Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction – Pittsfield, MA

Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction is located in Berkshire County and is the jail for that area. Are you looking for someone locked up in Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction? This guide tells you information about everything you might want to know about Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correctionsuch as the following: Find an inmate at Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bailing out of jail. Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction intake procedures. Court information and records. And more…

The thought of going to jail is a daunting and scary situation, not only for whoever is incarcerated, but also their friends and family. This guide is designed to offer advice and information that you’ll need to make getting locked up less stressful. If you have questions, feel free to ask them, and please leave any feedback or comments that might be beneficial to other people in the same situation will be welcome.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is in jail and want to locate them?

Has a friend or family member who’s been arrested and you need to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to look up who’s in jail at Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction you should click on their web site and do an inmate lookup.

The Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction Inmate Lookup is an online list of persons who were arrested and are now in jail, including custody status, how much their bail is, and schedule for visitation. Also, you are able to get the same information on anybody arrested and booked or released in the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to get their arrest information more quickly if you have the arrestee’s full name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the inmate you are looking for could possibly be at another jail you will want to look here, too: List of all jails in Massachusetts

A mugshot, or booking picture, is a photo taken by the police when you are booked into jail. They take one face photo and a side photo. Your full name and booking number will be on the pictures, and they’re kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots can be found on the website, or you can see them at the Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction. When viewing mugshots online you need to put in the inmate’s first and last name, and a booking date, if you have one.

Do you want to get your mugshot erased from the Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction website? This is difficult, because the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot taken down you have to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For more information about removing your mugshot, the different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Return To Main Menu

If you’re locked up, your primary thought is about when and how you will get out. After booking, your bail is set by the magistrate. If there is no bail set this may mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released you will have to promise to show up for court, and until then you won’t be permitted to leave town.

In most cases, inmates at Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction are given an early release in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and don’t cause any problems while locked up.

If you follow the rules, you may be granted work release. Either you will have to return to the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished with work, or you might be permitted to live in a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is money that you have to pay in order to be released from jail until your court date. The amount of bail that is set is determined by the seriousness of your crime. You will need to post 10% of the amount that was set so you can bail out of jail. If you don’t go to your court date, whoever put up your bail money will lose that money.

You will have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you have all the person’s info, like name, address and date of birth, they will let you know what their bail is set at. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the jail website.

Having to get someone out of jail is no fun, but in some cases, its very simple to do. First of all, you have to find out if it is a Cash Only Bond. If this is the case, you can’t get a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they won’t take a check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will get released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get your money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it yourself, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set, and usually charge a minimum charge of $100. This money is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman may use your assets as collateral for the bond.

To contact a local bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman at Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction

Have you ever had to find a Bail Bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to comment

• Get Time Off For Good Behavior
• Work Release Programs
• Released For Time Served
• Get Out on a Pre-Trial Release Program
• House Arrest
• Get Released on Your Own Recognizance

Return To Main Menu

The intake process includes each of the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• Firstly, you will have to answer some questions, like your legal name, home address, birth date and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken from you and stored until you are released.
• You will get to make a telephone call in order to call a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might get to wear your own clothes, otherwise you will have to change into a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If so, please share your experience. How long did it take to get processed? What was your treatment like? Can you tell us tips that might help other people get through the process?

Post A Comment

When you post bail, you will be discharged from jail. The discharge process may take from 10 minutes to many hours. So, the faster bail is posted, the quicker you can get released from jail. Also, how fast you get released will depend on whether or not you’ve been given a cash bond amount or if the magistrate has to decide on how much to set your bail at. For minor charges, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and are given a discharge date, you should expect to be released anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

If you have a, or if you have to start a jail sentence, it is highly recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. In the case of an outstanding warrant, report to the jail reception area, and tell an officer that you think there is a warrant out for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if they verify that you have one, you will be taken into custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order lists. Be sure that you are not late. Only bring approved items when you go to jail, such as a driver’s license or even your ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as a sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to give the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance of any visit. This information will be entered in a log of approved visitors as an Authorized visit. All visitors will have to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Any visitors arriving late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be able to attend visitation.
The Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction visitation procedures frequently change, so make sure that you double-check the official Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction jail site before you visit an inmate.

All phone calls from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Calls made in jail are a lot more expensive than phone calls made at home. There are certain restrictions about when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s ability to use the phone could be reduced or forbidden.

