Metropolitan Transition Center

The Metropolitan Transition Centerㅡformerly known as the historic Maryland Penitentiaryㅡis a medium-security, pre-trial facility located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is operated by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.

Established in 1811, this was the first prison in the state and the second of its kind in the United States. This facility still houses Maryland’s now decommissioned death chamber. The Metropolitan Transition Center has a long history that features attempted escapes, horrible conditions, riots, and corrupt wardens.

Prison Insights

Visiting Hours and Rules

General Population visiting hours are on Thursday through Sunday 

9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Must register by 1:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. – Must register by 7:30 p.m.

Duration of visit is 45 minutes

Hospital Visits are on Saturday or Sunday

9:30 am – 3:00 pm – Last Registration at 1:30 p.m.

Duration of visit is 45 minutes

General Visiting Rules

Use of restroom facilities is prohibited during visitation. If either the inmate or a visitor requires the use of the restroom, the visit will be terminated at that time. 

Visitors (16 years of age and older) must have a photo ID.

Children (18 years of age and younger) visiting the inmate must be immediate family to either the inmate or visitor and must be accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older who is on the inmate's visiting list.

A maximum of three visitors per inmate are allowed to visit at one time.

Dress Code

All visitors, including children, must dress appropriately for visitation.  All clothing must cover you from the neck to the kneecaps.

The following types of clothing are not allowed to be worn:

• tube tops, tank tops, or halter tops
• see-through clothing
• mini-skirts, mini-dresses, shorts, skorts, or culottes (at or above the kneecap)
• form-fitting clothes such as leotards, spandex, and leggings
• clothes that expose a person's midriff, side, or back
• tops or dresses that have revealing necklines and/or excessive splits
• coats, jackets, shawls, and scarves will be placed in an appropriate area (Exceptions will be made for religious headdress)
• shower shoes or flip flops

How to Call an Inmate

How to Send Money

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services–Division of Correction only accepts Money Orders. NOTE: Cashier Checks, Personal Checks, Official Checks, Bill Pay Checks, Bank Checks, Non-Electronic Transfers, and Non-US Currency Checks/Money Orders will not be accepted.

You must include the following info on the money order:

• The Inmate’s Name, Institution, and Inmate SID # (State Identification Number).
• Sender’s Name and Address.

Please use Black or Blue Ink pen only on the money orders and neatly PRINT the required information.

Money Orders should be made payable to the Inmate (Full Committed Name; no AKA’s, etc) and sent to:

Inmate Name, DOC Number
Metropolitan Transition Center
P.O. Box 17111
Baltimore, MD 21297-0382

​Programs For ​Inmates

GED classes and Vocational programs in automotive repair, HVAC, roofing, warehousing, plumbing, carpentry, printing, and information technology are available to the inmates at Metropolitan Transition Center.

Inmates can also receive treatment for substance abuse.

Pictures of Metropolitan Transition Center

Careers at Metropolitan Transition Center

If you are interested in a career with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services at the Metropolitan Transition Center, you can find job listings by clicking here. If you are interested in a career as a correctional officer, click here.