Bristol County House of Corrections

Bristol County House of Corrections Information

Rehabilitation and Education at the Bristol County House of Corrections

The Bristol County House of Corrections opened in 1990 in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts. With a capacity for 1100 inmates, it houses both sentenced and pre-trial male and female detainees from the surrounding areas. The jail aims to provide comprehensive programming and services focused on rehabilitation to the men and women entrusted to their care.

Wide Range of Programs Offered

The Bristol County House of Corrections provides inmates and detainees access to a diverse set of programs covering substance abuse treatment, education, vocational training, life skills development, religious studies, and re-entry planning. The goal of these programs is to reduce recidivism rates by treating underlying causes of criminal behavior and equipping participants with tools to succeed after release.

Substance Abuse Treatment 

The Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) program consists of a 3-6 month curriculum focused on addressing substance abusive behaviors. Using cognitive-behavioral therapy and group sessions, the programs aims to eliminate drug use and related criminal activity. Participants learn coping strategies, communication skills, and how to foster healthy relationships. The RSAT program has been shown to be effective at reducing likelihood of recidivism.

The jail also offers addiction therapy groups as well as 12-step meetings based on Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. For inmates struggling with addiction, developing sobriety skills is critical before being released back into the community.

Education

For inmates who lack a high school education, the facility provides adult basic education (ABE) classes, pre-GED preparation, and GED/HiSet exam readiness. Coursework focuses on developing literacy and math skills aligned with state standards. Students can progress from basic literacy all the way through earning a high school equivalency certificate while incarcerated.

Additionally, the jail offers technology and digital literacy classes to provide relevant computer skills. College preparatory courses and Title I academic support are also available to help inmates continue their education upon release.

Vocational Training

Participants can develop hands-on trade skills through vocational programs such as automotive repair, small engine repair, food safety, and culinary arts training. The jail also provides OSHA safety certifications relevant to construction and facilities maintenance professions. Learning useful job skills helps inmates secure employment after release.

Life Skills

Programs including anger management, parenting classes, communication and conflict resolution aim to improve inmates' abilities to positively interact with others. Domestic violence prevention groups teach about power dynamics and developing healthy relationships. Prenatal education is offered to female inmates as well. Developing these fundamental life skills can lead to lower rates of recidivism.

Re-Entry Planning

Preparing inmates for release back into the community is a critical part of rehabilitation. The jail connects soon-to-be-released individuals with resources regarding jobs, housing, transportation, and counseling services. Programs like Getting Ahead While Getting Out help facilitate a smoother transition after incarceration.

Additional Services

Along with programming, the Bristol County House of Corrections provides comprehensive services including medical and mental healthcare provided by contracted vendors. Food services are supplied by Trinity Services Group. The jail has a commissary program operated by Keefe Group for inmates to purchase approved items. 

The Bristol County Sheriff's Office earned accreditation from both the American Correctional Association and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care in 2020, demonstrating adherence to national standards.

Innovative Opportunities

Beyond traditional educational and vocational offerings, the jail provides unique programs for inmates focused on personal development and community connections.

Inside Out Prison Exchange Program

This innovative course brings together inmates and undergraduate college students for a semester-long class meeting inside the prison. Small groups of "inside" and "outside" students read texts, write papers, and discuss issues collaboratively face-to-face. The transformative learning experience emphasizes dialogue and leadership.

Storybook Program 

Incarcerated parents record themselves reading children's books which are then shared with their kids. This program nurtures parent-child relationships and fosters literacy during the difficult period of separation.

Choices Program

Selected inmates share stories about their past crimes and consequences with high school students. By discussing poor decision making candidly, they dissuade teens from similar dangerous behaviors leading to incarceration.

Recent Upgrades and Improvements

In early 2023, the new Bristol County Sheriff implemented changes aimed at enhancing safety and security within aging jail facilities. Housing unit modifications intended to minimize risks for self-harm met resistance from some inmates, resulting in protests and property damage. 

Officials reported approximately $200,000 in destruction involving broken windows, cameras, and fans. 17 instigating inmates were removed to other county jails for the safety of staff and prisoners. The sheriff has proposed updating the jail's physical plant by adding toilet access and locking mechanisms to prevent future incidents.

