Baltimore County Department of Corrections

You can support your loved ones at Baltimore Co Detention on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 410-512-3200.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Baltimore Co Detention is a detention center located at 720 Bosley Ave Towson, MD which is operated locally by the Baltimore County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Baltimore County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Towson Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for Maryland here.

The Baltimore County Department of Corrections oversees several key divisions managing about 1,500 inmates, including the Baltimore County Detention Center, the Pre-trial Services Division, the Community Corrections Division, and the Alternative Sentencing Division. Committed to maintaining high standards of operation, the department ensures compliance with the Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards through regular audits and certifications, as required by law. Under the leadership of Sheriff R. Jay Fisher, the department emphasizes safety, service, and proper inmate management.

Upon intake, inmates housed in the diagnostic unit undergo an assessment process conducted by a Classification Officer within 48 hours. This comprehensive evaluation involves reviewing the inmate’s criminal history, file, and the information gathered during the initial interview. Based on this assessment, inmates are assigned to custody levels, which include maximum, medium, or minimum security for both pretrial and sentenced individuals. While most inmates are placed in general population housing, those with specific needs or risks may be assigned to specialized units such as administrative segregation, protective custody, youthful offender units, psychiatric housing, or medical housing to ensure the safety and security of both the individual and the facility.

The initial interview serves as a critical point for inmates to receive information about available programs, services, and upcoming court dates. Once classified and relocated from the diagnostic unit, inmates are assigned a dedicated Classification Officer who provides case management services throughout their incarceration. Inmates may contact their Classification Officer by submitting a request form, and officers visit each housing unit at least three times per week. These officers play a pivotal role in facilitating access to essential services, including social work, substance abuse counseling, legal assistance through the Public Defender’s Office, educational opportunities such as the GED program, and various other support services offered at the detention center. This structured classification and support system ensures that inmates receive the guidance and resources necessary during their time in custody.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. You might qualify for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

Inmate workers are selected for community service programs based on their demonstrated good conduct, cooperation with facility staff, and adherence to institutional rules. These criteria ensure that only individuals who exhibit responsibility, reliability, and a commitment to positive behavior are allowed to participate. Participation in these programs not only benefits the community through valuable labor contributions but also offers inmates the chance to develop a strong work ethic, learn transferable job skills, and build a sense of accountability.

In certain cases, involvement in community service programs can contribute to a reduction in an inmate's sentence. This incentive reinforces the importance of maintaining good behavior while incarcerated and highlights the program's dual role in supporting both the community and the inmate's journey toward reintegration.