Facility Overview
Washington County Jail in Machias, Maine, is your standard county lockup. It holds folks awaiting trial, serving short sentences under a year, or getting transferred elsewhere. Capacity runs around 60-70 beds, but like most jails, it often packs in more with temporary overflow. Security is medium-level—no supermax vibes here, but guards keep a tight watch on everything. They house men and women separately, with a small area for juveniles if needed. We’ve talked to people who’ve been through there, and it’s no resort, but staff usually treats inmates straight-up if you don’t cause trouble.
Built back in the 1970s and renovated a couple times since, it’s part of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Expect basic cells, shared pods for low-risk guys, and isolation for anyone acting out. Programs? They offer some GED classes, NA meetings, and work release for trusted inmates. Nothing fancy, but it beats sitting idle.
Location and Contact Information
The jail sits at 50 Court Street, Machias, ME 04654. Phone the main line at (207) 255-2500 for general questions, or the sheriff’s office at the same number. Fax is (207) 255-2493. No direct email listed on their site, but you can reach the sheriff via the county website at washingtoncountyme.gov/sheriff. For the inmate roster, check the official Washington County Sheriff’s page—it’s updated daily but might lag a bit on weekends.
| Department | Phone | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Jail Administration | (207) 255-2500 | Inmate info, visiting |
| Sheriff’s Office | (207) 255-2500 | General inquiries |
| Records | (207) 255-2500 | Roster lookups |
Pro tip: Call during business hours, 8 AM to 4 PM. Officers get swamped after that.
How to Access the Washington County ME Jail Roster
Finding someone on the roster ain’t rocket science, but it takes a few tries sometimes. Head to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office website at washingtoncountyme.gov/sheriff/jail-roster—that’s the official spot. Search by name, booking number, or date. It shows current inmates, charges, bond amount, and booking date. No photo usually, just basics.
If the site’s down (happens in rural spots like this), call the jail. They’ll give verbal confirmation but won’t spill full details over the phone due to privacy rules. We’ve seen families wait 24-48 hours post-arrest for the name to pop up—processing takes time. And remember, “released” doesn’t always mean free; could be transferred to state prison.
Visiting Information
Visiting here’s straightforward but strict. It’s non-contact, through glass with phones. Hours are weekends only: Saturdays and Sundays, 1 PM to 4 PM. No appointments needed for immediate family, but show up early—only 15 minutes per slot, first-come basis. Kids under 18 must be with an adult listed on the inmate’s approved list.
Dress code? No shorts, tank tops, or anything sheer. Hoodies off, no jewelry except wedding bands. They’ll pat you down and might use a metal detector. Bring ID—driver’s license or passport. No food, packages, or phones inside. One thing we always tell families: If you’ve got a long drive to Machias, call ahead. Holidays and lockdowns shut it down quick.
| Day | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 1-4 PM | General population |
| Sunday | 1-4 PM | General population |
| Weekdays | None | Video visits only |
Inmate Communication
Phone calls go through Securus Technologies. Inmates get a PIN to call approved numbers—rates are about $0.21 per minute for collect calls. Add your number via the Securus site or app at securustech.net. Video visits? Yeah, they have those too, scheduled online for $10-15 a pop, 20-30 minutes.
Mail’s old-school: Send to the jail address, inmate’s full name and booking number on the envelope. No stamps, no Polaroids, and they read everything. Emails? Through Securus again—buy credits and send messages that the inmate can reply to on shared kiosks. Families tell us video visits feel more personal, especially with kids. But watch the funds; it adds up fast.
Sending Money to Inmates
Commissary money goes via Access Corrections or kiosks at the jail. Online at accesscorrections.com, or call 866-345-1884. Minimum $5, fees around 5-10%. Cash or cards at the lobby kiosk during business hours—no personal checks.