While maintaining order comes first, the administration continues working to expand rehabilitative programming. Officials are seeking additional funding to support their efforts in preparing inmates for successful reintegration after serving their sentences.

Final Thoughts

With its wide range of programs and services, the Bristol County House of Correction aims to provide inmates opportunities for positive change. Substance abuse treatment, education, vocational training, and life skills development target criminogenic behaviors and needs. Unique offerings foster connections and personal growth. Recent facility upgrades and program investments demonstrate an active commitment to rehabilitation and reentry. By equipping incarcerated individuals with skills and support, the jail seeks to interrupt the cycle of recidivism.

Frequently Asked Questions

**What types of inmates are housed at the Bristol County House of Corrections?**

The jail houses both pre-trial detainees as well as sentenced male and female inmates, mainly those convicted of crimes with sentences of 2.5 years or less. 

**What kinds of vocational programs are offered at the jail?**

Vocational programs include automotive repair, small engine repair, food safety and culinary skills, and OSHA safety training. These help inmates gain skills for employment after release.

**Does the jail offer college courses or degree programs?** 

While it does not currently offer accredited college courses, the jail does have college preparatory classes to help inmates continue their education after release.

**What happens during the Choices Program?**

Selected inmates share candid stories with high school students about their crimes, poor decisions, and subsequent consequences they face. This deters teens from similar behaviors.

**How can friends and family connect with incarcerated loved ones?**

The jail offers a National Prison Card Service allowing inmates to exchange mail with loved ones. The Storybook Program also lets inmates record book readings for their children.

Phone: 781-359-7600

Physical Address:
Bristol County House of Corrections
400 Faunce Corner Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & A-Number
Bristol County House of Corrections
400 Faunce Corner Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747

Other Jails and Prisons

Search Bristol County House of Corrections Inmates

Search Bristol County House of Corrections Inmates

How Do You Find Someone in the Bristol County House of Corrections?

How to Find Someone in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detainee Locator

When someone that is not a US Citizen gets arrested in the United States, and they are here illegally, depending on what state or city they are arrested in, the person may be turned over to ICE. 

Many states such as New York and California, as well as hundreds of US cities, have declared themselves 'sanctuary cities' and do not turn over foreigners here illegally, even if they are committing crimes in their jurisdiction.

However, when an alien here illegally is turned over to ICE, and sent to one of the over 100 Immigration Detention Centers in the United States, the only way to try and locate where they are being detained is using the Online Detainee Locator System.


There are two ways to search for an ICE Detainee:

You can look them up using their assigned A-Number.

  • An A-Number is a 9-digit number that either looks like this: A-123456789, or like this 123-456-789. This is required if you do not know their name.
    It is also called a Registration Number when on a visa, or a USCIS# when on a Green Card.
    If for whatever reason the A-Number you have does not have 9-digits, you need to add 0s (zeroes) to the front of the number until the number has 9-digits.

    That number might then look like this:  001234567.


You can also try and look them up by using their name.

  • In order for this to be effective, you need to have the exact name that is either on their paperwork, or the the name with the exact spelling that they gave ICE. This is required.
  • You also need to know the country of their birth, or the country of their birth that they gave ICE. This is required.
  • Knowing their Date of Birth is helpful but not required to find them in the system.


Important things to know about using the ICE Detainee Locator

  • You do not need to set up an account to use the Detainee Locator System.
  • A-Number stands for 'Alien Registration Number'.
  • The System does not have information on all detainees in custody.
  • Juvenile names are NOT in the System.
  • The Detainee Locator System is updated every 8 hours, sometimes sooner.
  • If the detainee is being moved to a new facility, the new location will not be shown until they have arrived and are processed. 
  • No warnings or prior notice are given in advance of a detainee being moved.
  • While being transferred to a different facility they may still be shown online as being in the original facility.
  • If you are planning a visit, always call before you come to confirm the detainee is still at the facility and has not been moved.
  • To visit a detainee you must have some type of government issued photo ID, or other identification when photo identification is unavailable for religious reasons.
  • If you are unable to find the detainee using the System, contact the ICE Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in the area where you believe the person's immigration case was initiated or the Detainee Reporting and Information Line (DRIL) at 888-351-4024.

