Facility Overview
York County Jail in Alfred, Maine, handles county-level bookings. It’s a medium-security spot for pretrial detainees, short-term sentences under a year, and some state inmates overflow. Capacity sits around 300 beds, but it often runs full—sometimes over—with bunk beds in dorms. They house men, women, and juveniles in separate units. We’ve seen it hold everyone from minor DUI folks to folks awaiting trial on heavier charges. No death row or long-termers here; that’s for state prisons.
Staff includes about 100 corrections officers working shifts around the clock. Recent news hit about three ex-officers taking kickbacks from an inmate—shows you gotta watch who you’re dealing with. But day-to-day, it’s standard county jail operation: lockups, counts, and feeding lines.
Location and Contact Information
Address: 1 Elm Street, Alfred, ME 04002. Phone for general info: (207) 324-5749. Inmate-specific calls or roster questions go to (207) 459-1401. Email isn’t direct for inmates; use the jail’s main line or check their site. Visiting or bail inquiries? Call ahead—hours change.
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Jail Line | (207) 324-5749 |
| Inmate Accounts | (207) 459-1401 |
| Sheriff’s Office | (207) 324-5747 |
| Fax | (207) 324-8552 |
Check the York County Sheriff’s site for updates. Policies shift, so verify.
How to Access the York County ME Jail Roster
No public online inmate search right now. That’s common in Maine counties—they keep rosters internal to protect privacy and cut down on harassment. Call the jail at (207) 459-1401 during business hours (8 AM-4 PM weekdays usually). Give the inmate’s full name and date of birth. Officer on the phone pulls it up quick—takes 30 seconds if they’re not slammed.
If it’s after hours, leave a message or try the sheriff’s dispatch. Families tell us they get names, booking numbers, charges, and bond amounts. No photos or mugshots online. For recent arrests, check local news like WGME—they covered that officer scandal recently: WGME article.
Pro tip: Have paper ready. They won’t email or text the info. And don’t argue if they say no—some charges seal the record.
Visiting Information
Visits are non-contact, through glass with phones. No hugs. Schedule by phone only—no online system. Call (207) 459-1401 up to a week ahead. Slots fill fast on weekends.
| Day | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday-Sunday | 1 PM – 4 PM | 15-min max per inmate |
| Weekdays | 6 PM – 8 PM (some units) | Limited; call first |
Dress code: No tank tops, shorts, miniskirts, or see-through stuff. No jewelry except wedding bands. They’ll turn you away—no exceptions. Bring ID (driver’s license or passport). Kids under 16 need birth cert. Visiting room smells like bleach and vending machine snacks. Chairs bolted down, COs watching every move.
One thing we always tell families: Arrive 30 minutes early. Pat-downs and metal detectors take time. No cell phones inside.
Inmate Communication
Phone calls via Securus—rates around $0.21/minute collect or prepaid. Inmates get a PIN at booking. Set up an account at Securus. Video visits? Yeah, through the same site—$10 for 30 minutes. Schedule online after approval.
Mail: Send to inmate’s name and booking number, York County Jail, 1 Elm St, Alfred ME 04002. No stickers, no Polaroids, max 10 pages. They read everything. Emails? Via Securus too—costs extra.
Reality check: Calls cut off mid-sentence if funds low. Inmates fight over phones during rec time. Tell your person to write letters—they arrive faster than you think.
Sending Money to Inmates
Use Access Corrections kiosk in lobby (cash, card) or online at AccessCorrections. Fees: $2.95 per transaction under $20. No Western Union or MoneyGram. Money goes to commissary for ramen, hygiene, stamps.
- Minimum deposit: $5
- Max weekly: $200
- Funds post in 24-48 hours
Don’t send cash through mail—they trash it. Families mess this up all the time. Track balance online.
Daily Life at This Facility
Wake up at 5:30 AM for count. Breakfast: oatmeal, bread, coffee. Lockdown till 8 AM. Pods have TVs (basic cable), cards, some books. Rec: 1 hour outside if weather good—basketball hoop, weights sometimes. Meals rotate: burgers, chicken patties, mystery meat.
Programs? AA meetings, GED classes if you’re pretrial and qualify. Church on Sundays. Conditions okay—not the worst. Cells clean-ish, but smells linger. Showers daily, but hot water spotty. Fights happen over commissary debts. COs fair mostly, but watch for favoritism.
We hear from guys who say it’s survivable if you keep your head down. No gangs big here like in cities. Mental health? Counselor comes weekly—sign up early.
History and Background
Built in 1991, replaced an old stone jail from 1910s. Expanded in 2005 for more beds. Accredited by Maine DOC with high scores—99% last check. That scandal with officers? Three resigned after taking inmate cash for favors. Sheriff cleaned house quick.
Notable: Handled COVID okay, no major outbreaks. Population spiked post-2020 with opioid cases. Steady operation under Sheriff Nolan.
How to Get There
From Portland: I-95 South to Exit 25 (Alfred). 5 miles on Rt 111. 45-minute drive. Parking free, but limited. Public bus? Limited—try York County Community Action. Hotels: Closest is Kennebunk Inn (15 min north), $150/night average. Amtrak to Wells, then Uber 20 miles.
Gas up before—nothing close. Winter roads slick; leave early.
Practical Tips from the Inside
If you’re going in: Request bottom bunk, meds at booking. Families: Send books from Amazon (paperback only). Bond out fast if possible—county jails suck long-term. Lawyer up immediately.
Common mistake: Thinking roster online. It ain’t. Call. And verify everything—we’ve seen schedules shift overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find someone on the York County ME jail roster?
Call the jail at (207) 459-1401 with the person’s name and DOB. No online list available. They’ll give booking info, charges, and status over the phone during business hours.
Can I visit an inmate at York County Jail on weekends?
Yes, Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 PM. Call ahead to schedule a 15-minute slot. Follow strict dress code or get turned away.
How much does it cost to put money on an inmate’s books?
Use AccessCorrections online or kiosk. Expect a $2.95 fee per deposit under $20. Funds available in 1-2 days for commissary buys.
What can I send in the mail to York County Jail inmates?
Letters up to 10 pages, no stickers or Polaroids. Address with booking number. All mail scanned and read by staff before delivery.
Are video visits available at York County ME Jail?
Yes, through Securus Technologies. Set up an account online, pay $10 for 30 minutes, and schedule after jail approval. Works from home or lobby kiosks.