Chesapeake Detention Facility is a correctional facility located in Baltimore, Maryland, that is responsible for the custody of pretrial detainees, inmates, and supervised offenders. The facility is operated by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Chesapeake Detention Facility was formerly known as the Maryland Central Booking and Intake Center (MCAC), but it was renamed in 2017 to reflect its focus on detention.
The prison is designed to hold up to 511 detainees and inmates, and it provides a range of services to support their physical and mental health needs. These services include medical and mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and educational and vocational programs.
In addition, the facility offers visitation and communication services to help detainees and inmates stay connected with their families and friends. Visitation is subject to COVID-19 screening and other protocols to ensure the safety of visitors and detainees/inmates.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 511 |
| Physical Address | 401 East Madison Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202 |
| Mailing Address | 401 East Madison Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Thursday – Monday: 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (410) 539-5445 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview of Chesapeake Detention Facility
Chesapeake Detention Facility is a correctional facility located in Baltimore, Maryland. It opened in 1988 and is operated by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The facility houses pretrial detainees, inmates, and supervised offenders.
History and Background
The Chesapeake Detention Facility was built in 1988 as part of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services’ efforts to modernize its correctional facilities. The facility is designed to house pretrial detainees, inmates, and supervised offenders, and to provide a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates.
Location and Address
Chesapeake Detention Facility is located at 401 East Madison Street in Baltimore, Maryland. The facility is situated in close proximity to the Federal district court in Baltimore, which makes it a convenient location for prisoners held in USMS custody in the District of Maryland.
Facility and Capacity
The Chesapeake Detention Facility is a medium-security facility with a capacity of 511 inmates. The facility consists of four housing units, each of which has its own dining area, recreation area, and medical clinic. Inmates are housed in single or double cells, depending on their classification.
The facility provides a variety of programs and services for inmates, including educational programs, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and religious services. Inmates also have access to medical and mental health services, as well as recreational activities.
Overall, Chesapeake Detention Facility is an important part of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services’ efforts to provide safe and secure correctional facilities for pretrial detainees, inmates, and supervised offenders.
Visitation and Communication
Visiting Hours and Rules
Visitation at Chesapeake Detention Facility is an important part of an inmate’s life and rehabilitation process. Visitors are encouraged to maintain contact with their loved ones during their incarceration. Visiting hours are conducted Thursday through Monday. The first session begins at 11:00 a.m., and visits run until 1:30 p.m. All visiting booths must be clear of visits by 2:00 p.m. regardless of the start time. Visitors must arrive at the facility 30 minutes before the start of their scheduled visit.
To schedule a visit, visitors must email the facility using the assigned email address. Visitors are subject to a COVID-19 screening questionnaire and a temperature check and must wear a mask covering their nose and mouth at all times. Visitors who fail to comply with these prison rules will not be allowed to visit.
Visitors are required to follow a dress code that prohibits revealing clothing, shorts, and skirts that are shorter than knee-length, and sleeveless shirts. Visitors are not allowed to bring in any electronic devices, including cell phones, cameras, or recording devices. Visitors are also prohibited from bringing in any food, drinks, or tobacco products.
Mail and Packages
Inmates at Chesapeake Detention Facility are allowed to receive mail from family, friends, and legal representatives. All incoming mail to inmates is inspected for contraband, and any items that violate facility rules are not delivered to the inmate. All mail must include the inmate’s full name, booking number, and facility address.
Inmates are allowed to receive softcover books, newspapers, and magazines directly from the publisher. Hardcover books, packages, and other items must be sent through an approved vendor. Inmates are not allowed to receive cash or personal checks through the mail.
Telephone and Communication
Inmates at Chesapeake Detention Facility are allowed to make collect calls to approved numbers. Inmates are not allowed to receive incoming phone calls. Inmates are also allowed to send and receive emails through a secure messaging system. The system is monitored, and any messages that violate facility rules are not delivered.
Inmates are not allowed to use social media or any other online communication platform while incarcerated. Inmates who violate this rule may face disciplinary action.
Overall, Chesapeake Detention Facility provides inmates with various opportunities to maintain contact with their loved ones while incarcerated. Visitors, mail, and telephone communication are all important aspects of an inmate’s life and rehabilitation process.
Intake and Release
The Chesapeake Detention Facility is responsible for the custody of pretrial detainees, inmates, and supervised offenders in Baltimore, Maryland. The facility has specific procedures for intake and release, which are designed to ensure the safety of staff and inmates and to comply with state regulations.