Money hits the account in 24-48 hours for hygiene items, snacks, or phone credits. Don’t send more than $200 at once; they cap it. We’ve heard from inmates who say commissary ramen and coffee are lifesavers for morale. Track the balance online to avoid overdrafts.
Daily Life at This Facility
Days start early—5:30 AM count, then breakfast slop like oatmeal or eggs. Lockdown till 8 AM, then rec in the yard if weather’s good, or indoor gym. Pods have TVs, cards, and books from the small library. Meals are basic: bologna sandwiches, mystery meat, rice. Portions keep you full but not happy.
Work? Trusted guys clean or do laundry for $1-2 a day. AA/NA meetings twice a week, Bible study if you’re into it. Showers daily, laundry weekly. Noise is constant—yelling, doors slamming. Fights happen, but officers break ’em up fast. Winters get cold; cells aren’t heated great. Summers? Muggy. Inmates say the COs are fair—mostly locals who know everyone’s family.
Medical? On-site nurse, doc visits weekly. Mental health referrals to Down East Community Hospital nearby. Disciplinary? Lose rec or commissary for write-ups. Good behavior gets early release considerations.
History and Background
Jail opened in 1972 after the old one got too crowded. Part of the historic Washington County Courthouse complex—Machias has been county seat since 1839. Big remodel in 2005 added more cells and better ventilation. Notable? Handled overflow during a 2018 opioid bust wave. Sheriff Randy Miller runs a no-nonsense ship; low escape rate, focus on rehab over punishment. Ties to Maine DOC for longer sentences.
How to Get There
From Bangor, take US-1 East about 90 miles—2 hours flat. Airport’s Hancock County-Bar Harbor, 1.5 hours away. Greyhound stops in Machias sometimes. Hotels? Machias Motor Inn or Sunset Blueprints B&B, both walking distance. Parking’s free but limited. GPS “50 Court St, Machias” works fine. Locals say Route 1 hugs the coast—scenic but watch for deer.
Practical Tips from the Inside
We hear from families all the time freaking out over the roster. First arrest? Name might not show for a day. Bond posted? Wait 4-6 hours for release. Get a good lawyer—public defenders here juggle cases, but privates from Calais know the judges.
For inmates: Keep your head down, volunteer for programs. Families: Send books on commissary list (paperbacks only), letters weekly. Video call before driving up. And verify everything—call the jail. Policies shift with new sheriffs.
Common worry: Is my person safe? Yeah, mostly. Small jail, less gang drama than cities. But drugs sneak in; tell ’em to say no. Health issues? Push for medical pronto.
Where to Get Help
Maine Correctional Services oversees standards—check maine.gov/corrections. ACLU of Maine helps with rights issues at aclumaine.org. Local aid: Down East Horizon for addiction support. News on overcrowding? Bangor Daily News covers it well.
One thing we always say: You’re not alone. Thousands navigate this yearly. Stay connected, stay positive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find someone on the Washington County ME jail roster?
Go to the official Sheriff’s website at washingtoncountyme.gov/sheriff and click the jail roster link. Enter the inmate’s name or booking number. If nothing shows, call (207) 255-2500—they update it daily but arrests can take 24 hours to appear.
Can I visit an inmate at Washington County Jail in Maine?
Yes, weekends 1-4 PM through glass—no contact. Bring ID, dress modestly, no appointments needed but arrive early for slots. Call ahead for lockdown status or video visit options via Securus.
How do I put money on an inmate’s books at this jail?
Use Access Corrections online, app, or lobby kiosk. Fees apply, funds post in 1-2 days for commissary. Max $200 per deposit—check balance to avoid issues.
What are the phone and mail rules for Washington County ME Jail?
Phones via Securus collect calls or prepaid. Mail to jail address with inmate ID—no contraband. Video calls and emails also through Securus for quicker contact.
How long do people stay at Washington County Jail?
Mostly pre-trial or short sentences under a year. Transfers to state prison for longer. Bond or release can happen fast; check roster often for updates.