Boston Pre-Release Center

The Boston Pre-Release Center is a minimum-security/pre-release correctional facility that can house approximately 200 inmates. Opening in 1972, this was the first pre-release facility in the commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

The Boston Pre-Release Center houses inmates who are part of work crews that are supervised by correction officers as they work throughout the city of Boston.

Prison Insights

Visiting Hours and Rules

Visiting Hours at Boston Pre-Release Center are:

• Sunday: 1:00 pm-4:00 pm and 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
• Tuesday - Saturday: 1:00 pm-4:00 pm and 6:00 pm-9:00 pm

Inmates on orientation status, on Minimum status, unemployed, or in-house due to a disciplinary sanction shall receive visits on Tuesday to Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. only. On weekends and holidays, these inmates may receive visits during all regularly scheduled visiting periods. 

General Visiting Rules

Before you visit, make sure your loved one has added you to their pre-approved visiting list. It is the inmate’s responsibility to notify Boston Pre-Release Center staff as to whom may visit. Inmates at Boston Pre-Release Center are allowed up to ten visitors on their list.

• Fill out a Visitor Application Form. Once completed please mail this form to the facility at the address below. The Visitor Application will be processed, and you and the inmate will be notified of approval or denial.
• You must have a valid photo ID when you visit. These include: State driver’s licenses, Passports, Military ID, and Official photo ID cards that originate from any state or federal agency, including government employee ID cards and Immigration/Customs Enforcement documents.

Visits will not be processed between 2:45 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. to allow for change of shift. 

There are no limitations on the number of weekly visits an inmate may have. A visit is limited to a visiting period of 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Visiting period may be terminated due to overcrowding.

In cases where visits are terminated due to overcrowding, the first in will be first out providing that the visit has been at least one hour in duration. 

Up to four total individuals may visit an inmate at a time. 

Visitors must secure all personal belongings in their vehicles. Visitors without vehicles are provided with lockers. All visitors are subject to search.

The facility uses passive drug detecting dogs as part of the entrance procedures. They are used at random intervals to help detect the presence of illegal drugs entering the facility. These measures help to decrease violence within the facility and have a positive impact on staff and inmate safety overall. Everyone is subject to a drug detection dog search to include visitors, volunteers, correctional staff, contractors, etc.

These dogs, generally Golden Retrievers or Labrador Retrievers, are used because of their inherently gentle natures. They are always on a leash and handled by trained personnel, who will walk them past the line of visitors. They have been carefully trained to detect the presence of drugs by smell and to alert their handlers to that detection by sitting down.

Visitors are allowed to enter the visiting room with the following items, but must declare them to the processing officer:

• Money for vending machines, up to ten dollars per visitor
• Medication – Visitors who require life-saving medication on their person, must obtain prior written approval from the Superintendent to visit with such medication.
• Vehicle/locker key, if applicable.
• Baby articles – Two plastic bottles with either formula, milk, water or juice, one empty sippy cup, two infant diapers and infant wipes in a clear plastic bag, one blanket, pacifier, two plastic sealed containers of baby food, one plastic spoon, and one bib
• Engagement rings, Wedding rings/band, One (1) religious medallion, and medical alert jewelry
• A Handkerchief
• Prescription eyeglasses (no case) and hearing aids

Dress Code

• Undergarments must be worn. 
• Clothing shall not be ripped, torn, have holes or missing buttons. 
• Visitors are expected to dress in accordance with standards of decency acceptable in a public place. 
• Headwear is allowed only if pre-approved for religious purposes. 
• No jewelry is to be worn except a traditional wedding ring and/or one religious medal on a chain will be allowed and a medical alert bracelet (if applicable).
• No watches or wallets allowed. 
• Sweaters may be worn. 
• Hairpieces (i.e., toupees, wigs, extensions, weaves) may be worn but must be searched. It shall be the responsibility of the visitor to inform the officer that they are wearing a hairpiece during the search processing. 
• Garments with elastic waists may be worn. 
• Jackets or blazers may be worn as part of a suit or outfit by students participating in a clinical/internship program. 

