Calvert County Jail


The Calvert County Detention Center, located in Prince Frederick, Calvert County, Maryland, is a medium-security adult facility. It has a capacity to house 172 beds and has been serving the community since 1983. With approximately 1687 bookings annually, this facility accommodates inmates from across Calvert County under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Sheriff’s Office. The operation and maintenance of the prison are carried out by the Maryland Department of Corrections.


As a detention center, its primary responsibility is to hold pre-trial suspected offenders in a secure manner, ensuring their presence at trial and other legal proceedings. Additionally, it serves as a temporary holding facility for individuals serving short-term sentences until their legal release. Adhering to federal, state, and county regulations, the detention center takes necessary measures to maintain custody of the offenders in a safe and compliant manner.


The Calvert County Detention Center offers program services for both male and female offenders. In collaboration with community volunteers, in-house programs are provided to address the counseling needs of the inmates. Educational programs are also available based on the inmates’ abilities and requirements, helping them access appropriate learning opportunities while in custody. Through these initiatives, the detention center aims to support the rehabilitation and well-being of the inmate population.


Visitation Schedule

The Calvert County Detention Center has implemented a visitation schedule to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. Starting from Saturday, August 21, 2021, visitation will resume under certain guidelines:


  • Visitation will be by appointment only. Individuals wishing to visit an inmate must call the detention center at 410-535-4300 Ext 8944 on Monday or Tuesday between 8am to 2pm to schedule an appointment. Prior approval and inclusion on the inmate’s visitation list are necessary.
  • Visitation hours are on Saturdays and Sundays from 8am to 8pm. Each visit will be limited to thirty minutes, allowing for one visit per week per inmate.
  • Appointment lists will be provided to staff, and inmates will be notified of their scheduled visitation times. Strict adherence to appointment times will be maintained.
  • Visitors will be required to present identification for review and wear protective masks throughout the visit. The use of different visitation booths will ensure proper sanitation between visits, without delaying the schedule. Social distancing measures will be followed, and congregating in the lobby will not be permitted.


These visitation procedures are in place to minimize exposure and promote a safe environment for both visitors and inmates at the Calvert County Detention Center.

 

Visitation Rules & Regulations

The Calvert County Detention Center has established specific rules and guidelines for inmate visitation. It is important to be aware of and adhere to these rules to ensure a smooth and successful visitation experience. The following are the visitation rules:


  • Visitors’ names, including children, must be on the inmate’s visitation list.
  • All visitors must possess a valid identification card with a physical address.
  • Visitors are required to register with the visiting officer upon arrival.
  • Visitation operates on a first come, first served basis.
  • Respect for all furnishings and personal property within the Detention Center is mandatory.
  • Any destruction of County property or engagement in graffiti will result in criminal charges.
  • Visitors may be subject to search while inside the Detention Center.
  • Appropriate attire is essential, and items such as bikinis, halter tops, and short shorts are not permitted.
  • With the exception of guide dogs, animals are not allowed within the Detention Center.
  • Bringing drugs or alcoholic beverages into the facility is strictly prohibited.
  • Eating, drinking, and smoking are only permitted in designated areas as indicated by signs.
  • Excessive noise, unattended children, or disruptive behavior may lead to the termination of the visit.
  • Personal belongings, except for keys and identification, are not allowed inside the Detention Center during visitation and should be left in the visitor’s vehicle.
  • Inmate property is not released during visitation hours, and inmates must submit a request during specified times to release their property.
  • Each inmate is allowed a maximum of four visitors per visit, and switching visitors during the visit is not permitted.
  • Loitering within the Detention Center without legitimate business is strictly prohibited.
  • Certain items such as books, magazines, newspapers, hygiene products, and food items are not accepted.
  • Electronic devices such as cameras, cell phones, laptops, and radios are generally not allowed, unless authorized by the administration. Unauthorized photography or video recording within the visiting area will result in a ban from future visits for the visitor and disciplinary charges for the inmate.
  • Harassment or use of threatening or abusive language towards visitors or staff is not tolerated and may result in removal from the premises.
  • Visitors appearing to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be permitted to visit and may face legal action.
  • Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult unless a marriage license is provided as proof of a marital relationship with the inmate.


Any violation of the visitation rules may lead to dismissal from the Calvert County Detention Center. It is important to note that inclement weather may cause the cancellation of inmate visitation with little or no notice. Visitors are advised to contact the Calvert County Detention Center or visit their website to check for any cancellations due to weather conditions or other public service disruptions.


Mailing a Package/Letter

When sending mail to inmates at the Calvert County Detention Center, it is essential to follow specific guidelines. Only mail received through the U.S. Postal Service is accepted, and visitors are not allowed to bring mail directly to the facility. The incoming and outgoing mail is handled exclusively by the Correctional Staff at the Calvert County Detention Center.

To address mail to an inmate, use the following format:

 

Inmate First Name, MI, Last Name 

Calvert County Detention Center 

P.O. Box 9 Barstow, MD 20610


For incoming inmate mail, there are certain requirements to be aware of. All incoming mail must be handwritten using a pencil or ink pen (blue or black ink) on white, plain, or lined paper. Colored or tinted paper is not permitted. The envelope must include the sender’s full name and address, with the return address written on the front. It is important to note that a P.O. box address is not acceptable; the sender must provide the physical street address. Incoming mail without a return address or with only a return address label will be returned to the sender or the post office.


