The Essex County Sheriff’s Department Comprehensive Network of Facilities
The Essex County Sheriff’s Department operates a comprehensive network of facilities dedicated to public safety, rehabilitation, and community service. At the heart of the department is the Middleton House of Correction, a secure, modern correctional facility housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced individuals.
In support of reentry and alternatives to incarceration, the department manages specialized sites including the Women in Transition Center in Salisbury, offering gender-responsive programming for women preparing to return to the community, and the Prerelease and Re-entry Center in Lawrence, providing transitional housing and services for lower-risk inmates.
The department’s STAR programs, with centers in Lynn and Lawrence, serve as innovative community hubs for individuals navigating reentry offering enhanced case management, clinical, educational and employment support services.
Civil legal services are handled through Civil Process Division offices in Salem and Lawrence, ensuring the timely and professional delivery of court documents across Essex County.
Together, these facilities reflect the department’s commitment to secure custody, successful reentry, community partnership, and public safety across Essex County.
FAQs
I want to visit someone in custody. What do I need to do?
There is a first-time visitor for each of our facilities.
*For Lawrence and Salisbury, these forms must be completed and submitted at least 24 hours prior to your visit. These forms may be emailed to prereleaserevisits@essexsheriffma.org or by dropping it off at the facility.
How many people can visit a person at one time?
For all facilities, there is a limit of two adults and two children per visit.
Do I need an appointment to visit?
Appointments are required for our Middleton and Salisbury facilities. No appointment is needed at our Lawrence facility.
- To make an appointment at Middleton: Appointments must be made 48 to 24 hours in advance by calling (978) 750-1900 ext. 3472 between the hours of 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. No appointments are needed at our Lawrence facility.
- To make an appointment at Salisbury: Appointments must be made 48 to 24 hours in advance by calling (978) 750-1900 ext. 3728. There will be a limit of five appointments per visitation time slot. Because visits will be outside, they may be canceled due to weather.
What is the dress code when visiting someone?
There is a dress code.
Visitors must dress within the appropriate guidelines of this code, or risk denial of visit privileges which is at the discretion of the Visit Officer:
- Clothing will be worn in the manner it was intended at all times.
- Clothing will be worn on the upper body at all times.
- Bare tops, bare shoulders and bare feet are prohibited.
- Halter tops, tank tops, tube tops, cropped tops, body T-shirts, see through tops, and bathing suits are prohibited.
- Headgear including hats, caps, kerchiefs, scarves and bandanas are prohibited.
- Any clothing that in the opinion of the Visit Officer, does not meet the institutional standard for appropriate dress is prohibited.
- No articles of clothing, worn by the visitor with holes, rips or tears will be allowed, i.e., fashion jeans.
- Wedding bands, medic alert bracelets and car keys will be the only items authorized to be brought into a visit area.
Where do I find the schedule for visits?
VISIT OUR INMATE VISIT SCHEDULE PAGE.
How do I mail something to someone at one of your facilities?
VISIT OUR MAIL PAGE.