Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center

The Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center is a maximum-security prison for male inmates that is located in Lancaster, Massachusetts. Operated by the Massachusetts Department of Correction, the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center opened in 1998, and it is one of the most technologically advanced prisons in the United States. This facility houses approximately 1,000 inmates.

This facility does not use keys, an instead controls all cells, entrances, exits, and other doors with 43 graphic user interfaces (GUI). In addition to controlling 1,700 doors, this system also controls the lights, water, gates, alarms, and intercoms. There are also 366 cameras located throughout the facility that constantly record, and fences with microwave detection systems to prevent an inmate escape.

One of the most notable inmates at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center was former NFL player Aaron Hernandez, who was convicted of first-degree murder and later committed suicide while in custody.

Prison Insights

Visiting Hours and Rules

Visiting Hours at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center are as follows:

North Housing Units

Sunday:                                 1:00 pm-3:30 pm, 6:00 pm-8:30 pm
Wednesday:                         1:00 pm-3:30 pm
Friday:                                   1:00 pm-3:30 pm, 6:00 pm-8:30 pm

South Housing Units

Tuesday:                              1:00 pm-3:30 pm
Thursday:                            1:00 pm-3:30 pm, 6:00 pm-8:30 pm
Saturday:                             1:00 pm-3:30 pm, 6:00 pm-8:30 pm

S.M.U.

Sunday:                              9:00 am-11:00 am, 1:00 pm-2:00 pm, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Wednesday:                       9:00 am-11:00 am, 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Friday:                                9:00 am-11:00 am, 1:00 pm-2:00 pm, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm

S.M.U. visiting hours are one hour sessions and must be scheduled no less than 24 hours in advance.

K1

Tuesday:                            6:00 pm-8:30 pm
Thursday:                          9:00 am-11:00 am
Saturday:                           9:00 am-11:00 am

General Visiting Rules

All visitors are responsible for being familiar with the Visiting Rules and Regulations, and must conduct themselves accordingly while visiting an inmate at the facility. For a look at the complete list of visiting rules at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center, you can find the visitor booklet by clicking here.

Inmates are allowed three visiting periods per week with only one period allowed per day. A maximum of two adults, with four visitors total, may visit an inmate at any one time. 

Visitors entering with infants will be allowed to enter with the following items: 

• Two, clear, plastic bottles with formula, milk, water, or juice
• One, empty, sippy cup
• Two, infant, diaper diapers and infant wipes in a clear plastic bag
• One receiving blanket
• One pacifier
• Two plastic, sealed jars/pouches of baby food
• One plastic spoon
• One bib

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  

• Bridging Treatment
• Criminal Thinking
• Gateway to Treatment
• General Population Maintenance Program
• Graduate Maintenance Program─Substance Abuse
• High Risk Offender Graduate Support Program
• Medication-Assisted Treatment Reentry Initiative
• Motivational Enhancement Program
• New Freedom Program
• Recreation Services
• Reentry and Employment Readiness Workshop
• Religious Services 
• Violence Reduction
• Volunteer Services

Academic Education Programs

• ESL I - Beginner
• ESL II - Intermediate
• ESL III - Advanced
• Adult Basic Education
• Pre-Adult Secondary Education
• Adult Secondary Education
• Inside-Out Program/Tufts University 

Technology Education Programs

• Introduction to Microsoft Office
• Advanced Microsoft Office

Vocational Education Programs

• Barber Training
• Culinary Arts Foundations I
• OSHA
• ServSafe

Institutional Programs

• Advanced Writing for Results
• Alternatives to Violence
• Book Discussion Club
• Cognitive Skills Workshop
• Emotional Awareness/Houses of Healing
• Formative Writing for Success
• Health Awareness (HIV/AIDS)
• Path to Freedom
• Peace Education Program
• Successful Steps to a Successful Job Search
• Toastmasters
• Transforming Anger with Non-Violent Communication
• Writing for Results

Pictures of Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center

Careers at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center

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