Providing Inmates With Financial Assistance

When sending money to an inmate at the Calvert County Detention Center (CCDC), there are specific procedures to follow. Money orders should be made payable to Calvert County Detention Center, with the inmate’s name written on the money order. Additionally, include your name, address, and telephone number on the money order for contact purposes. Money orders will be placed on hold until they are cleared by the bank. The inmate will be informed about the hold and the release of funds. Money orders that are older than one year will be returned to the sender. It’s important to note that fraudulent money orders will result in no further money orders being accepted for that inmate. Money orders can only be accepted through the mail. To send money orders, use the following address: 


Inmate’s Name Calvert County Detention Center 

P.O. Box 9 Barstow, MD 20610


Please remember that cash or checks are not accepted through the mail. Alternatively, there is a kiosk available in the lobby of the Calvert County Detention Center where you can deposit money into an inmate’s account using cash or credit cards. The kiosk is accessible 24/7, and depending on the deposited amount, a transaction fee will be deducted. A receipt is printed from the kiosk for your records. The money deposited through the kiosk is immediately added to the inmate’s account. It’s important to note that the Detention Center is not responsible for any issues with the kiosk machine. If you have any questions regarding your deposit, please contact the phone number provided at the bottom of your receipt.


Inmate Commissary

The Calvert County Detention Center offers a commissary service where inmates can purchase various items, provided they have enough funds in their account. Inmates are allowed to make one purchase per week through the inmate telephone system. Orders are placed on Wednesdays, and the corresponding amount is electronically deducted from the inmate’s account. Commissary deliveries are scheduled to take place every Thursday, ensuring inmates receive their purchased items in a timely manner.


Inmate Telephony Services

The Calvert County Detention Center utilizes the Paytel phone system for inmate communication. To establish an account or block a specific phone number, individuals can contact Paytel’s customer service center at (800) 729-8355. Additionally, it is possible to set up an inmate’s phone account from the comfort of one’s home by visiting the Paytel website. These options provide convenient ways to manage inmate phone services and ensure effective communication with the detainees.


Calvert County Sheriff Department

The original jail in Calvert County, Maryland was established by Robert Brooke in 1654. It was located in Battle Town on Battle Creek and named in honor of Brooke’s late wife, Mary Baker, whose family hailed from Battle or Battle in Sussex, England—the historic site of the Battle of Hastings. Over time, Battle Town came to be known as Calvert Town and served as the county’s seat of government until 1725 when the courthouse was relocated to Prince Frederick. Initially, the jail was situated in a separate building behind the courthouse, but in the early 1950s, it was moved to the courthouse itself, where a new facility with three holding cells was constructed to accommodate up to 14 inmates.


As the years passed, the jail faced challenges such as overcrowding and outdated infrastructure. Consequently, funding was secured to design and construct a new facility with a rated capacity of 92 inmates. This modern jail was built in the town of Barstow and officially opened its doors on September 5, 1978. At the time of its inauguration, the inmate population consisted of six individuals on work release and twenty maximum security inmates. To oversee the operation of the department, former Sheriff Adrian Joy appointed Colonel James L. Black and Lieutenant Ed Kirby as key personnel.

 

County Sheriff:  Ricky Cox

Address:  30 Church St. Prince Frederick, MD 20678

Phone:  410-535-2800


Overview of Calvert County

Calvert County, situated in Maryland, is a county with a population of 92,783 according to the 2020 census. Its county seat is Prince Frederick. The county gets its name from the Barons of Baltimore, who were the proprietors of the English Colony of Maryland. Calvert County is part of the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria Metropolitan Statistical Area, spanning across DC, Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia. It occupies the Calvert Peninsula, bordered by Chesapeake Bay to the east and the Patuxent River to the west. Within the Southern Maryland region, Calvert County stands out for its high median household incomes, ranking among the highest in the United States. It is also one of the older counties in Maryland, preceded by St. Mary’s, Kent, and Anne Arundel counties.


Originally established in 1650, the county was named Charles County, although it was much larger and unrelated to the present-day Charles County. Cecil Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore, founded the county with Robert Brooke serving as its “Commander.” It was named after Charles I of England. During its formation, Charles County encompassed the current area of Calvert County, along with the southern and western shores of the Patuxent River up to its headwaters. The county seat, initially called Calverton or Battle Town, was situated on the north shore at the mouth of Battle Creek until 1725 when it was relocated. In 1658, the county’s name was changed to Calvert County. Additionally, it included the entirety of Prince George’s County and parts of Montgomery County.


Calvert County witnessed an influx of Puritans from Virginia who settled in Anne Arundel County and eventually spilled over into Calvert County. All new settlers in Maryland were obliged to take an oath of allegiance to Lord Baltimore as per the “Conditions of Plantation.” This requirement led to tension between the Puritan settlers and Lord Baltimore, particularly given the ongoing civil war in Britain, where the Puritans held power. In 1652, Oliver Cromwell, who assumed the role of Lord Protector, dispatched a force of 750 men to subdue the plantations in the Chesapeake Bay region under the new government. Virginia and Maryland surrendered to the Puritans, and Robert Brooke cooperated with them during this period.


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