The following items are NOT ALLOWED: 

• Boots worn above the knee (exception – boots below the knee are permitted October 15–April 15)
• Work boots
• Bare feet
• Bathing suits, shorts, any clothing with excessive pockets, metal, drawstrings, excessively baggy or tight clothing, hooded clothing, sheer, excessively revealing or transparent clothing, bodysuits of any type or wrap around shirts. (Children age 8 and younger may wear shorts)
• With the exception of undergarments, spandex, or spandex type clothing is not allowed
• Any clothing that displays a gang affiliation or is in any way attributable to gang culture; additionally, clothing that is obscene, racist, or displays sexual content
• Any clothing similar to that issued to an inmate or uniformed personnel, to include nursing scrubs, police, postal, and utility (Class A active military uniforms are allowed)
• Fatigue or camouflage clothing
• Double layered clothing on the bottom half of the person (e.g. two pairs of pants, or skirts and slacks)
• Bibbed clothing of any type: shorts, dresses, pants, overalls, jumpers etc. (allowable for age 8 and younger)
• Hair accessories that cannot be easily removed to be searched
• Bobby pins, barrettes, and ribbons
• Umbrellas, jackets, coats, vests, or outerwear of any type
• Male visitors may not wear any type of blue or black jeans
• Earrings, facial/body jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, and watches are not allowed. The only exception regarding jewelry is a traditional engagement ring/wedding band, religious medallion and medical alert jewelry.
• Dresses, skirts, and skirt slits shall not exceed three inches above the knee when standing. No wrap-around style skirts are allowed unless worn for religious reasons
• Tank tops, halter tops, muscle shirts, or clothing that reveals the midriff or excessively exposes the back. Tube tops of any type are not allowed. Sleeveless clothing is not allowed unless covered by an article of clothing, such as a sweater, that shall not be removed
• Sweatshirts, sweatpants, wind pants, and exercise clothing (allowable for age 8 and younger)
• Clothing with zippers that go the full length of the garment with the exception of outerwear (allowable for age 8 and younger)
• T-shirts with offensive logos
• Leg warmers
• Hats and head coverings of any type, unless worn for religious or medical reasons; however they must be searched prior to entering the institution
• No electronic communication devices (e.g., cell phones, electronic devices)or those capable of storing information are allowed.
• No wearing or possession of any type of glitter make-up materials to include ChapStick or lip balms, facial make-up, nail polish, eye shadow etc.

How to Call an Inmate

How to Send Money

Online: Sign up at Access Corrections online or download their Android or iOS app for your cell phone. Secure Deposits is the fastest, most convenient way to deposit funds into your loved one’s account with your Visa or MasterCard.

Phone: Call Access Corrections toll-free at 1-866-345-1884. Bilingual representatives are available 24/7.

In Person: There are two ways you may add money to an inmate’s account in person.

You may drop a check or money order off at the prison. Drop your check or money order into the box labelled "Inmate Funds" in the lobby. It should be made out to the inmate with the inmate's commitment number included.  Please note that all money orders over $200 and all personal checks are put on seven business day hold. 

Or you may visit Cash Pay Today online to enroll and find drop-off locations to make cash-only deposits near you. For more information, call 1-844-340-CASH (2274).

Programs For Inmates

Departmental Services and Programs

• Graduate Maintenance Program‐SubstanceAbuse 
• Graduate Maintenance Peer Facilitator Program–Substance Abuse 
• Medication-Assisted Treatment Reentry Initiative 
• Recreation Services 
• Religious Services 
• Volunteer Services

Institutional Programs

• AAWOL- This program is an in‐depth study of the 12 steps that Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous utilize. It is a cognitive behavioral self-awareness program with an emphasis on a higher power.
• AA Re-entry Fellowship Program - This program is considered among the most effective treatment approaches for addiction. 
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Basic Computer Literacy 
• CareerPathway Workshop - This program is designed to assist inmates in the development of the necessary skills that are needed for a successful transition back into the community. The focus of the workshop is employment readiness, resume building, cover letters, job applications, mock interviews, and how to maintain employment. The workshop also includes social support, housing plans, financial awareness and budgeting, criminal impact, and attainable goal setting.
• Cognitive Skills Workshop - Cognitive-based programs that include active listening, problem solving, setting goals, asking for help, assertive communication, negotiating, and self control.
• Doing The Right Thing - this program is designed to assist inmates with making ethical decisions using video seminars, role modeling, and group discussion.
• Emerald Gardening Program- Introduction to horticulture and landscape maintenance
• Fatherheart Program- Eight-week faith-based program about family
• Fully Alive Program -  this program is about spiritual growth and responsible living. Topics include relationships, recovery, anger management, and understanding the relationship between attitudes, choices, and consequences.
• Narcotics Anonymous 
• Stepping Up: Call to Courageous Manhood - Using wisdom and principles, this program assists inmates in acquiring better communication and negotiating skills
• Writingfor theSoul - Designed to improve writing skills and encourage an interest in reading

Community Programs (Leveltwo inmates only)

• Educational Release 
• Office of Community Corrections 
• Step Down Community Assistance under Community Program 

Pictures of Boston Pre-Release Center

Careers at Boston Pre-Release Center

If you are interested in a career with the Massachusetts Department of Corrections at the Boston Pre-Release Center, you can find job listings by clicking here.