Intake Process and Procedures
The intake process at the Chesapeake Detention Facility involves several procedures that must be followed to ensure the safety and security of staff and inmates. The procedures include:
- Identification: Upon arrival, inmates are required to provide identification, such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID card.
- Medical Screening: Inmates undergo a medical screening to identify any medical issues or conditions that may require treatment while in custody.
- Property Search: Inmates are searched for contraband and other prohibited items, such as weapons, drugs, and alcohol.
- Classification: Inmates are classified based on their risk level and other factors, such as age, gender, and criminal history.
Release and Reentry
The Chesapeake Detention Facility has specific procedures for releasing inmates, which are designed to ensure their safe and orderly return to society. The procedures include:
- Identification: Inmates are required to provide identification, such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID card, before they are released.
- Property Return: Inmates are given their personal property, such as clothing and personal effects, before they are released.
- Transportation: Inmates are provided with transportation to their destination, such as a halfway house or their home.
- Reentry Services: The facility provides reentry services, such as job training and counseling, to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society.
Alcohol and Drug Treatment
The Chesapeake Detention Facility offers alcohol and drug treatment programs to inmates who require them. The programs are designed to help inmates overcome their addiction and to reduce the likelihood of recidivism. The programs include:
- Substance Abuse Treatment: The facility offers substance abuse treatment programs, such as counseling and group therapy, to help inmates overcome their addictions.
- Alcoholics Anonymous: The facility offers Alcoholics Anonymous meetings to inmates who require them.
- Narcotics Anonymous: The facility offers Narcotics Anonymous meetings to inmates who require them.
Overall, the Chesapeake Detention Facility has specific procedures for intake and release, which are designed to ensure the safety and security of staff and inmates. The facility also offers alcohol and drug treatment programs to inmates who require them.
Security and Control
At Chesapeake Detention Facility, security and control are top priorities. The facility houses inmates with a variety of security classifications, from Maximum Security to Supermax. In order to maintain a safe and secure environment, the facility has strict policies in place regarding contraband, weapons, and inmate behavior and hygiene.
Supermax and Maximum Security
The Supermax and Maximum Security units at Chesapeake Detention Facility are designed to house the most dangerous and high-risk inmates. These units are heavily staffed and utilize advanced security measures to prevent escapes and maintain control. Inmates in these units are typically housed in single cells and are subject to strict restrictions on their movements and activities.
Contraband and Weapons
Chesapeake Detention Facility has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to contraband and weapons. All visitors, including children, must pass through a metal detector and are subject to searches. Inmates are also subject to random searches of their cells and personal belongings. Any contraband or weapons found are confiscated, and the inmate may face disciplinary action.
Behavior and Hygiene
Inmates at Chesapeake Detention Facility are expected to follow strict rules regarding their behavior and hygiene. Inmates must maintain a clean and sanitary living environment and are responsible for cleaning their own cells. Inmates who violate these rules may face disciplinary action, including loss of privileges and confinement to their cells.
Overall, Chesapeake Detention Facility takes security and control very seriously. The facility’s policies and procedures are designed to maintain a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates.
Inmate Life and Activities
Inmates at Chesapeake Detention Facility have access to a variety of activities and programs to help occupy their time and improve their quality of life while incarcerated. The facility offers several programs and activities in the areas of recreation, education, parenting, fatherhood, meals, and personal property.
Recreation and Education
Recreation is an important part of the daily routine for inmates at Chesapeake Detention Facility. The facility provides access to indoor and outdoor recreational areas, including a gymnasium, basketball court, and outdoor recreation yard. Inmates can participate in organized sports and fitness classes, such as yoga and aerobics. Additionally, the facility offers educational programs, such as GED classes and vocational training, to help inmates develop new skills and improve their chances of finding employment upon release.
Parenting and Fatherhood
Chesapeake Detention Facility recognizes the importance of family relationships and offers programs to help inmates maintain those relationships while incarcerated. The facility offers parenting classes and counseling services to help inmates develop positive parenting skills and maintain contact with their children. Additionally, the facility offers a fatherhood program to help fathers maintain a positive relationship with their children and prepare for re-entry into society.
Meals and Personal Property
Inmates at Chesapeake Detention Facility receive three meals a day, which are prepared on-site by trained food service personnel. The facility provides a variety of dietary options to accommodate inmates with special dietary needs. Inmates are also allowed to purchase personal property, such as snacks and hygiene products, from the facility’s commissary.
Overall, Chesapeake Detention Facility strives to provide inmates with opportunities to improve their quality of life while incarcerated. Through a variety of programs and activities, inmates can develop new skills, maintain important relationships, and prepare for re-entry into society.