Pamphlets in various languages with Instructions on how to use the Online Detainee Locator System:

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Directions / Map to the Bristol County House of Corrections
Understanding US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

What is an ICE Detention Center?

Men, women, and children that are in the United States illegally and are apprehended by the US Border Patrol or ICE will most likely be placed in removal proceedings and may be detained in one of the more than 200 jails and detention centers that make up ICE’s detention system.

Many of the illegal immigrants that are detained are held in county and local jails that contract with ICE to detain immigrants. The rest are held in dedicated immigration detention facilities run by ICE or contracted to private prison corporations, including family detention centers that hold mothers and children.

What Determines if an Illegal Immigrant gets Detained?

ICE will typically detain an immigrant because DHS (Homeland Security) believes that an illegal immigrant is either a “flight risk” and may move to another location within the U.S. or that they pose a public safety threat. Detaining the person allows the government to guarantee that the person will show up for their hearing before an Immigration Court.

Some of the reasons that causes an illegal immigrant to get arrested and held in detention prior to their day in court is as follows:

The illegal immigrant has:

  • committed a crime, or multiple crimes
  • arrived at the border without a visa prior to formally applying for asylum or refugee status
  • an outstanding removal (deportation) order on record, either pending or past due, or
  • missed prior immigration hearing dates.

 

How do you find someone that is in an ICE Detention Center?

The first step to finding out if an illegal immigrant is in ICE or DHS custody is by using the ICE Detainee Locator.

It’s easier to find the person if you have an Alien Number (A#), if one exists. A green card or work permit will show this number. If you don’t have an A# the person is much more difficult to locate.

The information you will need is as follows:

  • the person’s full name as it appears in the ICE System. The exact spelling and the order of how the name is listed is required.
  • the person’s date of birth
  • the person’s country of birth

If you are having difficulty, try different spellings and the order of how the name is listed.

If the illegal immigrant was only recently detained, the ICE Detainee Locator may not be updated with the latest information. Keep in mind that ICE does not give information (online or over the phone) for people under 18 years of age. In such cases, you can only get information on them from the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations field office nearest you.

If the person you are looking for is not in an ICE Detention Center, they may have been taken to a local jail that contracts with ICE, so contact their local City and County Jail, all which can be found here.

Another option, short of the expense of hiring an Immigration Lawyer, is to go to this website and use their online form to get their help.

Once an illegal immigrant is located and you find out the facility where they are being held you need to find out the Deportation Officer that has been assigned to their case. The Officer can tell you how to call or visit the detainee, or pay for the detainee to be able to call you, or how you can send any needed items such as clothing, prescriptions, etc.

The last option, and the most expensive, is to hire an experienced immigration attorney to assist you in tracking down the Deportation Officer. If the person being detained requires specific medical care, an attorney can ensure that they receive that care.

If the detained illegal immigrant has been deported from America previously or has an outstanding removal order - in which case they have no right to see an immigration judge - they can be removed within a few days, or even hours, of the initial arrest.

Even if the government does not immediately remove the person, it is possible that they can be moved around to different Detention Centers. There is never a warning that a person is being moved around and during the transfer there is a complete blackout of any information.

How long are people held in ICE Immigration Detention Centers?

The time that an illegal immigrant is held in an ICE Detention Center can vary. It all depends on several factors such as the individual’s personal situation, criminal record, the severity of the crime they are being charged with, previous deportations and the current caseload that the Detention Center is dealing with.

This image portrays the most recent data available on the time a detained illegal immigrant remains in custody before their release and/or deportation.

Can you visit someone in ICE Detention Centers?

The short answer is yes. The person visiting an illegal immigrant in an ICE Detention Center must be lawfully present in the United States. In other words the visitor must have some form of currently valid immigration status at the time of the visit. A detention center or jail will not allow the visit unless visitor can show valid I.D. and offer proof that they are lawfully in the United States.

