Open and Fund AdvancePay
- Visit web.connectnetwork.com or the updated my.viapath.com portal, or launch the ConnectNetwork / ViaPath mobile application.
- Click Sign Up and register using your primary 10-digit cellphone number and email address.
- Select Add Facility, pick your state, and choose the detention center or state prison where the inmate is held.
- Search for the inmate using their full legal name or facility booking ID number and link them to your contact directory.
- Select AdvancePay Phone and choose your deposit amount ($25, $50, or custom).
- Enter your debit or credit card billing details, accept the administrative transaction fee, and complete the payment.
- Check your phone settings to confirm that automated or unknown correctional numbers are not routed straight to spam.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The inmate approaches any housing pod telephone, enters their assigned PIN and voice biometric recognition phrase, and dials your 10-digit number. ViaPath's automated operator confirms your active prepaid balance and connects the call. All personal telephone calls are subject to recording and monitoring by facility investigators.
Official Providers: ConnectNetwork Portal | myViaPath Portal
Customer Service Telephone: 1-877-650-4249 (Automated & Live Support)
Support Hours: Automated Service 24/7; Live Operators Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM EST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by ViaPath Technologies (ConnectNetwork)
In addition to AdvancePay Phone Calling, ViaPath / ConnectNetwork provides several other communication, financial, and visitation services:
- ConnectNetwork Trust Fund Deposits: Transfer money directly into an inmate's jail trust account for commissary store purchases.
• Learn more on our website: Inmate Trust Deposits Guide | • Visit official vendor page: ConnectNetwork Trust Deposits - ViaPath PIN Debit Phone Calling: Give the inmate their own calling funds to contact any approved phone number independently.
• Learn more on our website: PIN Debit Phone Calling Guide | • Visit official vendor page: ViaPath PIN Debit Calling - ViaPath Messaging & Photo Sharing: Send digital messages, photos, and video attachments directly to their terminal.
• Learn more on our website: Digital Messaging Guide | • Visit official vendor page: ViaPath Messaging Services - GettingOut Video Visitation & Tablets: Schedule face-to-face remote video visits and manage handheld tablet communications.
• Learn more on our website: Remote Video Visitation Guide | • Visit official vendor page: GettingOut Video Visits
ViaPath PIN Debit Phone Calling Accounts
Provider: ViaPath Technologies • Formerly ConnectNetwork / Global Tel*Link (GTL)ViaPath PIN Debit (hosted on ConnectNetwork and myViaPath) provides incarcerated individuals with their own calling funds. Unlike AdvancePay (which only funds calls placed to your specific phone number), PIN Debit funds belong directly to the inmate, allowing them to call attorneys, bondsmen, employers, or extended family members across multiple approved telephone numbers.
Important: AdvancePay Only Funds a Single Phone Number
When someone is arrested, they often need to contact multiple people—including legal defense counsel, bail agents, employers, and relatives. If you only fund an AdvancePay account, your loved one will have no calling balance to dial anyone else, as rules and call authorizations vary by facility. Adding funds directly to ViaPath PIN Debit grants them the calling flexibility needed to handle critical legal and family arrangements without delay.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Fund a PIN Debit Account
- Sign into your account at web.connectnetwork.com or my.viapath.com.
- Click on PIN Debit under the communications menu.
- Select the state and facility, and link the inmate's booking identification number.
- Enter the deposit dollar amount and review the payment transaction fee.
- Enter your debit or credit card details and submit the payment.
- Notify your loved one that their personal PIN calling balance has been credited.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The calling balance appears under the inmate's personal identification PIN. When they pick up any dayroom telephone or tablet, they select the 'PIN Debit' prompt from the automated menu to place calls to any approved number on their personal contact list.
Official Providers: ConnectNetwork Portal | myViaPath Portal
Customer Service Telephone: 1-877-650-4249
Support Hours: Automated Deposits 24/7/365; Live Agents Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM EST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by ViaPath Technologies (ConnectNetwork)
In addition to PIN Debit Calling, ViaPath / ConnectNetwork provides several other communication, financial, and visitation services:
- AdvancePay Dedicated Phone Calling: Fund calls placed specifically to your personal phone number.
• Learn more on our website: AdvancePay Calling Guide | • Visit official vendor page: ConnectNetwork AdvancePay - ConnectNetwork Trust Fund Deposits: Deposit money for commissary food, hygiene supplies, and stationery.
• Learn more on our website: Inmate Trust Deposits Guide | • Visit official vendor page: ConnectNetwork Trust Deposits - ViaPath Messaging & Photo Sharing: Send digital messages and photos directly to their kiosk or tablet.
• Learn more on our website: Digital Messaging Guide | • Visit official vendor page: ViaPath Messaging Services - GettingOut Video Visitation & Tablets: Schedule face-to-face remote video visits from home.
• Learn more on our website: Remote Video Visitation Guide | • Visit official vendor page: GettingOut Video Visits
GettingOut / ViaPath Inmate Messaging
Provider: GettingOut (Telmate) • Rebranding as ViaPath Technologies (myViaPath)
GettingOut (a service of Global Tel*Link / Telmate) provides an instant two-way digital messaging and photo-sharing platform connecting families with incarcerated individuals via housing-unit kiosks and handheld tablets. The provider is actively rebranding as ViaPath Technologies (under the myViaPath platform); depending on the facility contract, local booking sheets and tablets may still refer to the service as GettingOut, GTL, or ViaPath, but both brand portals grant access to the same centralized messaging balance.
