Essex County Sheriff’s Department facilities reopen to the public July 13

Essex County Sheriff’s Department facilities will reopen to the public July 13, 2020 with strict health and safety guidelines in place, announced Sheriff Kevin Coppinger.

This first stage of re-opening will require sign-ups for visits in advance, limits to one visitor at a time per inmate, mandatory wearing of masks, and a medical screening process upon entering the facility which will include a temperature check.

The Department will add additional visit times during the week to accommodate a maximum number of visitors. These changes are subject to change – and change quickly – depending on the coronavirus situation.

“We know how hard these past several months have been on our population and their families, but our first priority has always been keeping everyone safe,” Sheriff Coppinger said. “We feel we are at a point where we can begin to allow visitors, but we will need cooperation from families, attorneys, and volunteers to keep our doors open.”

Among the changes in the reopening plan:

Visiting times have been extended and lines will be available at the Middleton House of Correction seven days a week at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Visitors must call 24 to 48 hours in advance to arrange the visit by dialing (978) 750-1900 ext. 3472 between the hours of noon and 3 p.m.
The visit lines at the Essex County Pre-Release Center in Lawrence will be by appointment at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. every day except Friday. To make an appointment, call (978) 750-1900 ext. 4488 Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Visit lines at the Women in Transition Center will be Thursdays at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. Appointments must be made in advance by calling (978) 750-1900 ext. 3728 Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, visitation will be cancelled.
Each inmate is allowed one adult visitor per day and only one visitor will be allowed in the facility.
Masks must be worn at all times, including during visits. Social distancing guidelines of standing 6 feet apart must be maintained at all times.
Visitors must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their visit and check-in at the screening tent at the front door of the facility.
Each person will be asked a series of questions and have their temperature checked. If a person answers “Yes” to any of the questions or has a temperature of over 100 degrees, they will not be allowed in the facility.
Once inside the lobby, seating will be limited. No one should sit on chairs marked with a red “X.”
In-person sign-ups for visits are allowed if space is available by checking in at the Entrance Tent 45 minutes prior to a visit line.
Our facilities, including our lobby and Visitor’s Tube, will be thoroughly cleaned, and sanitized between visit lines.
More specific information for visitor can be found here.

Attorneys are continuing to meet with clients in person at our facilities. Programming will also resume July 13, allowing vendors and volunteers to return. Religious visits will also be allowed.

The facilities were closed to the public March 14, as the pandemic began to take hold in the Commonwealth. The Sheriff’s Department made several adjustments to keep families and inmates connected during the shutdown, including providing free phone calls.

The Department also expedited a plan to provide tablets to each inmate, allowing them to make phone calls to loved ones from their cell. It also provided inmates the opportunity to access programming material to help with educational and vocational training along with some correctionally-approved entertainment.

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