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Aroostook County Jail


Aroostook County Jail, located in Houlton, Aroostook County, Maine, is a minimum-security adult facility. Established in 1987, the jail has a capacity to accommodate 100 inmates and receives approximately 2,757 bookings each year. It serves as the correctional facility for inmates from all areas within Aroostook County under the supervision of the Maine Sheriff’s Office.


At Aroostook County Jail, inmates have access to various programs and opportunities aimed at their personal growth and development. These include educational initiatives such as GED programs and computer education, enabling inmates to acquire valuable skills. Additionally, the facility provides support in the form of financial management and anger management programs, helping inmates address these specific areas. Recognizing the importance of substance abuse treatment, Aroostook County Jail also offers programs to assist inmates in overcoming addiction and achieving rehabilitation.


The primary focus of Aroostook County Jail is to provide a secure environment for inmates while also offering them opportunities to improve themselves. Through the diverse range of programs available, inmates can acquire knowledge, skills, and support to enhance their personal well-being and increase their chances of successful reintegration into society upon release.


Visitation Protocol

Aroostook County Jail provides designated visiting hours for family and friends to visit inmates during weekdays, from Mondays to Fridays. Visitors seeking information about specific visiting hours and directions to the facility are advised to contact the County Jail directly. It is recommended to reach out to the jail for the most up-to-date information on visiting times.


During holidays or special occasions, the regular visitation schedule at Aroostook County Jail may be subject to changes. In such cases, the inmates will be notified about any adjustments or modifications to the normal visiting hours. It is important for visitors to stay informed about potential schedule alterations during holidays or special commitments to ensure a smooth and successful visitation experience.

Please note that specific details regarding visiting hours on holidays and any associated requirements or restrictions can be obtained by contacting Aroostook County Jail directly. They will provide accurate and comprehensive information to ensure visitors have a clear understanding of the visiting procedures during special circumstances.

 

Visiting Hours:

Monday: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Tuesday: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Wednesday: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Thursday: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Friday: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Saturday: 7:30 Am to 2:30 PM

Sunday: 7:30 Am to 2:30 PM


Sending Inmate Money

To support inmates at Aroostook County Jail in Maine, there are various approved methods for depositing money into their commissary accounts. These include:


  • Onsite deposits: Visitors can conveniently make deposits at the kiosk located in the Aroostook County Jail’s lobby. Cash, debit cards, and credit cards are accepted for these transactions.
  • Online deposits: The facility utilizes JPay online payment system to receive funds. Family and friends can securely make deposits into the inmate’s commissary account through this online platform.
  • Money orders: Money orders can be sent through the US post office, Western Union, or reputable banks. These money orders should be made payable to Aroostook County Jail, ensuring they reach the intended inmate’s account.
  • Phone deposits: Deposits can also be made over the phone using debit cards and credit cards. This method provides another convenient option for individuals who wish to contribute to an inmate’s commissary account.


These approved means of depositing money into an inmate’s commissary account at Aroostook County Jail offer flexibility and accessibility for family and friends who want to provide support and assistance to incarcerated individuals.


Communication Options for Inmates via Phone

At Aroostook County Jail, inmates have the opportunity to make phone calls to a pre-approved list of contacts, primarily consisting of friends and family members. There are two options available for making calls: direct calls through a third-party call services provider or collect calls. For direct calls, inmates need to create an account and ensure it is funded with sufficient funds to cover the costs of their calls. This allows them to make outgoing calls to the approved numbers on their call list. The account balance is debited accordingly for each call made.


Alternatively, inmates can make collect calls, where the receiver of the call is responsible for the call costs. In this arrangement, the person receiving the call accepts the charges associated with the call and pays for them.

By offering these calling options, Aroostook County Jail aims to provide inmates with a means of maintaining communication with their approved contacts while adhering to the guidelines and regulations set forth by the facility.


Mailing a Package/Letter

At Aroostook County Jail, inmates have the opportunity to receive letters from their family members and friends, as well as packages from home, subject to prior written approval from the inmate’s unit team or authorized staff member. It is important to ensure that the mail and packages being sent comply with the approved item list set by the facility. To obtain more information about the specific guidelines and requirements for sending mail and packages to inmates, it is recommended to contact the County Jail administration directly. They can be reached by phone at 207-532-7317.

Alternatively, inquiries can also be made via email by reaching out to anne-marie@aroostook.me.us. The facility staff will be able to provide clarification and assist with any questions or concerns regarding the mailing process.


Aroostook County Sheriff Department

County Sheriff: Shawn D. Gillen

26 Court Street, Houlton, Maine, 04730

Tel: 207-532-3471


Overview of Aroostook County

Aroostook County, located along the Canada-U.S. border in the state of Maine, is a prominent county known for its vast size and unique characteristics. With a population of 67,105 according to the 2020 census, it is the largest county in Maine in terms of total area and the second largest east of the Mississippi River in the United States. Its county seat is Houlton, while administrative offices are also situated in Caribou and Fort Kent. Aroostook County, often referred to as “The County” by locals, encompasses over 6,800 square miles of land, making it larger than three U.S. states. It holds the distinction of being Maine’s northernmost county, with the village of Estcourt Station serving as the northernmost community in both New England and the contiguous United States east of the Great Lakes.


The county is renowned for its thriving potato crops, contributing significantly to the agricultural industry of the region. Additionally, Aroostook County is emerging as a hub for wind power, harnessing its natural resources for renewable energy. The county is characterized by its rich Acadian culture, particularly in the Saint John Valley that borders Madawaska County, New Brunswick. Many residents in this area are bilingual, fluent in both English and Acadian French. This linguistic diversity sets the region apart, as New

England French is more commonly spoken in other parts of Maine.


Throughout its history, Aroostook County has witnessed a dynamic settlement pattern shaped by various factors. In the colonial era, the sparsely populated North Maine Woods attracted refugees seeking refuge from unfriendly governments, including Native Americans fleeing European colonists and smugglers engaging in trade. The region’s strategic location along the disputed border between English Massachusetts and French Acadia facilitated the establishment of small communities along the Atlantic coast. With England’s dominance in the Gulf of Maine after the French and Indian Wars, the border inhabitants migrated further inland, joined by Acadians escaping the Acadian Expulsion. Despite a desire for independence, the surrounding governments considered Aroostook County as the western bank of the Saint John River drainage upstream of Canada. Over time, the county’s economic landscape transitioned from a focus on lumber manufacturing to include agriculture as the population grew. Improved transportation, such as the Saint John River and rail connections into New Brunswick, fostered strong business ties with Canada until the introduction of the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad in 1894 integrated the county into the U.S. rail network. Aroostook County has retained a distinct cultural identity shaped by its history of isolation on the border frontier.


Aroostook County was officially established in 1839, carved out of parts of Penobscot and Washington counties. Subsequent territorial adjustments occurred over the years, with Aroostook gaining land from Penobscot County in 1843 and again in 1844, while also engaging in land exchanges with Piscataquis County. In 1889, further land adjustments took place, and in 1903, Aroostook County assumed its final configuration when it returned the previously gained land to Penobscot County. Notably, the county’s history includes a significant land dispute that resulted in the “Aroostook War,” ultimately resolved through the Webster-Ashburton Treaty.


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