Important: Contact Authorization and Digital Mail Rules Vary
Inmate digital messaging rules are not uniform across all county detention centers. While some jails allow immediate two-way messaging upon registration, others require initial contact invitations or administrative ID verification, which you should verify directly with the facility. If you delay setting up an online profile and funding your Friends & Family messaging account, your loved one may face lengthy periods without direct family communication.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Register and Message an Inmate
- Visit www.gettingout.com or the newly branded my.viapath.com portal, or install the GettingOut / myViaPath mobile app.
- Create a user profile using your primary email address and 10-digit mobile phone number.
- Complete identity verification by uploading a clear photo of your government-issued driver's license or state ID and taking a verification selfie if requested.
- Search for the inmate by selecting the state, correctional facility, and their legal name or booking ID.
- Send an outside contact connection request to link your account to their tablet profile.
- Deposit funds into your 'Friends & Family Account' using a debit or credit card to cover message and photo-sharing costs.
- Compose your text message in the chat box, attach approved photos, and submit it for jail screening.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The inmate powers on their assigned pod tablet or approaches a housing-unit kiosk and logs into the messaging application with their PIN. They accept your incoming contact invitation on the screen. Once approved by institutional monitors, incoming messages appear in their inbox, and the inmate types a reply directly on the screen.
Official Providers: GettingOut Website | myViaPath Portal
Customer Service Telephone: 1-866-516-0115 (GettingOut Support) • 1-877-650-4249 (ViaPath Support)
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM CST; Saturday – Sunday, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM CST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by GettingOut / ViaPath
In addition to Two-Way Text Messaging, GettingOut and ViaPath provide several other communications and visitation options:
- Remote Video Visits: Schedule and join live web-based video visits from your computer or smartphone.
• Learn more on our website: Video Visitation Guide | • Visit official vendor page: GettingOut Video Visits - Inmate Tablet Rentals & Media: Fund tablet entertainment, music streaming, games, and news modules.
• Learn more on our website: Tablet Rentals & Content Guide | • Visit official vendor page: GettingOut Tablets - AdvancePay Phone Calling: Prepay for telephone calls so your loved one can dial your mobile phone directly.
• Learn more on our website: AdvancePay Phone Calling Guide | • Visit official vendor page: ViaPath ConnectNetwork Calling - Inmate Trust Deposits: Transfer funds directly into their jail trust account for commissary store purchases.
• Learn more on our website: Inmate Trust Deposits Guide | • Visit official vendor page: ViaPath Trust Deposits
GettingOut / ViaPath Inmate Tablets & Media
Provider: GettingOut (Telmate) • Rebranding as ViaPath Technologies (myViaPath)GettingOut provides specialized, secure handheld tablets for county jail inmates, offering access to messaging apps, telephone calling, legal research tools, eBooks, vocational training, and premium entertainment rentals. As part of GTL and Telmate's transition to ViaPath Technologies, tablet firmware and management platforms are moving to the myViaPath system.
Important: Tablet Feature Availability Varies by Facility
Jails manage tablet distribution according to individual facility contracts. While basic educational and legal materials are often provided without cost, access to music streaming, games, podcasts, and premium movies requires an active funded account. You should confirm the tablet rules with the facility directly. Registering and funding their media balance right away ensures your loved one has productive resources and recreation during their stay.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Fund Inmate Tablet Services
- Confirm that GettingOut / ViaPath handheld tablets are active at your loved one's specific detention facility.
- Navigate to www.gettingout.com or my.viapath.com.
- Sign into your verified user profile and link the inmate's legal name and booking ID number.
- Select Make a Deposit and choose either your Friends & Family Account (for messaging) or the inmate's personal Inmate Account (for entertainment and song rentals).
- Choose your deposit amount, review convenience fees, and complete payment with a credit or debit card.
- Notify your loved one that their tablet account balance has been funded.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The inmate unlocks their assigned tablet or signs one out from the pod charging station using their biometric verification or PIN. Once logged in, their available balance appears on the screen, allowing them to download songs, stream educational content, and communicate with approved family members.
Official Providers: GettingOut Website | myViaPath Portal
Customer Service Telephone: 1-866-516-0115 (GettingOut) • 1-877-650-4249 (ViaPath)
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM CST; Saturday – Sunday, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM CST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by GettingOut / ViaPath
In addition to Tablet Media & Rentals, GettingOut and ViaPath provide several other communication and account services:
- Two-Way Text Messaging: Send electronic letters and photos straight to the inmate's screen.
• Learn more on our website: Two-Way Text Messaging Guide | • Visit official vendor page: GettingOut Messaging - Remote Video Visits: Meet face-to-face over secure live video from home.
• Learn more on our website: Video Visitation Guide | • Visit official vendor page: GettingOut Video Visits - AdvancePay Phone Calling: Prepay for phone calling credits so your loved one can call your telephone directly.
• Learn more on our website: AdvancePay Phone Calling Guide | • Visit official vendor page: ViaPath ConnectNetwork Calling - Inmate Trust Deposits: Transfer cash directly into an inmate's jail ledger for commissary purchases.
• Learn more on our website: Inmate Trust Deposits Guide | • Visit official vendor page: ViaPath Trust Deposits
Baltimore city County Jails
Baltimore city Juvenile Facilities
- Baltimore Pretrial Complex: 410-209-4130
The Baltimore Pretrial Complex serves the following cities and towns of Baltimore city: Baltimore.