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Baltimore City Detention Center (BCDC) - Inmate Guide

Overview of the Facility

The Baltimore City Detention Center (BCDC) is a correctional facility located in downtown Baltimore, Maryland. It primarily houses pre-trial detainees and short-term sentenced inmates.

Contact Information

Address: 401 E. Eager Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 209-4000
Website: BCDC Official Website

How to Locate an Inmate

To locate an inmate at BCDC, you can use the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) Inmate Locator tool available here. You will need the inmate's full name or ID number.

Visitation Information and Hours

Visitation hours vary depending on the inmate's housing unit. Generally, visits are held on weekdays and weekends. Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list and provide valid government-issued photo identification. It is recommended to call the facility for specific visitation schedules and procedures.

How to Send Money

Inmates can receive money through the following methods:

  • Online: JPay
  • Phone: Call 1-800-574-5729
  • MoneyGram: Use receive code 2012
  • Mail: Send money orders to JPay, PO Box 173070, Hialeah, FL 33017

Phone Calls and Video Options

Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid phone accounts. Family and friends can set up accounts through Global Tel Link (GTL). Video visitation may be available, but you should contact the facility for current options and procedures.

Inmate Services and Programs

BCDC offers various programs and services, including:

  • Educational programs
  • Vocational training
  • Substance abuse treatment
  • Mental health services
  • Religious services
  • Legal library access

History of the Facility

The Baltimore City Detention Center has a long and complex history dating back to the 19th century. The facility has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years. In 2015, the men's detention center was closed due to deteriorating conditions, but other parts of the complex remain operational.

Security and Management Information

BCDC is managed by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The facility employs various security measures, including perimeter fencing, surveillance systems, and correctional officers to maintain order and safety.

Legal and Visitation Rights

Inmates have the right to legal counsel and can meet with their attorneys during designated hours. Family visitation is a privilege that can be restricted based on an inmate's behavior or security classification.

Booking and Release Process

When arrested, individuals are processed at Central Booking and Intake Center. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and initial health screening. Release procedures vary depending on the circumstances of the inmate's detention or sentence completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What items can I bring to a visitation?

Visitors are generally not allowed to bring personal items into the visitation area. You may bring a valid government-issued photo ID and car keys. All other items should be left in your vehicle or lockers provided at the facility.

How do I schedule a visit?

Visits are typically scheduled by the inmate. Inmates are responsible for adding visitors to their approved visitation list. Once approved, you can contact the facility to confirm visitation days and times for the specific housing unit.

What type of mail can inmates receive?

Inmates can receive letters, postcards, and some types of publications. All mail is subject to inspection. Do not send cash, personal checks, or contraband. Packages are generally not accepted unless pre-approved by the facility administration.

Notable Former Inmates

  1. Melvin Williams - A former drug trafficker whose life partially inspired the TV series "The Wire"
  2. Felicia "Snoop" Pearson - Actress known for her role in "The Wire," held on drug charges
  3. Tavon White - Leader of the Black Guerrilla Family gang, involved in a major corruption scandal at the jail
  4. Dontae Winslow - Musician arrested for drug-related charges, later became a successful trumpet player
  5. Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff - Former drug lord, held at BCDC before being transferred to federal custody

General Visiting and Contacting Information

We provide detailed visiting and contact information for Baltimore Jail. If you are have completed a Baltimore Jail inmate search and have located an inmate, the information on this page will help you to stay in contact. We help you send money to jail, send & receive text messages, and provide the address for in-person visits.

Sending Money

Inmates who are currently imprisoned in Baltimore Jail can receive money into their commissary account via money order, check or cash. Inmate visitors can also deposit money directly into the inmate's account at prison administrative office. Note: When sending the money via money order or check, mention the inmate id and full name on the back of the slip.

Sending a Package / Mail

You can send any mail to the inmates who are imprisoned in Baltimore Jail. Please send the mail or package to the address mentioned below.

Inmate Name,

Inmate ID,

601 East Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD, 21202

Please make sure the mail or package that you are sending comes under the list of approved items. For further clarification on the allowed items, contact the prison administration directly on 443-263-2220 .

Note: In case you want to send packages, you need to get prior approval from the prison administration. Contact the prison / jail staff for more information.

Phone calls

Inmates can call to any person outside who are on the approved members list between 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM. The cost of the call is beared by the receiver and the call can be of maximum 30 minutes. During rush hours, the calling time is reduced drastically to 10 minutes.

Visitation Rules

You need to get yourself registered in the visitors list before visiting any inmate in the prison. If you are visiting someone in Baltimore Jail, make sure you are in approved visitors list. Confirm with the prison authorities before coming to visit the inmate.

Listed below are the basic visitation rules which one must adhere to:

  • Visitor must not be a prior felon.
  • Visitor must have a valid government ID.
  • A legal guardian must be accompanied for children below 16 years of age.
How to lookup someone in prison or jail

Steps to follow for finding
an Inmate

Step 1


Visit Jail Website

Visit the Baltimore Jail inmate search website

Step 2


Enter inmate id and personal information

Enter the inmate personal informations in the required fields

Step 3


Enter inmate id and personal information

Click on the 'Submit' button

Baltimore Jail driving directions

You can use the map plotted on the righ to find the driving directions to Baltimore Jail.

General Stats for Maryland

Maryland Total Number of Inmates

23,679

Maryland Total No. of Inmates

Number of people under Probation Supervision

56,551

Number of people under Probation Supervision

Prison population rate

245

Prison population rate: 100,000 residents

Parole Population

9,490

Parole Population

Incarcerated individuals with sentences of 50 years or longer

3,809

Incarcerated individuals with sentences of 50 years or longer

Sex

Sex

%

Total

Male

96.59

14,575

Female

3.41

514

Youth

Type

%

Total

Committed

40.61

201

Detained

58.79

291

Diverted

0.61

3