Phone Number: 413-443-7220

All mall sent to inmates has to be mailed using US Postal Service. You must not use any other type of mail delivery. You have to write the name, inmate number, and the jail address on the envelope. Don’t send anything in a package or box, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail gets opened and read by the jail staff, and the mail will get sent back if deemed inappropriate.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction, use this address:

Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction
467 Cheshire Road
Pittsfield, MA 1201

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction
467 Cheshire Road
Pittsfield, MA 1201

The Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction inmate mail policy can change, so you should review the site when you send a letter.

Return To Main Menu

When you’ve been arrested, you still have certain rights, one of these is the right to request an attorney. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so make sure to have a friend or family member locate a lawyer when you call. You may be thinking ‘do I really need an attorney?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your rights, protect your interests and help you find your way through the legal system that you are now faced with. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better your chances.

For more info on this, read our guide: Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. The Public Defender has a number of staff such as private investigators, experts in forensics and social case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are actual lawyers who are admitted to the State Bar and are licensed to handle your case.

Have you ever had to use the services of a Public Defender? How did they do?

Berkshire County court records are a matter of public record. Court records have a case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the documents and motions filed during your court case. You can access your court records via the online service, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and also read the jury’s verdict. All records from your court case are kept at Berkshire County Clerk of Court office.

Court costs and court fees are the charges and fees from your court case, such as filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The magistrate is the type of judge who presides on your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do different functions, which include setting bail amounts, issuing warrants, and presiding over preliminary court hearings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is completed with the defendant’s background information and information about the defendant’s life history, which the magistrate judge will take into account when determining a sentence. Information will be gathered from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim of the crime. Remember you are allowed to request to see your own copy of the report before sentencing, so you can correct any mistakes that it contains.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service to probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you will either be taken into custody, right there in court, or you might be given a date that you must turn yourself into jail to serve out your sentence.

Return To Main Menu

Do you need to find out if someone is currently in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

This is pretty simple to do, just you will have to query the jail website and do an inmate search, and search by:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can also call the jail get confirmation.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant, you can check the arrest warrants inquiry online or you can call the jail directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask one of the officers. You should know that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the Berkshire County jail, either by phone, in person, or check online. Arrest records are in the public record and the information is freely available.

A Civil Process is when you get served with legal papers, like court orders. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All registered sex offenders are registered and listed on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to see these offenders on the internet, but keep in mind that you won’t see the street address, but rather the address block that they live on.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. They include a case file that includes a docket sheet and all of the filings and documents filed in your court case. You can access the court records on the internet, or at the Berkshire County Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of people’s criminal history. These databases are connected so you are able to track criminal convictions from other states. You can go to county courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that it was in a different state, you may have to pay for a more complete search.

A criminal records search you can find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for any of the following crimes:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

If you do a criminal records check, in most cases will not find if that person had:

• Speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for driving histories, you must do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? How hard was it? Was your search online or did you make a phone call to the jail? Was the information you received correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal records, and your feedback could help other people.

Post A Comment

Most Wanted

The FBI maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Berkshire County, the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Department has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of getting locked up in Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction is something you wish you could avoid, you will soon become accustomed to the daily routine there. All inmates get a wake-up alarm every morning at 6am, and next you’ll have roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction, your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

Dress Code

When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

The rules for sending money to inmates is likely to change, so check the official website when send funds to someone in jail there.


Commissary

The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

Inmate Medications

If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

Meals

You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

Pods / The Yard

The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

Gangs

As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

Jobs

Types of Jobs at Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction, overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

Apply for a Job at Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction

Requirements:

• You must be over the age of 21.
• You must possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You must be a US Citizen.
• You must pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You must pass a drug test.
• You must have a good level of fitness.
• You must be in good health.
• You must have a valid Driver’s License
• An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


Return To Main Menu

Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

Click here to leave a comment


Return To Main Menu

Victim Resources

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
• Victims have the right to notification.
• Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
• Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• Victims have the right to restitution.
• Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
• Victims have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

Click here to comment

Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


Return To Main Menu

Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been incarcerated in Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction? Do you have a friend or family member that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit someone there?

If you have, then please tell us about it. Write down your jail experience so that other people can find out what to expect.

Things you can write in what you write:

• Conditions in Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Guards and staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitors
• The other inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Activities and programs


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has some stories to tell about the whole experience. How’d you end up in jail? Were you fairly treated? How was day to day life at Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction? Were the other inmates cool? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Click here to tell your story about Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Need to find a person you met in jail? Post a message to them below.

Send a message to someone incarcerated at Berkshire County Jail And House Of Correction


Return To Main Menu
1275