If you want to become a volunteer that visits illegal immigrants in order to offer emotional support, it may be possible. You can join one of these visitation networks by going here and contacting the network in your area.

What crimes can cause an illegal immigrant to be deported?

(The following information comes from Nolo.com, a trusted legal resource)

  • Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude (see list). This includes any attempt or conspiracy to commit such a crime. It does not include crimes that were committed that the illegal immigrant committed when they were under the age of 18 years, however the person must have been released from jail more than five years before applying for a visa or other immigration benefit. It also does not include crimes for which the maximum penalty did not exceed one year in prison and the person was not, in fact, sentenced to more than six months in prison.
  • Conviction or admission of a controlled substance violation, whether under U.S. or foreign law. This includes any conspiracy to commit such a crime.
  • Convictions for two or more crimes (other than purely political ones) for which the prison sentences totaled at least five years. This multiple-offense ground of inadmissibility applies whether or not the convictions came from a single trial and whether or not the offenses arose from a single scheme of misconduct or involved moral turpitude.
  • Conviction of or participation in (according to the reasonable belief of the U.S. government) controlled substance trafficking. This includes anyone who knowingly aided, abetted, assisted, conspired, or colluded in illicit drug trafficking. It also includes the spouse, son, or daughter of the inadmissible applicant if that person has, within the last five years, received any financial or other benefit from the illicit activities, and knew or reasonably should have known where the money or benefit came from.
  • Having the purpose of engaging in prostitution or commercialized vice upon coming to the United States, or a history, within the previous ten years, of having engaged in prostitution.
  • Procurement or attempted procurement or importation of prostitutes, directly or indirectly, or receipt of proceeds of prostitution, any of which occurred within the previous ten years.
  • Assertion of immunity from prosecution after committing a serious criminal offense in the U.S., if the person was thus able to depart the U.S. and has not since submitted fully to the jurisdiction of the relevant U.S. Court.
  • Commission of particularly severe violations of religious freedom while serving as a foreign government official.
  • Commission of or conspiracy to commit human trafficking offenses, within or outside the U.S., or being a knowing aider, abettor, assister, conspirator, or colluder with such a trafficker according to the knowledge or reasonable belief of the U.S. government. Also inadmissible are the spouse, son, or daughter the applicant if they, within the previous five years (but when older than children), received financial or other benefits from the illicit activity and knew or reasonably should have known that the money or other benefit came from the illicit activity.
  • Conviction of an aggravated felony, if the person was removed from the U.S. and seeks to return (this ground of inadmissibility lasts for 20 years)
  • Seeking to enter the U.S. to engage in money laundering, or a history of having laundered money, or having been (according to the knowledge of the U.S. government) a knowing aider, abettor, assister, conspirator, or colluder with money launderers.

These are the straightforward crimes that are mentioned in the immigration law. The statute also lists a number of security violations, such as involvement in espionage, sabotage, terrorism, Nazi persecution, totalitarian parties, and so forth.

Once an illegal immigrant is deported, how long before they can come back to the United States?

If an illegal immigrant has a deportation or removal order in their immigration file, it's possible that they won’t be allowed to enter the U.S. for five, ten, or even 20 years.

The applicable law comes from Section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.).

Five-Year Ban: If they were summarily removed or deported upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry because they were found inadmissible, or if they came to the U.S. but were immediately put into removal proceedings and then removed or deported, they may be ineligible to return to the U.S. for five years. The five-year ban also applies if they failed to show up for their removal hearing in the United States.

Ten-Year Ban: If a ‘removal order’ was issued at the conclusion of their removal hearing in Immigration Court, they may not be able to return for ten years after their removal or departure.

Twenty-Year Ban: If they were convicted of an aggravated felony or have received more than one order of removal, they are barred from returning to the U.S. for 20 years. And if they entered without permission after having been removed, or illegally reentered the U.S. after having previously been in the U.S. unlawfully for more than one year, they may be barred from entering the United States for 20 years or permanently.

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This facility, known as "Bristol County House of Corrections" is also known as ICE Detention Facility, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.