Facility Overview
The Hancock County Jail in Ellsworth, Maine, is your standard county lockup. It handles everyone from folks picked up on minor stuff like DUIs or shoplifting to those waiting on felony trials. We’re talking a mix of pre-trial detainees and short-term sentenced inmates—mostly guys from Hancock County, but sometimes they pull in people from nearby areas if beds open up. Capacity-wise, it’s not huge; think around 100 beds, though they sometimes double-bunk to squeeze in more. Security is medium-level—no supermax drama here, but guards keep a close eye, especially on anyone with violence charges.
Day-to-day, it’s run by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Scott Kane’s been in charge since 2015, and his team includes deputies who double as corrections officers. Frank L. Shepard handles jail admin stuff. They focus on keeping things orderly without too many bells and whistles. If your loved one’s there, expect a no-nonsense environment: chow three times a day, rec time if they behave, and programs like AA meetings or basic GED classes if available.
Location and Contact Information
Here’s the straightforward info you’ll need. Call or stop by to confirm anything—policies shift, and websites lag.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Address | 50 State Street, Suite 10, Ellsworth, ME 04605 |
| Main Phone | (207) 667-7575 |
| Jail Admin (Frank Shepard) | Ext. 265 |
| Sheriff’s Office | (207) 667-9542 |
| Website | Hancock County Sheriff’s Office |
We always tell families: pick up the phone first. Lines get busy around shift changes, so try mornings. No direct email listed, but the sheriff’s site has a contact form. For the roster, more on that below.
How to Access the Hancock County ME Jail Roster
Families call us panicked: “Where’s the inmate list?” Straight up—Hancock County doesn’t post a public online roster like some big-city jails. No fancy searchable database on their site. You’ve got to call the jail at (207) 667-7575 and ask for the roster or inmate locator. Give them the full name and date of birth; they’ll check if the person’s there.
But here’s the real talk from years in corrections: rosters update constantly—releases, transfers, new intakes. What they tell you over the phone is usually spot-on. If it’s after hours, they might say check back tomorrow. Some Maine counties link to state systems, but Hancock keeps it old-school. We hear from families who’ve driven up without calling and waited hours just to get a yes or no.
Pro tip: Note the booking number if they give it. That’s your golden ticket for follow-ups on mail or visits. And verify spelling—common names trip things up.
Visiting Information
Visiting at Hancock County Jail isn’t a free-for-all. It’s contact visits in some cases, but expect Plexiglas for higher-risk folks. Hours are typically weekends, like Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m., but call to confirm—no walk-ins without approval. You need to be on the inmate’s list, which they submit after booking.
Dress code? Keep it simple: no tank tops, shorts, or anything sheer. They’ve turned away moms in sundresses before. Bring ID—driver’s license or state ID. No cell phones inside; they lock ’em up at the desk.
To schedule: Call ahead or ask the inmate to add you. Kids under 18 need to come with an adult on the list. Visits last 20-30 minutes max. The room’s basic—metal stools, buzzing intercom. Officers watch everything; keep hands visible. One thing we always say: if tempers flare, they end it quick.
Inmate Communication
Staying in touch keeps everyone sane. Phone calls go through a provider like Securus or Global Tel Link—expect to set up a prepaid account online or by phone. Rates are steep, about $0.10-$0.20 a minute. Inmates get a PIN; they call out, you accept. No collect calls to cells usually.
Mail’s straightforward: send to Hancock County Jail, c/o Inmate Name, Booking #, 50 State Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605. No care packages—letters and photos only, no Polaroids or glitter. They scan everything for contraband. Video visits? Not standard here, but check the sheriff’s site or call.
Email? Some jails use tablets now, but Hancock’s behind on that. Families tell us mail takes 2-3 days to reach the pod. Write often; it breaks the monotony.
Sending Money to Inmates
Your person needs commissary cash for hygiene, snacks, stamps. Hancock uses TouchPay or a kiosk in the lobby—look for it at 200 West Crawford? Wait, that’s Ohio; scratch that. For Maine, it’s likely Access Corrections or similar. Go to their site, search Hancock County ME, and fund the account with the booking number.
Online, app, or mail money orders—no cash. Limits per week, like $100-200. We see families send too much at once and it sits frozen. Start small. Money hits the account fast, usually same day. Use it for phone too.
Daily Life at This Facility
Life inside? Wake-up at 6 a.m., breakfast slop like oatmeal or eggs. Lockdown most of the day—pods are small, 20-30 guys. Rec’s an hour in a fenced yard if weather’s good. Meals: think bologna sandwiches, mystery meat. Conditions are clean but worn—peeling paint, echoing halls.
Programs? Basic: NA/AA, anger management, maybe vocational training. Church services on Sundays. Guards are local folks—fair but firm. Fights happen, but solos mostly. Showers three times a week. One ex-inmate told us: “Boredom’s the killer, not the food.” Medical’s on-site nurse; serious stuff to hospital.
COVID changed things—masks, no hugs. But it’s loosening up. Behave, you get privileges like extra TV time.
History and Background
This jail’s been around decades, tied to the old courthouse in Ellsworth. Major renos in the 90s or 2000s to meet state standards. Sheriff’s office at 50 State Street since forever. Notable? A few escapes in the 80s, but nothing recent. Sheriff Kane took over in 2015, focused on tech upgrades and training.
In 2023, Ellsworth American reported an assault at the jail—deputy investigated. Shows it’s not Disneyland, but they handle it. Capacity fights like everywhere—overcrowding pushes sentences to state pris.
How to Get There
Ellsworth’s off Route 1, about 30 minutes from Bangor. From I-95, take ME-3 east to Ellsworth, then State Street. Parking’s free out front. Public transport? Limited—Bar Harbor Express bus from Bangor.
Nearby hotels: Ramada Ellsworth, Comfort Inn—10-minute drive. Gas up in town; no big airports nearby. Drive safe; Maine cops watch the roads.
Hancock County Sheriff’s Office Home | Local News on Jail Incidents
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find someone on the Hancock County ME jail roster?
Call the jail at (207) 667-7575 with the person’s full name and DOB. No public online list, so phone’s your best bet. They update it real-time and can give booking info.
What are visiting hours at Hancock County Jail?
Usually weekends 1-4 p.m., but call to confirm and get approved. No walk-ins; be on the list and follow dress code—no shorts or revealing clothes.
How can I send money to an inmate there?
Use TouchPay or the lobby kiosk with the booking number. Online works fastest; limits apply weekly. Funds cover commissary and calls.
Can I send mail or packages to inmates?
Letters only to the jail address with inmate name and booking #. No packages or contraband like photos that could hide stuff. Expect scanning.
What should I expect during a visit?
20-30 minute sessions behind glass or contact if low-risk. Officers watch; keep it calm. Bring ID, leave phones outside.